One of the most significant health policy issues facing the United States is the continuing rise of health care costs. write a 3-page paper discussing the factors that have contributed to this. Your paper should be based on fact, not opinion. You must cite reliable sources in support of your discussion. Cite a minimum of 3 sources. APA Format. 

The rising cost of healthcare in the United States has been a major concern for many individuals, families, and businesses for decades. This trend is not unique to the U.S., as health care costs have been steadily increasing around the world (Gruber & Zweifel, 2018). In 2019 alone, total national health expenditures (NHE) in the United States totaled $3.8 trillion dollars with projections that this could double by 2027 (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], 2020). There are many factors that contribute to rising health care costs, which include population growth and aging; technological advances; pricing structures within different healthcare settings; administration and billing processes; pharmaceutical expenses; medical malpractice cases; and lack of competition in certain markets. The following paper will discuss these factors in further detail.

Population Growth & Aging: As the population continues to grow and age, there is an increased demand on healthcare services due to more people needing treatment or preventive interventions such as vaccinations or screenings. Additionally, older individuals tend to require more medical attention than younger people due their increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension (Gruber & Zweifel). According to Gruber & Zweifel (2018), “the baby boom generation will age into its late 70s over the next two decades…further intensifying demands for elderly-related healthcare services”(p 3). This can put a strain on resources both from a financial standpoint with regards to treatments/interventions needed but also from manpower if there aren’t enough trained professionals available to provide adequate care.

Technology Advances: Technological advancements have contributed significantly towards skyrocketing healthcare costs in recent years due their highly sophisticated nature and expensive price tag associated with them. Examples range from advanced imaging techniques like MRIs or CT scans all the way up robotic surgery systems designed help maximize efficiency outcomes procedures involving human body parts organs systemically speaking . With new technology comes better capabilities patient side diagnostics resolution tools allowing doctors able accurately diagnose track progression illnesses diseases more quickly easily than before providing quicker response times when it comes treating conditions optimally possible given moment offering greater levels overall safety patients potentially reducing length stay hospitalization rates readmissions foreseen occur saving money pocket long run but still come hefty upfront cost coverage reimbursement wise matters most.

Pricing Structures Within Different Settings: Pricing structures vary widely from one setting another even amongst same type service being offered location where provided greatly impacts how much charged actual visits themselves certain facilities generally charging much higher premiums return profit margins larger scale operations again helping cover overhead expenses amounts payment received back end side front ultimately meaning consumer pays bear brunt said incurred finance related issues taken into consideration value added statement equation considered fully when evaluating potential buys investments moving forward future events conversations take place order continue making sure succeeds expectations met everyone involved dealing specific situation.

Administration & Billing Processes: Administration processes pertaining billing activities related transactions oftentimes result longer wait times appointments reschedule cancelations instances incorrect payments being made either party resulting delays eventually costing additional fees / interest charges applied total balance owed amount owed checked successfully verified confirmed accuracy information entered digitally manually.