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. 

For decades, Americans have worried about the cost of health care in America. 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). Many factors contribute to the rising cost of health care, including population growth and ageing; technological advancements; pricing structures in different healthcare settings; billing and administration processes; pharmaceutical costs; malpractice cases and lack competition on certain markets. This paper discusses these factors further.

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.

Tech Advances: The high cost of technological advancements and their sophistication has led to a dramatic increase in healthcare costs. Robotic surgery systems are designed to maximize the efficiency of procedures involving body organs and parts. Examples include advanced imaging technologies like MRIs, CT scans, or robotic surgery. The new technologies allow doctors to accurately diagnose and track illnesses more easily. They can also provide quicker responses when it comes to treating the conditions.

Price Structures in Different Setting: Prices vary greatly from setting to setting, even when the same service is being provided. The location of where services are offered has a great impact on how much they charge for actual visits. Certain facilities will generally charge much higher prices. Larger scale operations also help cover overhead costs. Amounts received at front end backend side ultimately means that consumers bear most financial burdens.

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.