An Indiana man needed surgery on his nose, but could not find a hospital that would do it for less than $33,000. So, he looked for surgeons in other places and found that he could save about $30,000 by traveling to the UK. The number of people traveling outside the US to get medical assistance is greatly climbing as prices for medical aid continue to rise in the US. This trend can relate to many times in the past where trade with other nations became necessary during times of hyperinflation or general economic struggle. This also benefits less wealthy countries by giving them more business and allowing them to have a chance to bounce back from their financial deficit.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/26/cheaper.surgery/index.html?hpt=C1
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Dylan, this was a really great post! It was interesting to see how clearly this issue corresponds to issues in the past. I was wondering, though, what you thought the US could do in order to keep their citizens from traveling internationally for medical aid? It is a win/lose situation- a win for those out of the country receiving a boost in business, and a lose for America for with their citizens seeking aid from others, their business decreases. Do you think this is a situation that needs to be fixed, or is okay the way it is? Great post!
ReplyDeleteThe only companies that benefit from healthcare, insurance companies, and information technology companies. It doesn't really help the nation's economy grow, it just costs a ton of money all around. People always make stupid arguments like 'but its immoral not to give healthcare'. Well I just want to make it clear that I fully support healthcare, its just that I have the foresight to realize that we will soon run out of money, and then what will poor people do?
ReplyDeleteI understand that people go out of country for surgery due to the economy. But the US has the best medical hospitals in the world. It is a greater risk to travel out of the country and get surgery then to pay the extra $$. I know i would never travel out of the country if i needed surgery. I would just get a job in order to pay for great surgeons and a clean surgery with less risk. Also your life is more important than money, so why not spend the extra money to be safe?
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