[timothychung]

It is disappointing that these service based industries come to a point when making money is becoming so important especially when they are commodities. I hope that some institutions will reduce their price for a greater purpose especially for poor people.

[pj]

I agree that they are over priced, but they aren't commodities. Commodity products are indistinguishable, but there are definitely different qualities of healthcare and higher education.

[jnovek]

Pragmatically, I would describe health care and education as commodities with some providers who sell a "premium" service. How much education happens at top tier, how much health care happens at the Mayo Clinic?

[yummyfajitas]

Most of the evidence suggests that healthcare is a commodity product.

http://www.overcomingbias.com/2009/02/what-is-medical-qualit...

[joe_the_user]

Education and healthcare were once clearly seen as something to be provide by society as a value to society.

Having more educated citizens benefits an entire society, not just those citizen.

Having healthier citizens works similarly.

Certainly both education and healthcare been private for a long time BUT often effectively on a non-profit basis.