perhaps we should sidestep the problem of profitability in healthcare entirely and create a non-profit healthcare system? which even the most free-market loving enthusiast should be in agreement with -- inelastic demand and all
The gigantic UPMC is a non profit. Actually a TON of hospitals are non profits - every religious founded hospital is a non profit (Maimonides Medical Center, or every Mercy Hospital (Wikipedia counts 33 of them)).
60% of hospitals are non-profit.
Are you hoping for non-profit drug and equipment makers as well? How far do you need this "non-profit" thing to go before you acknowledge it doesn't help at all?
I can acknowledge that it not just helps but that it is far more functional than the US system I've had to suffer through for many years. In addition to years of experience with the US and NHS, I also have many years of experience with Italian national healthcare which is also non-profit and better than the US system.
The US system is better for some diseases but only if you are rich. And an absolute failure if you aren't employed. Even if you can manage to stay employed with a serious illness you better have a healthy family member with a lot of energy who can fight the insurance company that really doesn't want the cost and burden of you and will make that clear in every action.
How far do you need this "for profit" thing to go before you acknowledge its very serious flaws and inadequacies?
This combo (system as you like to call it, although that leaves out a ton of stuff) also exists in the US as a non-profit. I said this already.
It doesn't help
What will help is doctors taking a paycut and mass layoffs.
The problems in the US are not on the payment side, they are on the service side: it's simply too expensive.
We need twice as many doctors, working half as many hours, for half as much pay.
That's what would fix the US.
I'm writing this from the UK where I use the NHS. I've also used the US system extensively and the Italian healthcare system extensively.
You need to get basic facts right if you want to be a part of the debate.