The need for healthcare reform is a hot topic nationwide. I'm pretty certain Bush will charge the new Democrat leadership with sorting out both healthcare and Social Security (in under two years) as penance for ousting the Republicans. I sure hope somebody gets the job done.
Today I was introduced to the concept of "medical tourism". Medical tourism refers to the increasing numbers of Americans who, seeking cheap/new procedures, travel to foreign countries to have surgery. Originally popular with people desiring cosmetic procedures, it's becoming much more common for a broad range of medical necessities. Health insurance has become so expensive for employers, three different Fortune 500 companies and THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA are experimenting with medical tourism for heart bypasses, valve replacements, hysterectomies, and angioplasties. A heart-valve replacement costs insurers in the U.S. $71,401 versus $9,500 for the same procedure in India, travel and lodging included. Concerning? Yes, for lots of reasons.
For more information about medical travel agencies, you can check this out. I'm in no way endorsing the service, I just think it makes for an interesting read.
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