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Board presses for faster progress on primary-care spending, workforce steps
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Summary
The board heard HCA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Zerzan outline why primary-care investment remains below the 12% statutory target and discussed workforce and payment strategies; the board directed subcommittee work and staff follow-ups.
Dr. Zerzan, the Health Care Authority's chief medical officer, briefed the Cost Transparency Board on efforts to measure and increase primary-care spending to the legislature'mandated target of 12% of total health-care expenditures.
Dr. Zerzan said claims-based primary-care spending has been relatively flat and highlighted barriers: low Medicaid reimbursement, fragmented payment models, provider burnout and an aging workforce. She urged multi-payer alignment, workforce development and alternative payment models as key strategies. "We are not making progress," she said, recommending a structured approach and referring to Oregon'style incremental targets (for example a 1% per year increase) as one model to consider.
Board members asked for more granular work: what non-claims investments count toward the target, how to measure access and outcomes, and what legislative steps could enforce or encourage progress. Director Moran and staff said the primary-care advisory committee will continue detailed work and return recommendations later this year, with an eye to drafting legislative options for the legislature's next cycle.
The board encouraged staff to share ongoing subcommittee work and to engage with payers and providers on implementation options.
