But it wouldn't play out that way. If demand exceeds supply, but the manufacturer continues to sell at normal prices, a scalper market opens up. Scalpers capt

But it wouldn't play out that way. If demand exceeds supply, but the manufacturer continues to sell at normal prices, a scalper market opens up. Scalpers capture the difference between manufacturer sale price and market value. That's their business, so they have more time to dedicate to the search for product than the "poor people" who "should" have access to the product. Surgery is not a good example because there is no reseller market there. Medication would be closer but of course med sales are highly regulated. I agree with the point you're getting at though -- access to essential health care should not be financially bifurcated.