According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the cost of health care increases by approximately 4% each year, exceeding $3 trillion in 2012.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the cost of health care increases by approximately 4% each year, exceeding $3 trillion in 2012. What societal changes have affected the cost of health care? How has the government responded to contain and reduce health care spending? What role should government play in controlling the cost of care and ensuring health coverage?