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How Medical Tourism Can Become an Alternative to Obamacare

As the new healthcare reform called Obamacare unfolds, Americans have started gaining more information about it. They are trying to understand its future effects on their savings and coverage. While certain resident groups find it affordable, others are simply turning toward better healthcare options. One of the phenomena that has been quickly picking up among people is known as medical tourism. It is a way to receive better healthcare services at affordable costs by travelling to a foreign country where such services are promptly available for medical tourists.

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Medical tourism is slowly becoming an alternative source of healthcare for American people. It not only provides them the benefits of cheaper medical services, but also lets them undergo certain elective procedures that are regulated within their own country. An estimated amount that is annually spent on medical tourism by Americans is a whopping $2 trillion. Most of the people who are opting for medical tourism are senior citizens and baby boomers. Generally, it is difficult for these aged people to afford costly medical treatments and surgeries.

The aging population also suffers due to the limited insurance coverage they receive. Their existing plans do not cover pre-existing conditions and certain elective procedures. Thus, senior citizens choose to go overseas so they may receive proper treatments in a cost-effective manner. There are high-end equipment, skilled medical personnel and accredited healthcare facilities available in various developing countries. Americans mostly prefer to visit such countries where they receive the best of treatments with maximized benefits. Some of their preferred destinations include Brazil, Costa Rica, India, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico and Singapore.

The most sought-after medical procedures include cosmetic surgeries, hip and knee replacement, cardiovascular surgeries, and dental services. At an initial stage, some policies of the Obamacare reform were welcomed. However, there are several confusions among residents regarding the new act. In addition, its regulations on medical tourism are still undefined. Experts are still expecting medical tourism to thrive, because Obamacare does not seem to be too promising with regard to the reduction of healthcare costs. Additionally, it might lead to a shortage of doctors with an increase in the number of patients.

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