[js1138]

Allowing third parties (insurance, Medicare, Government, etc.) to insert themselves between the doctor and patient

That's the symptom, the cripping of the market system. But medicine is a unique product, because like acddictive drugs, people will pay any price for health. Politicians have become the dealers.

[longshadow]

Politicians have become the dealers.

Or, to quote P. J. O'Rourke:

"If you think medical care is expensive now, wait 'til you see what it costs when it's free."