By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Why US Healthcare Costs So Much More – it’s the Monopoly Factor
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Business > Why US Healthcare Costs So Much More – it’s the Monopoly Factor
BusinessPolicy & Law

Why US Healthcare Costs So Much More – it’s the Monopoly Factor

dikedrummond
dikedrummond
Share
3 Min Read
healthcare costs highest in usa monopoly factor
SHARE

 

healthcare costs highest in usa monopoly factorWhy are US Healthcare Prices so much higher than the price paid for the same procedures, tests and drugs ANYWHERE else on the planet?

 

healthcare costs highest in usa monopoly factorWhy are US Healthcare Prices so much higher than the price paid for the same procedures, tests and drugs ANYWHERE else on the planet?

More Read

Comprehensive Healthcare Treatment for Slip and Fall Injuries: A Guide to Recovery
Comprehensive Healthcare Treatment for Slip and Fall Injuries: A Guide to Recovery
The Status Of Child Health And Wellness In America Today
Duke Health and Facebook Advertising Case Study
7 Creative And Practical Ways To Use Cannabis
Doctors 2.0 – Second Post

According to new data from the International Federation of Health Plans (IFHP), the answer has to do with the negotiating power of a National Monopoly … at least that’s the way I read it.

In the US, with our fractured system of providers and payors, there is no mechanism to negotiate aggressively on prices and lower the fees charged to the government, health plan or consumer.

Things cost more here … because we pay more across the board for everything. 

According to data from the IHFP reported in an article in the Washington Post, the United States pays more for 22 out of 23 medical devices and services than other developed countries. A U.S. hospital stay costs an average of $15,734 versus $1,825 in Spain and $5,004 in Germany .

  • In 2009, Americans spent $7,960 per person on health care.
  • Our neighbors in Canada spent $4,808.
  • The Germans spent $4,218.
  • The French, $3,978.

Healthcare economist Gerard Anderson told the Post:

“Other countries negotiate very aggressively with the providers and set rates that are much lower than we do.”  

The single factor that ensures the success of these negotiations is the presence of a monopoly on the provision of healthcare in the nations doing the negotiations.

If you are providing statin drugs to the Canadian Health Care system … THEY will determine the price and you will agree or be faced with no shipments to Canada this year. That will upset your CEO no end. The Canadian Government holds all the power at that negotiating table.

In America, Medicare and Medicaid negotiate prices on behalf of their tens of millions of members and are able to use their quasi-monopoly status to purchase care at a substantial markdown from the commercial average. But outside that, it’s a free-for-all. Providers largely charge what they can get away with, often offering different prices to different insurers, and an even higher price to the uninsured.

This is a MASSIVE cost lowering should we eventually decide a single payor system works here in America.

Let’s face it … sometimes a monopoly can be a good thing … your thoughts?
(please leave a comment)

TAGGED:health reformhealthcare costs
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025
Choosing the Right Swimwear for Health and Safety
News
September 30, 2025
sports concussions
Concussion In Sports: How Common They Are And What You Need To Know
Infographics
September 28, 2025

You Might also Like

andrew cuomo
Policy & LawPublic Health

Governors Mandate Ebola Quarantine

October 28, 2014
Image
Global HealthcareMobile Health

Mobile Health Around the Globe: The Real India – mHealth and Beyond

November 5, 2012

Pharma Not in Business of Health, Healing, Cures, Wellness

August 7, 2011
end-of-life decisions
Policy & LawPublic Health

Engage with Grace: Thanksgivukkah Edition

November 28, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?