'Healthcare Companies Are Too Big To Care,' Says Mark Cuban. 'The Sicker You Are, The More That Goes To Your CEO's Balance Sheet'

Core Viewpoint - Mark Cuban criticizes the U.S. healthcare system, particularly high-deductible insurance plans, arguing that they financially burden everyday Americans while benefiting executives [1][2]. Group 1: Impact on Patients - Patients are facing increased costs due to high-deductible plans, leading to them paying full retail prices for medications for longer periods [2]. - Cuban estimates that patients may be collectively paying billions of dollars more due to these higher deductibles [2]. - Under the Affordable Care Act, rebates from drug purchases often benefit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) owned by the same insurance companies, exacerbating the financial strain on patients [2]. Group 2: Calls for Reform - Cuban advocates for significant structural reforms in the healthcare system, suggesting the breakup of large insurance companies and the divestment of non-insurance entities [3][4]. - He emphasizes the need for efficiency in the market, calling for similar actions against hospitals and pharmaceutical wholesalers [4]. Group 3: Consumer Access and Challenges - Critics argue that the healthcare system is too complex for patients to navigate effectively, but Cuban counters that consumers can and do shop for healthcare, citing his own experiences with Cost Plus Drugs [4]. - He highlights the challenges patients face in having their deductibles counted correctly, which complicates their ability to access affordable care [4].