> What is the root cause w.r.t. the current situation?

The current US is built to accomodate the top 0.1%. Their profiteering is more important than the good health of the population.

> Are there any obvious ways out?

Not really. Get money out of politics? Aggressively tax the wealthy and nationalize the entire health apparatus? Easier said than done.

> Do any US politicians have any plans for a change?

The only ones serious about it are on the progressive left, fought harshly by both Republicans and Establishment Democrats, under the guise of their respective patrons.