Four groups have conspired to make health care costs high.

The providers, of course. They like to enjoy a nice lifestyle to which their education and expertise entitles them.

The lawyers, who are sue-happy. They like to get paid whether they win or loose.

The insurance companies, who would rather pay off a bogus claim than fight it. They just pass the cost on to the consumer, us.

The last group is us. We act as if we hit the jackpot at Vegas if we get hurt or sick. Not that there aren't legitimate claims, but both the casualty and the automotive insurers are bombarded with claims which can only be considered shakey at best. I am sure no one on this board would do such a thing, but there are people who sue their physicians, the hospitals, and anyone who happened to be in the building at the time for anything and everything. Our collective greed drives much of it.

cliff