Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Free market has destroyed the affordability of healthcare.


Not really, it works really well for truly free markets like cosmetic surgery and vision correction.

The “free market” healthcare in the US isn’t free at all, there are a ton of regulations many of which make it worse, not better.


No, it's because those aren't essential services that people need with little option to competitively shop for. People can choose not to get cosmetic surgery, or postpone it significantly, or shop attorney between many different options.

They frequently can't for their health decisions.

Again, it's 'market competition' amidst healthy consumer choice, not 'free markets' that are beneficial for society.


And the healthcare providers make it hard to even see their prices up front. It's like going into a grocery store without price tags. You can't really compare prices.


90% of medical procedures are elective (i.e. not urgent). Giving patients time to decide when and where to get them.

People already shop around for things like joint replacement.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: