Final answer:
The two factors that contribute to high cost associated with obtaining professional medical care are the largely private health insurance and healthcare delivery system, and the lack of access to medical facilities for low-income individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the factors that contributes to high cost associated with obtaining professional medical care is the largely private health insurance and healthcare delivery system in the United States. This system struggles to control its high costs and provide basic medical care to all. Insurance companies often charge higher prices or deny coverage to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, which can lead to higher costs for those seeking medical care.
Another factor is the lack of access to medical facilities, particularly for low-income individuals. Before the Affordable Care Act, many people had limited means to obtain health insurance outside of the government-run Medicaid program. This limited their healthcare options and resulted in uninsured individuals waiting until they were very ill to seek medical treatment, often in hospital emergency rooms. The cost of treating uninsured individuals is often passed on to those with insurance, further driving up healthcare costs.