>>>Lasik vision correction is not covered by insurance.
>>>People pay out of their own pocket, and doctors compete on price, service and quality.
>>>* "Today, LASIK is done with a computer-guided laser. ... it cost $3,800"
>>>* "less than half the 1997 cost with a much shorter recovery time and lower risk of human error."
>>>* Forbes Magazine Mar 23, 2012
>>
>>And in Canada, with a demonized socialized health care system we pay $390 per eye, down from $600 that was the cost when I came to live here in 1998.
>>
>>http://www.lasikmd.com/vancouver/price-financing/price
>>
>>"Laser vision correction is also eligible for a provincial tax credit."
>>
>>
>>[Update]
>>Actually, I think you've got the wrong numbers, I see that in Syracuse, NY it costs $299
>
>[Further Update]
>You win today's "Free Market" prize!
>
>The cited article is old - 2012
>That nasty greedy free market has worked its magic since 2012 by giving consumers more choices and much lower prices.
>Adam Smith would be proud.

Well, that wouldn't explain neither why is cheap in Canada where we do have universal health care nor why it was 6 times cheaper in 1998. Maybe Obamacare drove those prices down? It only makes sense with your examples :)