This is precisely why the ultimate step will be the "single payer" insurance everyone has been talking about.
As long as there is another viable option, why would a doctor or hospital take a reduced rate as long as there is plenty of business at the full rate?
The answer is that they wouldn't.
So, next comes the law that says, "If you are a hospital you have to agree to our rate schedule."
Oh, wait. They can't do that. After all, the medical industry has a lobby.
The consumer only has AARP. LOL