The System.

It is the most expensive healthcare system in the world, consuming nearly one-fifth of the nation’s GDP. Yet its inefficiency, ineffectiveness and complexity are mind-boggling. And medical outcomes in areas such as infant mortality and life expectancy put it among the worst of developed nations.

At the same time, the system is the most innovative and technologically advanced in the world. But does that level of advancement even benefit most Americans?

Perhaps the biggest impediment to reforming the American healthcare system is the system itself. Major industry power interests reap substantial profits and control votes with campaign contributions as government efforts to administer healthcare fail on various levels.

A lack of transparency means consumers cannot easily obtain accurate information about service quality and pricing regarding hospitals, clinics and physicians. Medical mistakes kill hundreds of thousands, and tort lawyers drive up costs through litigation.

And costs continue to rise as millions do not even have access to adequate health care.

This self-serving, failing behemoth is not going to reform itself. But too many politicians are in the pockets of industries, who have the money and power to halt any form of significant reform.

At the same time, reform politicians present themes that are not comprehensive or workable. For example, “Medicare for All” may sound great, until you have been enrolled in Medicare and see how lacking it is.