Yes, and it's not like the extra expense of U.S. healthcare is going towards a better patient experience. As the above situation shows, it's quite unclear and frustrating to try to navigate the medical system.

Some of the exorbitant cost does go to pharmaceutical companies, and therefore helps fund research & development of new therapies. But far too much of it goes to bureaucracy and administration due to an industry that is as convoluted and inefficient as it can get.