QUOTE (Tex @ Sep 22, 2013 -> 12:52 PM)
Also affecting supply is how people are accessing care. Currently the best option for people without insurance is to visit an ER for everything. We need cheaper access. A whole lot of minor illnesses could be treated more effectively by PAs and Nurse Practitioners.
I was talking to my doctor about health care costs during a session and he brought up this exact fact. Illegals and people without insurance legally can not be turned away in an ER so they basically get taken care of than split without paying a cent, driving up costs for others to make up for the difference.
I had to be taken to an ER one night a year ago and I walked in and the place was full of people, that I will unfortunately stereotype, as illegals or low income folks. Luckily I called my DR ahead and didn't have to wait.
Too bad we are so far from a single payer system.