The cost-shifting argument is curious.
The simplified version of it runs:
- medicare (etc) say: 'this is what we reimburse for this procedure', non-negotiable
- providers that take medicare charge the private sector more than the price medicare dictates
...then the argument runs that medicare is forcing private health-care purchasers to make up the shortage / subsidize its low premiums.
The curious part:
- if the private-sector purchasers (whether individuals or insurers) aren't getting their money's worth why are they buying?