I’m thrilled to talk to the membership of the Kansas Business Group on Health about the various forces that have caused American health care to be the most expensive in the world, while delivering mostly mediocre outcomes. By the time I finish this talk I hope that folks can:

• Understand that increased health care expenditures are not associated with improved outcomes

• Outline the possible societal benefits of excess health spending

• List the three dominant sources of excess cost in American health care

• Consider potential strategies to reduce health care spending while maintaining or improving outcomes