"It puts the provider in a situation of looking for ways to have someone else pick up a piece of the cost. As a result, every customer who has insurance ends up paying a 'hidden premium.' It simply adds to the health care cost burden"

This quote by David Obey is referring to the expense of health care and how insurance provider are trying to find ways to have another person pay for a part of the expense. This means that even consumers with insurance coverage are paying a "concealed premium" which is an additional expense that is not constantly obvious. This covert premium is contributing to the total cost burden of healthcare, making it more expensive for everybody. This is a problem due to the fact that it is making health care more pricey and less accessible for many people. It is very important to find methods to lower the cost problem of healthcare so that everyone can access the care they need.