<p>Further examples of urban [societal] legends . . .</p>
<p>According to many studies [none of which I can cite at the moment], the cost of litigation makes up something less than 3% [and I am being generous–one study I saw actually stated 1%] of the cost of medical care in this country.</p>
<p>Texas, about three years ago, instituted a cap on the recovery of non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits: $250,000. The argument was that it would decrease malpractice insurance rates [which hasn’t happened] and increase the supply of doctors in underserved areas [which also hasn’t happened].</p>
<p>Examples may certainly be found of frivolous lawsuits that should not be filed. [Spitting on veterans?] Just as examples can be found of egregious behavior on the part of doctors that goes unpunished.</p>
<p>The basic problem is that our health care system has spun out of control [What is the largest single cost of manufacturing an automobile by GM? Health care costs.]
It is easy to point fingers all around. As a reformed conservative, however, I remind my friends that the Republicans have been in charge for something like ten years and nothing is being done about solving the health problems that will eventually cripple our economy. It is a shame that so many people do not have access to medical care in this country.</p>
<p>Then, just to remain somewhat on topic for the thread, the problems faced by veterans, vis-a-vis medical care, once discharged from active service are particularly shameful.</p>