Originally Posted by
dawg80
None of what you describe is the free market: "a provider by law has to charge everyone the same thing."
Anti-trust laws prevent companies in other industries from price-fixing. But, in HC, the opposite is true, the law requires providers to price-fix. So, again, create a true free market, with laws designed to punish those who collude in pricing for services, insurance, etc...
A co-worker screams, hey! my computer has crashed. I need a new computer! That'll be $2,000! Like other things (healthcare) always look for the simple answer first. Turned out to be a $100 battery back-up system that crashed. The expensive 'puter is just fine.
I'd like to try some simpler solutions to HC first. Ones that are cost-effective and don't completely overhaul the whole system. Of course, in my ideal world, there is plenty of room for new ideas, such as your model. That's what a true free market would encourage and enhance.