The Jolly
The US HEALTH CARE system is poor because there is little connection between the very good MEDICAL  system and about 13% of Americans. People go to the US for medical treatment because it is so advanced. Obama could have made the HEALTH CARE top notch by, making the connection for example by a Guaranteed Annual Income for the poor, the 13%. Maybe he has. Time will tell.

Like everything in the private sector, cost depends on the option chosen, Cadillac or Chevy, condo in the city or cottage in the country. You mention driven by profit. That is true. Almost everything we own or use except health care is driven by profit. And it works beautifully. Look at countries which tried government run - Communist.

The biggest thing  against private sector health care has been the propaganda against the US system. Always the negative things. One system. And about 87% of Americans can afford it. That is NEVER mentioned. Imagine only 13% need help to access the best medical system!