'I can't afford surgery in the U.S.,' says bargain shopper
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/TECH/02/17/twitter.surgery/art.surgeons.cnn.jpg caption="Surgery in the U.S. was prohibitively expensive for Godfrey Davies."]
Sabriya Rice
CNN
When Godfrey Davies learned he needed surgery to remove polyps blocking his nasal airways, the self-described bargain shopper set out on a mission to find an affordable surgeon. He quickly learned a good deal is hard to find.
"The total numbers they were throwing at me were just incredible. I couldn't believe it," he says.
Davies, who is semiretired from his real estate business and uninsured, says he received estimates from two surgeons. When hospital, anesthesia and incidental fees were all tallied, the cheapest price he could find in Indianapolis, Indiana, was $33,127 - which he would need to pay out of pocket.
"I was speechless." Davies recalls. "It was absolutely out of the question financially for me to have this done under those circumstances."
|
|
Filed under: 360° Radar • Economy • Health Care |
About this Show:
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°
Subscribe to the podcast
On Twitter
Search the AC360 blog
I don't understand as to why we still fight health care for everyone. Quite frankly I am glad that I can see my tax dollars at work to not only help the elderly, but the people who need help such as this gentleman. I don't get how caring for one another became such a political debate. If people are sick you help them in anyway you can. It really should not be a socialistic to care for your fellow man/woman.