Can Collaboration Heal Rising Medical Costs?

Medical costs are rising dramatically. Few consumers would dispute that. The U.S. government spent more than $2.3 trillion on healthcare in 2008, more than three times the $714 billion spent in 1990, and over eight times the $253 billion spent in 1980—all according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Since 1999, family premiums for employer-sponsored health coverage have increased by 131 percent,  far outpacing inflation, and placing an increasing cost burden on workers. And with workers’ wages stagnating many simply can no longer afford medical care.

Who is to blame for these steeply rising costs?