Compared to what? We have the world's most expensive health insurance...I don't really know what country you're comparing this to.
Compared with the non-necessity luxury expenditures Americans make vs. what portion of their disposable and discretionary incomes they spend on health care. The average American household has $8,000 in credit card debt. Do you think they're charging rent, gas, electricity, and groceries to incur that $8,000? Nope: TVs, computers, stereos, auto accessories, fashion clothing, sporting goods, down payments on cars they can't afford, vacations, toys, PlayStations, <insert 1000 other non-necessity luxury items here>.
I'm not comparing the US with any other country, since the US doesn't use massive public subsidies to provide basic health insurance for all citizens, we don't levy 50% tax rates to pay for it, and we have by far the most technology-intensive and technology-driven health care system among any sizable country.
Imagine if, instead of the typical American reaching down a little deeper into his pocket to come-up with an extra $200~$300 per month over five years for a new car that far exceeds his basic transportation needs, or shelling out thousands for a new plasma TV, or new stereo system, or <insert 1000 other non-necessity luxury items here>, he put that money into a tax-sheltered flexible saving accounts so he can afford to pay for doctors, dentists, and hospitals should the need arise.
Then, a lot more people would be able to actually PAY for their medical care, reducing the cost-shifting burden to those who do pay, and reducing the costs of medical services. In addition, a lot more people would have the extra cash to have more frequent medical examinations and screening for early detection of illness, catching more illnesses far sooner, and reducing the final costs of treatment (further making health care more affordable and reduce cost-shifting).
Among the long list of things Americans believe are worthy of their world-leading disposable and discretionary incomes, health care ranks pretty damned low. That isn't because health care is expensive, but because people
choose not to value it over TVs, computers, stereos, auto accessories, fashion clothing, sporting goods, down payments on cars they can't afford, vacations, toys, PlayStations, <insert 1000 other non-necessity luxury items here>.
Premium Cable Television Service alone over 15 years @ $60 per month will cost a total of $10,800 (assuming no rate increases, late fees, or interest).
For the same $10,800, you can buy 60 health examinations at your family internist costing $180 each. Most Americans wouldn't accumulate 60 health exams if they lived 90 years. But I dare you suggest to the average American they should forego premium cable TV so they can afford to visit their family physician more often for a health examination. Blank stare.
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