Similar to other industries, an active and educated consumer needs to drive health care reform if there is to be improved efficiencies, savings and improved outcomes to the US market.

I question how big government is going to drive any costs out of our healthcare system if the patient isn't some type of significant financial stakeholder in their treatments (along with their healthcare provider).

Most people will not automatically choose to fully participate and get active in managing and maximizing their applied healthcare resources unless they have some motivated reason to do so. That usually involves some financial skin in the game.

However, if we can empower consumers with a more active and transparent way to participate in maximizing their healthcare spending and treatment choices- we can see real reform, savings and improved outcomes.

Otherwise, the bureaucratic layers of government health will only add to the escalating costs and poor returns we are getting on our healthcare dollars.

Can anyone explain why prescription drugs cost so much?

There are a lot of hidden costs from research and development to television ads.

The consumer must control the purchase of any service or product. We can look to any social programs of other countries and the U.S. where the government control has simply not worked. I started purchasing my own healthcare ten years ago after leaving corporate life and the safety net provided. I look very closelynow and scrutinize every dollar spent on my healthcare. Every one should have to do that and we would be better off.

Watch Bill Moyer and Bill Mahar for one season and you will know that is not true! Medicare runs at a 3% operation costs and Insurance agencies run just under 30%-hmm no wonder insurance invested 1.3 million a day (lobby efforts) They are frightened.

Both Republicans and Democrats approved the "socialist" flood insurance, yep, Our government is an insurance agency for flood insurance in high risk areas. If I get flooded who pays? Yep the taxpayers. (source Kieth Olberman MSNBC) Who does that benefit? The insurance agencies! Corporate America!The richest but check out where we fall in healthcare/life expectancy. I have heard one say 37 and one say 29 and double the cost for heathcare. I love America so much but I'm willing to admit sometimes we are not so great. As a kid I always thought we were #1- it is time to get back there!

Maybe I'm wrong, I will have to go check factcheck.org to find out. Just like I did to sort out the truth during the election because even the news media is riddled with lies.
On the news fear sells and the ones who do it best are popular with some!