More workers going under the knife before benefits cut

According to the International Herald Tribune, Michigan physicians, hospitals and medical insurers have noted an increase in the number of elective surgery requests since last year. Replacements for knees, hips and shoulders were up by 20 percent at the Henry Ford Health System alone.
A little super sleuthing revealed that UAW workers and their families are rushing to have procedures performed before the possible cuts in their health care benefits take effect. A knee operation, for example, would cost $28,000 sans the insurance.

A spokesperson for GM stated the automaker has noticed no increase in elective procedures.

[Source: International Herald Tribune]