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Dave Guarino's avatar

It’s an interesting provocation! Having spent the early part of my career in health care and policy, I think it would be analytically useful in drawing the analogy to separate the problem into two policy buckets

1. Cost issues related to supply constraints that can be removed or relaxed (more directly comparable to YIMBY)

2. Market structure problems (more about the endemic market failures in virtually every part of this… 11-sided market? This set of problems feels a departure from YIMBY)

I think the bigger challenge to this idea, though, is the political economy math being wildly different. ACA as a case study shows you more or less need a critical mass of interests (eg, hospitals, insurers, doctors) on board to get anything done federally, and you basically can only win if you pick one or two “policy losers” at max.

For prior art, I recommend reading Health Affairs! Lots of deep weeds there.

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Matt Boulton's avatar

One place to look is here in Korea. Friends and I have tried to theorize why it seems to be so affordable and high-quality. The thing I do know is that I never fear going into a doctor's office or hospital for even the slightest thing. I'll get quick, effective treatment at very low cost.

I wish I knew how they do it. I know it could be better still, but it's already like nothing an American--or my fellow Canadians--can even believe is possible.

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