It may not have been easy for Blue Cross Blue Shield to admit to their clients their premiums are set to rise by 60% due to Supreme Court-mandated tax known as "Obamacare" but it would have been the right thing.

Instead, in justifying the boost to the two-month medical premium from $867 to $1.365, the health insurer decided to use the following excuse: "With advances in medical technology, prescription drugs and ways to treat injuries and illnesses, Americans are living healthier lives. [i.e., living longer] Because of these changes, we must adjust your premium to stay in line with increased costs."

In other words, if you want lower costs, and avoiding 60% healthcare inflation, just do everything in your power to prevent Americans from "living healthier lives."

And just in case anyone is still confused why plunging gasoline prices simply refuse to translate into greater discretionary spending, please keep reading the above letter until you finally get.

Finally, for those who are likewise confused how companies like Valeant can boost the prices of their drugs anywhere between 90% and 2300% in 2-3 years, and get away with it without nobody noticing...

... also keep reading the above letter until you finally get it.

h/t @JeffreyTetrault