Steve, its fine to point to HMOs as part of the problem, but i think it is important to point to the WHOLE problem.

Expecting for profit companies whose only actual obligation is to their share holders not to maximize profits is like screaming at a tiger who just ate bambi. It is the nature of these entities to do these things.

If we want a different outcome we need a health care system that is not built upon a simple free market system. (I think for profit companies might play a part by in a controlled way).

pointing at the tiger might make us feel better, since it is his fault not ours. But it is our fault, we put the tiger in charge!