My guess is that this is where healthcare is headed in the US. If things stay on the current trajectory, the govt is simply going to step in set prices.

In terms of how they would be set, Medicare already spends a ton of time created a system of DRG codes for every condition along with a set payment (adjusted by COL and other things).

Of course Medicare rates are sometimes less than the cost to provide the care. But I see us just getting to the point that the govt will just say “tough shit”.

And on every other service you will get something that at least resembles a straight answer.

Do you call around and shop for different fire departments? Seems weird that such a basic need would be treated this way.

Fire departments are analogous to ambulance response — these services are entirely based on geographic location and, similarly to insurance, need to be arranged in advance by a municipality or county, or an out-of-district annual payment. Most healthcare is not summoned this way although there are an increasing number of medical practices that charge a subscription in exchange for quick access to the office and remote consultations.