We're getting to a point where the problem can no longer be ignored.

[Tim]

As long as private enterprises are allowed to solely determine the customer cost of health care, this type of greed will continue to drive this country's health care problem:

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories...storyID=767014

Forget about fully nationalizing the health care system... does anyone *really* want that? I don't even know of many people calling for that. What people want are controls over this type of situation. Luckily the AG of NY was able to put together a case, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.

There's a fundamental conflict of interest associated with private industry determining the cost of medical care. There's nothing wrong with a cost database... but when the values in that cost database determine the profitability of the privately-run health care system, the privately-run health care system shouldn't be allowed to populate that cost database. This should be handled by an independent, unaffiliated third party. It should be handled by an entity without any chips on the table.

[venkman]

Our health-care "system" is a mess of government mandates, government covereage, complex regulation, big insurance interests, etc. Does anyone know what there health care actually costs? Private insurance doesn't necessarily mean free market. True free market reforms are what will bring down the costs while maintaining the high standard of care not found in socialized medicine. (And yes, MANY liberal democrats want socialized medicine, they're just afraid to admit it and prefer working towards it incrementally)

[RobinFinderson]

Our health-care "system" is a mess of government mandates, government covereage, complex regulation, big insurance interests, etc. Does anyone know what there health care actually costs? Private insurance doesn't necessarily mean free market. True free market reforms are what will bring down the costs while maintaining the high standard of care not found in socialized medicine. (And yes, MANY liberal democrats want socialized medicine, they're just afraid to admit it and prefer working towards it incrementally)

Are you against all government interference in the market? Even tort reform? Or is that one of the areas where the 'free market' needs some help?

[venkman]

Are you against all government interference in the market?

No.