For Many U.S. Athletes In The Olympics, The Best Thing About It Was The Free Health Care They Could Finally Get

When you think of the Olympics, you probably picture intense competition, shiny medals, and athletes living their dreams on the world stage. However, for many U.S. athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, one of the biggest perks wasn't just the chance to compete – the free health care they could finally access.

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Take Ariana Ramsey, for example. She's a 24-year-old rugby player who helped her team win a historic bronze medal, the first-ever for the U.S. in rugby sevens. But what really got her talking wasn't just the win – it was the free medical care she received in the Olympic Village.

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Ariana was surprised to learn that the Olympic Village offered free food and a variety of medical services at no cost. That’s why she made the most of it, getting a Pap smear, a dental checkup, and an eye exam – and even received new prescription glasses in just 30 minutes.

In her TikTok videos, which quickly went viral, she was amazed at the level of care available compared to expensive and inaccessible health care back home in the U.S.

In America, even basic medical services can cost a lot of money, especially if you don't have insurance. For illustration, a Pap smear with a pelvic exam can cost between $121-$247, a dental cleaning with X-rays $150-$300, and an eye exam more than $100 – none of which includes any treatments or glasses you might need. 

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The Paris 2024 organizers ensured that all athletes had access to these medical services, covering the costs with help from volunteer health professionals. This wasn't just about keeping the athletes in top shape; it also helped prevent the local health care system from overflowing during the Games.

Ariana’s story resonated with many people in the U.S. and worldwide. She now calls herself a “Universal Free Healthcare Advocate” and is eager to learn more about health care systems in other countries. Her experience in Paris inspired her to push for changes in the U.S.

According to recent federal data, health care in the U.S. was expected to cost $4.8 trillion in 2023, more than the country’s GDP. This is about $14,423 per person in 2023, with an expected increase to $15,074 in 2024. In comparison, in France, the host of the 2024 Games, the cost was estimated to be $5,740 per person in 2020.

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