Why does it cost so much

Because we need healthcare that actually works, that actually helps real serious threats to our wellbeing and which is safe. That costs. This week there is great concern about the use of antipsychotic drugs in folks with dementia. Yes it happens and yes it probably happens too often. But. Could we do without these drugs here? Depends how much we want to spend. If every dementia sufferer had a nurse beside them around the clock we might be able to keep them safe and comfortable without drugs - not guaranteed but possibly so. That would require 6 or 7 nurses for each and every patient. Not affordable? You must judge If it was your parent and you were paying? If an insurer was paying and you were sharing the premiums to pay for everyone? If it was a public healthcare system and you were paying the taxes? The doctors know that these drugs can calm agitated patients without making them unconscious ( which is another option but vastly more dangerous) offering some relief to all concerned and safer than the usual practical alternative.