Posted on 02/22/2015 8:31:54 AM PST by TurboZamboni
One of the most under-reported medical success stories in recent years has been the increase in medical tourism: traveling abroad to get high-quality care at a fraction of what it would cost in the United States.
The same Lasik eye surgery that might cost $4,400 here (for both eyes) is available in India, for example, for $500, according to the Medical Tourism Association. A heart-valve replacement that might cost $170,000 in the United States could cost less than $30,000 in Israel.
While going overseas for care isn’t for most people, it certainly should make us wonder why we don’t encourage Americans, especially Medicare recipients whose bills are largely paid by taxpayers, to at least shop around in their own states or communities.
Recent growth in Medicare spending per beneficiary has been slower than the Congressional Budget Office and others expected. That’s in part because of the recession: Even Medicare beneficiaries cut their consumption of health services when times are tough. It’s also because
(Excerpt) Read more at twincities.com ...
So... will there be no more innovation in surgery now?
And if we are to be encouraged to shop abroad for surgery, why shouldn’t we do the same for pharmaceuticals?
Of course, you won’t find the same medical malpractice courts as in America. You won’t find the subsidizing of illegal immigrants in the HR for non-emergency treatment (which pads out the costs of others’ hospital visits).
And gee if we all just took jobs overseas that would solve the unemployment problem in the USA. Let’s not address the underlying cause of the problem.
Sounds like a great business plan for someone who knows what they are doing.
If you bought a surplus medical ship you could refit and sit 12 miles off the coast and helo in/out the patients.
We need bigger quotas for H-1b doctors that will work for 5 bucks an hour. /sarc
I can see traveling to Israel to save $140,000 on heart surgery. I can’t see traveling to India to save $3900 on Lasik.
Besides, I’ve heard a rumor that India is a “dreadful, dreadful place.”
And even if I can get a decent bowl of curry, it won’t have beef in it.
Um, what were we talking about?
EXCTLY !
OBummerCare is medical care/insurance based on inflation, and is not truely representative of expense .
I am still waiting for my $2500.oo medical insurance check promised by Obadinga during his re-election campaign .
Absent that check , where is the most reasonable surgery location where surgery can be performed ?
Canadians have to wait 9 - 12 months for certain life-saving medical attention, so they come to the States, and can be seen within 3 months; where can Americans go ?
A friend goes to Costa Rica for any major dental work. He does fly for free though. The docs there set up everything for him from pickup to departure. He saves a lot of money doing that.
Right now it could be a way to save money.
In the future it could be a way to save your life. If you not in one of the approved groups. I.e. qualify for the Death Panel.
Of course I can see them arresting granny at the airport for trying to travel overseas to get a hip replacement.
Good plausable inquiry
They could charge her for "HealthCare Tax Evasion "
Both of which use American dollars as currency ,
Good call !
Refit with top of the line radar and sonar too.
Good luck!
Saving money is not on their agenda. You might find ways not to be dependent.
The hotels are full of people having dental work or LASIK's done down there. My wife also had a tummy tuck and facelift done down there, and that all went fine... saved a ton.
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