Prices, not costs, cramp health care

California is evaluating health care insurance for its residents but is concerned with the cost.

Massachusetts enacted health care, but costs are limiting the extent of coverage to its poorer citizens who can't afford the premiums.

So, why are the costs so high? Is the problem actual medical service cost or profiteering by the providers? Could and would the doctors lower their prices if the cost of medical insurance resulting from awards for medical liability claims was reduced?

Many hospitals have non-profit tax status, yet they continue to find monies to expand ongoing building programs. Do all hospitals need identical equipment to serve their patients or basically to compete with each other?

It seems that the problem is not high operating cost, but high prices.

Ronald A. Palmert

Elk Grove Village