COST: Health Reform a Wise Investment

A penny saved is a penny earned, but cutting back on routine and preventive health care can cost you down the road.

A survey released this week from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners finds that 22 percent of respondents had cut back on the number of times they see a doctor because of bad tough economic times and 11 percent had reduced their use of prescription drugs.

Over at Health Matters, Kristin Gerencher notes the irony of such penny-wise pound foolish behavior in health care that, in the long run, leaves people physically and financially worse off. We found NAIC president Susan Praeger commentary within the post particularly on target:

That's why health reform is urgently needed, said Praeger, an elected official who describes herself as a moderate Republican. "As these costs go up, people are going to be demanding action. It's time....We can get to universal coverage with a combination of subsidies for low-wage workers, for high-cost utilizers and helping to spread the cost over the broader population," she said.

"Insurance is your ticket in the door," Praeger said. "Without insurance it's very difficult to get the health-care services you need. You don't have a medical home without insurance, and a medical home is how you get preventive care."

Well said. While a penny's not what it used to be, the case for health reform only grows stronger during an economic downturn.