"The authors say the only thing that really holds down costs is giving money to the employees and letting them buy their own health care.... The most striking examples to start with are the markets for cosmetic and LASIK surgery -- two areas where third party payers have never been involved. In both fields there is price transparency and price competition. Patients never wonder what they are going to pay. A package price covers doctor, nurse, anesthetist, the facility and anything else that might be involved. There is no $100 aspirin tablet showing up as a surprise on the final bill."  MORE >>