One point about the cost of health care, the insurance companies themselves are largely responsible.  In the late fifties, when unions were beginning to provide health insurance coverage for members, a family member came down with appendicitis; surgery was needed.  The doctor quoted his usual amount.  Then he looked at the insurance company's list for what they would pay: nearly double the usual.  Thereafter the doctor and his colleagues based charges on what the insurance would bear.  Patients didn't mind because they didn't have to pay, but premiums started up and up.  And here we are.