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
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    stress management for healthcare workers
    3 Tips For Healthcare Professionals: How To Stay Beautiful, Healthy, and Happy
    November 2, 2021
    importance of relaxing on the weekend for your health
    Importance of Relaxing During the Weekend for Optimal Health
    March 25, 2022
    LASIK Eye Surgery
    What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
    May 16, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    The PCMH and Home Care Data: An Interview with Melissa McCormack
    December 19, 2013
    IT Strategy for Health Plans: Interview with ikaSystems CEO Joe Marabito
    August 11, 2014
    A New Kind of Stress Test
    May 26, 2015
    Latest News
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
  • 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

Can “Portfolio Theory” Be Applied to NIH Funding Decisions?
Creative Proposal for Spreading Fewer Germs in Hospitals: Fist Bumping
Opportunity Knocks for Healthcare Delivery: Who Will Answer the Door?
Is Your HealthCare Web Site Mobile Friendly?
CeQur Develops Diabetes Compliance Device

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

9 Lifestyle Tweaks That Can Add Years to Your Life
9 Healthcare Lifestyle Tweaks That can Add Years to Your Life
lifestyle
July 11, 2025
car accident lawsuit
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
Policy & Law
July 6, 2025
women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025

You Might also Like

New York Times Charges Web Readers: Whistleblower Wondering

May 8, 2011

Should Your Doctor Consider Medical Costs?

December 11, 2014
nurse practitioners
Public Health

The Nurse Practitioner vs. Doctor Debate

September 27, 2013

Online Health Intervention Programs – Dealing With Attrition

June 2, 2011
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?