Destination SC: “Medical Tourism” is Real
Medical tourism has been a buzzword in recent years, but this phenomenon doesn’t apply just to international travel. A growing number of Americans are crossing state lines in search of more competitive clinical costs. In a country with soaring medical prices, where charging patients $4,000 for Tylenol is not uncommon, South Carolina is becoming a respite for those who want more for their money.
One such case of this medical tourism is Cristy Gupton, a North Carolina mother who traveled to South Carolina to find affordable care for her son. The story came to us from The Carolina Journal, the flagship publication of the John Locke Foundation.
Cristy Gupton’s Story
After learning that her son needed a shoulder MRI, to her shock, the simple imaging procedure was priced at $5,000 or more in her home state of North Carolina. Gupton spent hours searching for a more affordable option. Independent radiology practices offered slightly lower rates, but the cost was still out of reach. Frustrated by the lack of reasonable options, Gupton kept searching.
While looking for a more affordable option for her and her son, she had the realization: “Why am I not looking for this MRI just over the border in South Carolina?”
That search led her to an independent orthopedic clinic in Fort Mill offering the same MRI for just $330 cash. It was exactly what she had hoped to find: the price she needed without sacrificing quality.
Opting for the South Carolina clinic, Gupton booked an appointment and made the 90-minute drive to Fort Mill with her son. She was able to pay online, bypassing the pesky prior-authorization process and insurance negotiations. Everything went smoothly, and the errand became a mother-son road trip (with an extra stop).
What made this possible?
In a blog post, Gupton points out a that key reason this level of affordability is possible in South Carolina: a 2023 bill signed by Governor McMaster, which repeals Certificate of Need (CON) requirements. The legislation marked the culmination of a seven-year effort by Palmetto Promise to promote free market competition in healthcare.
Removing these anticompetitive laws has opened the door to lower costs and greater access across the Palmetto State, and Gupton’s story is a clear example of the impact. This victory was for both South Carolina and Palmetto Promise, which was credited for getting the bill to the finish line.
“Our southern neighbors have allowed competition to do what it does best — reduce costs… When you’re paying cash, the laws of supply and demand still apply — and they work,” said Gupton.
Win for South Carolina
South Carolina has not yet achieved full medical freedom. The Palmetto Promise Institute Freedom Agenda outlines the missing elements of true freedom in healthcare.
But, the Palmetto State’s landmark decision to repeal Certificate of Need (CON), which has led to more transparent, accessible, and affordable healthcare, is creating ripple effects beyond its borders. With CON gone, tourism areas like Hilton Head Island, the Grand Strand, and Charleston could soon be meccas for medical care. Recovering from surgery on one of our beautiful beaches sure beats Cleveland!
As medical prices remain competitive, medical tourism increases, bringing out-of-state revenue and national attention for South Carolina and other states that have both elements of medical freedom and attractive vacation destinations.
Cristy Gupton herself recognized South Carolina’s legislation, calling for her state, North Carolina, to adopt similar policies. Her story is a reminder that healthcare reform starts at the state level. As more patients, policymakers, and providers take notice, the question becomes: Will other states step up to put patients first?
Note: Certificate of Need came to an end in 2023 for all healthcare facilities and services except nursing homes and acute care hospitals. The hospital CON requirement comes to an end on January 1, 2027. This is expected to open the South Carolina market for healthcare even more.
