A Stitch in Time

An editorial in today's The Republican highlighted the importance of preventative medicine as a critical component of comprehensive, cost-effective health care. Some private insurers are providing financial incentives to physicians to encourage them to make sure that all eligible patients get the preventative care and screening tests that are appropriate. It’s a good start, and we’re glad some private insurers are doing both the morally and economically sensible thing. The problem is not everyone in the state gets the preventative care they need. A stitch—or medical test—in time saves nine. The lack of preventative care results in a lot of unnecessary suffering and cost. It is wrong from both an economic and moral perspective that people in this state cannot get the preventative care they need. The amendment would ensure that everyone in the state has access to preventative care.