Write a policy brief regarding an issue relevant to health policy of approximately 2 single-spaced pages. You need to make sure to address and discuss all points necessary to educate and persuade your policymaker readers, but should be mindful to avoid any extraneous language or information not directly relevant to your analysis.

Executive Summary
Healthcare costs in the United States have been rising at an unsustainable rate, putting a significant strain on both individuals and the overall economy. Between 2008 and 2018, total national healthcare expenditures increased from $2.4 trillion to $3.6 trillion, a 50% rise.1 Factors contributing to these escalating costs include the rising price of medical services, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, an aging population, and the continued fee-for-service payment model that incentivizes more care rather than higher quality care.

This policy brief analyzes the key drivers of rising healthcare costs and proposes several evidence-based policy recommendations to help control costs and improve the affordability and accessibility of healthcare. The recommended policies include:

Transitioning to value-based payment models that incentivize providers to deliver higher quality, cost-effective care.
Implementing measures to address the rising prices of prescription drugs, medical devices, and other healthcare services.
Investing in preventive care and chronic disease management programs to reduce the burden of costly chronic conditions.
Expanding access to affordable health insurance coverage, particularly for low-income and underserved populations.
Addressing the challenge of rising healthcare costs is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the U.S. healthcare system and improving the health and financial security of all Americans. Implementing the policy recommendations outlined in this brief can help bend the cost curve and make healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyone.

Background
The United States spends significantly more on healthcare per capita than any other developed country, yet lags behind many of these countries in key health outcomes such as life expectancy and infant mortality.2 In 2018, the U.S. spent an estimated $11,172 per person on healthcare, which accounted for nearly 18% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).3 This level of healthcare spending is simply unsustainable, placing a heavy burden on individuals, families, businesses, and the government.

Several factors have contributed to the rapid escalation of healthcare costs in the U.S. in recent years:

Rising prices of medical services and products: The prices of healthcare services, prescription drugs, medical devices, and other medical products have been increasing at a rate that far outpaces general inflation. For example, the price of brand-name prescription drugs increased by an average of 9.1% per year between 2008 and 2016.4
Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer account for a significant portion of healthcare spending. As the prevalence of these conditions has increased, so too have the associated healthcare costs. In 2014, about half of all adults in the U.S. had at least one chronic condition.5
Aging population: As the baby boomer generation continues to age, the number of older adults requiring more intensive and costly healthcare services has grown substantially. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of adults aged 65 and older increased by 34.2%.6
Fee-for-service payment model: The predominant fee-for-service payment model in the U.S. healthcare system incentivizes providers to deliver more services, rather than focusing on providing high-quality, cost-effective care. This model contributes to the overutilization of healthcare resources and drives up costs.
Policy Recommendations
To address the challenge of rising healthcare costs, policymakers should consider the following evidence-based policy recommendations:

Transition to value-based payment models: Shift away from the fee-for-service model towards value-based payment approaches that reimburse providers based on the quality and cost-effectiveness of the care they deliver. This can include methods such as bundled payments, capitation, and accountable care organizations (ACOs). Studies have shown that value-based payment models can lead to reduced healthcare spending and improved patient outcomes.7
Address high prices of healthcare services and products: Implement policies to rein in the rising prices of prescription drugs, medical devices, and other healthcare services. This could include measures such as:
Allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices
Increasing price transparency for healthcare services and products
Exploring strategies to promote greater competition in the healthcare market
Invest in preventive care and chronic disease management: Expand access to and coverage for preventive healthcare services, such as routine check-ups, cancer screenings, and immunizations. Additionally, support the development and implementation of effective chronic disease management progr