Major Medical (Hospitalization) insurance was still readily available until well in to the 70's. The advent of HMO's whereby the Insurance Companies started paying Doctors and Medical Practices lump sum payments for a guaranteed level of service was the true beginning of the end.

I'm not quite sure what "rampant health problems" you think exist today, that did not exist in the 70's? That is a bit odd.

The "outrageous fees" are based on cost accounting that now has to fit in to the lump sum payment system established between the Insurers and the Practices. Actual cost plus profit and overhead is dead and gone.

I don't blame the ACA at all. It is just the next, predictable step in removing any sort of consumer authority in the system. Single payer being the ultimate step in that destruction. I'm not sure that will ever happen in America, but who knows...there is a huge demographic here now that somehow thinks that is a good idea...