The increased cost of the American health care system is posing a tremendous burden on individuals, families, and businesses. For example, in the past decade, the health care costs (including health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs) for a family of 4 increased by 76%, while average income rose by only 30%, effectively eliminating any wage increases.1 Health care costs from Medicare, Medicaid, and other government programs are contributing to our growing federal deficit.