Which would, of course, lead to a completely calcified health care system with no incentive to improve or innovate. I'm sorry for your $41k bill. I really am.

Which would, of course, lead to a completely calcified health care system with no incentive to improve or innovate. I'm sorry for your $41k bill. I really am. But the problem isn't that we need more control by central authorities. They are what lead to that bill in the first place. No one can seriously contend that the actual cost of the services you received could be anywhere near $41k. Clearly there is a significant distortion of pricing occurring. My GP physician charges $70 for a visit, which lasts maybe 30 to 45 minutes, and that of course covers his overhead as well. Extrapolate that out how you will to your situation, but it's clear that your situation is a failure of the system as it is.