Experts Recommend Overhaul of U.S. Health Care Spending to Improve Patient Outcomes and Control Costs

Americans could see significant shifts in the health care system following a new federal forum focused on reducing health care spending and increasing value. With health care costs in the U.S. far outpacing those of other wealthy nations—yet producing poorer health outcomes—a government-backed panel of experts has outlined several key reforms aimed at making care more efficient and accessible.

The Government Accountability Office convened the forum in October 2024, bringing together 30 specialists from government, academia, and industry. The resulting report, released June 30, 2025, highlights five core strategies: enhancing primary care systems, growing the health care workforce, reforming Medicare payment structures, reducing inflated pricing for services and drugs, and addressing anticompetitive practices among providers. These efforts are designed to shift the system from high-volume, specialty-driven services toward more affordable, preventative care.

Among the proposals are increased support for team-based primary care through hybrid payment models and expanding graduate medical education to address doctor shortages. Officials also emphasized the need for site-neutral Medicare payments to discourage provider consolidation that drives up costs. Changes to the Medicare physician fee schedule could reduce incentives for unnecessary or duplicative procedures. Broader reforms may require legislative approval or significant federal investment.

The forum was held against the backdrop of rising federal debt, with spending on Medicare and Medicaid identified as a major contributor. Federal health care costs are projected to reach 8.5% of GDP within 30 years, underscoring the urgency for action. While the recommendations do not reflect universal consensus among participants, they provide a roadmap for policymakers aiming to control costs while improving care access and quality.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the Government Accountability Office press release.

Video Spotlight