Here is a rational approach to bring down the cost of healthcare.

1. People/Companies who can afford it buy catastrophic healthcare insurance that kicks in after 15-20k worth of expenses.

2. Individuals/Families pay for Doctors visits and prescriptions.

3. People/Companies set aside funds tax free to cover the 15-20k worth of possible liability.

4. Government buys catastrophic insurance for those deemed to poor to afford it or subsidize it in some way. Also they cover expenses for these people up to the 15-20k level.

5. Government negotiates with doctors, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies to bring down the cost of services and goods and to hold them accountable.

6. Reasonable Tort reform.

By putting the burden of preventive expenses to individuals they will be more likely to shop around for the best price, avoid procedures that are frivolous, and avoid medicines that are unnecessary, as well as shop around for cheaper alternative medicines.

[edit on 15-10-2009 by StinkyFeet]

Government negotiates with doctors, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies to bring down the cost of services and goods and to hold them accountable.

That might work if the government were to do the above, but being in the pockets of big pharma - I dun know, since when could we trust the government?

S&F

[edit on 16-10-2009 by Sundancer]