Health care is projected to consume an expanding share of the economy. And with the aging population, the federal government will be picking up the tab for Medicare.

The annual increase in spending for health care is nearly three times the rate of inflation and will be driven by higher prices as demand for health care increases.

There are millions of Americans without health care coverage. Many workers are one sickness or injury away from financial ruin and bankruptcy. That could lead to losing their homes if mortgage payments can’t be made.

The current health care system is not working. Mainers who can’t afford a doctor’s visit wait until they are really sick before seeking care. That care costs more, particularly if it is an emergency room.

And if they can’t afford to pay, hospitals pass the cost on to all the insured people anyway.

Experts have calculated that Maine could save millions of dollars per year with a single-payer health care system, and small businesses would finally be able to afford to offer health insurance.

Rick Fecteau, Auburn