The American health care system is full of incredible expertise, miraculous new therapies and the promise of curing diseases once thought untreatable. But no American can benefit from it if they can’t afford to access it. Why has health care become so expensive?
We want you to understand — the cost of your health insurance is the end of the cost equation.
At the beginning of the equation is the cost of the system itself — prices charged by hospitals, doctors, drug companies and the technology and administration costs to deliver excellent care. Driving those costs are several factors this content platform will explore in greater depth.
Unregulated Prescription Drug Pricing
Health insurance is regulated. Hospitals are regulated. The prescription drug industry is unregulated and unaccountable for the prices they charge, and they are driving costs to unsustainable levels. In 2024, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s pharmacy claims costs increased by 15% — compared to inflation at 3%. Without some regulation of pricing, patients, employers and insurers are left absorbing these prices.