Vested interests have succeeded in creating a system where the individual has almost no agency, but the individual's interests are not being served.
If my primary care provider is too expensive or too inept, I should be able to seek out another. This does not happen, because my insurance company locks me into their network and hides the prices and complication rates.
If my healthcare provider denies too many claims, I should find another. This does not happen because either my healthcare provider is selected by my employer, or the claim denial rates are obfuscated.
If enough patients or insurance companies complain about drug prices, hospital administrators should negotiate with drug companies. This does not happen because until last year hospital administrators were able to take kickbacks from drug companies.
At every level the patient is given minimal information and minimal choice. The only way to be guaranteed affordable care without billing surprises is medical tourism.
If my primary care provider is too expensive or too inept, I should be able to seek out another. This does not happen, because my insurance company locks me into their network and hides the prices and complication rates.
If my healthcare provider denies too many claims, I should find another. This does not happen because either my healthcare provider is selected by my employer, or the claim denial rates are obfuscated.
If enough patients or insurance companies complain about drug prices, hospital administrators should negotiate with drug companies. This does not happen because until last year hospital administrators were able to take kickbacks from drug companies.
At every level the patient is given minimal information and minimal choice. The only way to be guaranteed affordable care without billing surprises is medical tourism.