1. What are the key factors in price-setting and why is this often considered 'cost shifting'?
2. Where states have regulatory approval of a hospital's proposed price increases, there is always a question of reasonableness before a rate hike is approved. Who ultimately bears the brunt of the increased rates and why?
3. What are common forms of payment that managed care and third party payors prefer when negotiating hospital or provider contracts rather than 'percent of charges'?
4. Why do employer-sponsored health insurance programs rely on high deductibles and does this affect price elasticity?