It’s hard to fathom where this idea came from that private insurance drives down costs. Capitalism functions as it should in the doctor-patient relationship. If your doctor gives poor service or charges too much, find another doctor. The insurance company is a third party in the transaction. They’re “needed” because medical expenses are often large, unexpected, and more than the patient can afford. Their profit motive runs counter to the needs and wants of both doctor and patient. Complex and confusing policies and claims paperwork create reasons for denials, giving insurance companies little reason to be efficient. Even worse, they have a hand in determining which treatments are performed, with the decision made by consultants who never see the patient.
Single payer lowers costs, period. The evidence is there if you’re willing to look. When the government takes on the simple role of leveling costs, they don’t destroy efficiency, they remove a costly leech from our healthcare system.
It’s hard to fathom where this idea came from that private insurance drives down costs. Capitalism functions as it should in the doctor-patient relationship. If your doctor gives poor service or charges too much, find another doctor. The insurance company is a third party in the transaction. They’re “needed” because medical expenses are often large, unexpected, and more than the patient can afford. Their profit motive runs counter to the needs and wants of both doctor and patient. Complex and confusing policies and claims paperwork create reasons for denials, giving insurance companies little reason to be efficient. Even worse, they have a hand in determining which treatments are performed, with the decision made by consultants who never see the patient.
Single payer lowers costs, period. The evidence is there if you’re willing to look. When the government takes on the simple role of leveling costs, they don’t destroy efficiency, they remove a costly leech from our healthcare system.