I agree Jeff. One of the largest costs in healthcare in the US is malpractice insurance and medical waste because of malpractice concerns. We all have seen doctors perform unnecessary and redundant tests because they want to cover themselves against a lawsuit. We need meaningful reforms that protect patients, doctors, AND lower costs before we'll realize any true savings in healthcare.
Until then, insurance will continue to cost what insurance costs because the bottom line hasn't moved since costs haven't reduced for providers/suppliers. I think that John is on one of the right tracks when he brings up tort reform.