Rising Health Care Costs

The fifth of the Harvard Forums on Health focused on how to deal with the rising cost of health care. Mr. Thorpe gave the keynote address. Among the questions addressed was whether the rising costs were fueled by expensive technology or by inefficiency; whether costs will continue to rise; whether there are models for solutions; and what can be done. The first panel consisted of the health care policy advisors of the presidential candidates. The second panel focused on innovations in health care management. The last panel included representatives from manufacturing, employers, employees, state regulation, and economists focusing on the future. Each member of a panel made a presentation followed by a discussion led by Professor Gergen that included questions from members of the audience. close