[Roccus]

That is so true. But the problem is not only due to government health programs like Medicare. Health insurance in general, particularly employer-paid health insurance has an inflationary effect by dampening price competition and price awareness.

....and yet in 1968, the time referenced, employer-paid health insurance had been around for decades.

[RobbyS]

Medical costs went up for much the same reason that college tuitions have. When the government provides aid, administrators keep jacking up the prices.