Health Law May Increase Doctor Shortage

The United States already has fewer doctors than needed. Health care reform, by insuring more people, will only widen the gap, the New York Times reported July 28. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that the country will have 62,900 fewer doctors than needed by 2015. That shortage is expected to double by 2025. One major reason is the aging of baby boomers. Older adults tend to need more care. The Affordable Care Act is expected to add 30 million more people to the insured population by 2014. That will further drive up demand for care. The shortage of doctors has several causes, the Times said. Medical school enrollments are not increasing as much as the population. One-third of current doctors are at least 55 years old. Many will retire soon. Younger doctors are working fewer hours. And fewer are choosing primary care.