[cs702]

They are an integral part of the mess we're in, and they have a vested interest in the status quo.

Otherwise, I agree with you.

[tptacek]

I'm certainly not going to valorize insurers, but I find it deeply frustrating the providers are getting a pass here. You can see it on this thread, where there are commenters expressing surprise that I'd even suggest providers are the primary beneficiaries of the current system.

[cs702]

Yes, I see what you mean about the comments elsewhere on this thread/page. For what it's worth, I was only trying to avoid going off-topic ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Regarding providers overcharging, the following article by Atul Gawande (from 15 years ago!) had a big impact on me -- it agrees with you:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/06/01/the-cost-conun... / https://archive.ph/g8zXl

[huttyoop]

But why are you bringing it up, tptacek?

You’re even replying this to a comment that literally contains “I agree with you”.

It’s like stepping between your friends complaining about jet lag to talk about how your corner bodega raised the price of bubble gum.

If you just want to talk about providers then write a screed on it. People will comment their opinions on the subject you want to discuss.

[tptacek]

Because people are killing insurance company executives in the hopes of getting a maybe 5% savings break on their health insurance costs?

[huttyoop]

> Because people are killing insurance company executives

Then share an opinion on that.

> in the hopes of getting a maybe 5% savings break on their health insurance costs?

You were so close.

All you had to do was condescendingly presuppose a motive, and fabricate a statistic to make it about your desired topic again.