Drivers

No, not those kinds of drivers. Regular readers know our mantra: health insurance costs increase primarily because health care costs do.

But what causes health care costs to rise?

The "usual suspects" generally include over-utilization, malpractice suits that prompt excessive testing, even prescription drug costs. And there's no doubt that all of these factors play a role. But according to a new report from the Robert Woods Foundation, they're not the primary culprit:

"Technology ... is the key driver of health spending, accounting for an estimated half to two-thirds of spending growth."

Of course, if we could just implement some kind of national health care scheme, that wouldn't be a problem, right?

[Hat Tip: Sarah Goodell]

UPDATE: For another perspective on health care cost drivers, be sure to check out Mike's post on the subject.