Logically, the author’s projections make sense, and would be the normal economic response. However, we in the US have a hangup with this thing called “fairness.” It wouldn’t surprise me to see legislation forbidding this type of behavior, because it “unfairly” advantages people who have more money.
How could such legislation proceed? I’m not sure—but one way would be to forbid doctors accepting insurance payments from having any sort of side contract for additional service.
Of course, people of means will eventually find a way to pay for better service. There are already the beginnings of medical tourism for elective surgery. My crystal ball says that offshore medical clinic ships will become a reality. Medical care on those ships will be like gambling on a cruise ship, where the slots are turned on and the wheel starts to spin once the boat is 12 miles offshore.
Eventually to be outlawed for the proles, only the politburo elite will be allowed.
Leave for medical care and IRS will confiscate all your accessible wealth, inaccessible wealth now makes you a criminal.
You can leave but you can never check out.
“Of course, people of means will eventually find a way to pay for better service. There are already the beginnings of medical tourism for elective surgery. My crystal ball says that offshore medical clinic ships will become a reality. Medical care on those ships will be like gambling on a cruise ship, where the slots are turned on and the wheel starts to spin once the boat is 12 miles offshore.”
BOL! When Hilliarily/Willy care was being pushed. I made my living calling on Doctors, Hospitals, and clinics.
Several of my customers, and I came up with the concept of concierge medical offices where the docs received a yearly or monthly payment for a person’s outpatient health care. The docs would only accept cash and no insurance. Insurance was to be used for hospitalization and lab costs. The patient would be responsible for the paperwork. Those not wanting to do the paperwork would be referred an independent contract person getting about $50/hour to do the paper work and exceptions approved.
A couple of surgeons contacted me, and we came up with the idea of Surgery Cruises where the surgeons operated 12 miles off shore while their family members came along to take a cruise and be with their family member.
Fortunately, Hilliarily/Willy care was killed.
” I’m not sure—but one way would be to forbid doctors accepting insurance payments from having any sort of side contract for additional service.”
Our current concierge docs have nothing to do with Medicare or any health insurance you pay $2,000 up front or a monthly fee costing about 10% more. That cost is out of pocket and no one reimburses you.
Hillarycare would have banned private payments to doctors.
I think under Obamacare, somewhat affordable care will be available for those willing and able to travel outside the USA.
Its already started... see “concierge” medical services. Every day more doctors are signing up to be included in these programs.