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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Healthcare, Insurance Companies and the Presidential Campaign

The cost of healthcare is rising all over the world, but nowhere faster than in the United States, even though more spending does not mean better health. In five years, the cost of health insurance premiums rose 87% in the US, four times faster than the growth in wages.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

The cost of healthcare is rising all over the world, but nowhere faster than in the United States, even though more spending does not mean better health. In five years, the cost of health insurance premiums rose 87% in the US, four times faster than the growth in wages. Law enforcement officials in New York and California are investigating claims that insurance companies rig what they pay providers and dump patients after they get sick. But insurance, which is 25% of the cost, isn't the only thing that's driving up costs. Will the broader coverage promised by political candidates lead to better results? Are doctors and their patients helping to drive up costs by demanding more healthcare than they really need?

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

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    Dan Konecky

    Producer, To the Point

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    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

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    Uwe Reinhardt

    Princeton University

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    Jon Kingsdale

    Executive Director, Commonwealth Connector

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    Shannon Brownlee

    New America Foundation

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