Is this stupid or what? It's like we have to pay more because we can afford more. Kinda like California pays more for gas just because we can. After all, a lot of the gas is refined here and shipped elsewhere, where the gas costs less!
Same with drugs.
Here's a picture that depicts the ridiculousness of our healthcare system –
The price of pills: Drug money | The Economist

I think that chart is actually simply showing that Americans are willing and able to pay more for brands in preference to using generic products.
Is that the right interpretation?
Yeah. You are right. The chart is concentrating on this issue. Good presentation.