Retail cost for Lactated Ringer's solution, injectable (basic saline fluid for IV) was over $40/liter in qty 12 liters about 3 years ago. I can imagine it has gone up since then.
The use of the health care system to extract every single excess dollar from the middle class extends to many, many layers of the supply and service chain. It may be that the saline was "merely" marked up by a factor of 2x.
Seems like the problem is broadly in the medical sector (including pharmacological). There is 0 reasons why it would cost over $1. Maybe $2. $40 is still way ridiculous. I mean in a competitive market.
The problem is there will never be a truly competitive market in most health care products and services. Necessary regulation creates too many barriers to entry and competition, and the ultimate consumer has very little demand flexibility or even choice of provider.
What is needed is a monopsony buyer who can negotiate in this arena on a more even footing. In other words, single-payer.
The use of the health care system to extract every single excess dollar from the middle class extends to many, many layers of the supply and service chain. It may be that the saline was "merely" marked up by a factor of 2x.