Live Longer, But Cost The System More Money
A surprising study published in February indicates that healthy people cost the health system more money. Will this finding damage efforts to get people to engage in healthy behaviors and take control of their own care?
Early last month, media around the world reported on an intriguing study published in the journal PLoS Medicine. The study, conducted by Dutch researchers, indicates two things:
o People who are obese and smoke die sooner, thus saving the health system money
o Healthy people live longer and cost the system more cash
The study authors noted that their research “counters the common perception that preventing obesity would save governments millions of dollars.” This is because common wisdom holds that healthier people are less likely to use expensive medical resources.
This is a curious study that has received lots of attention – mainly because it goes against conventional wisdom. But, does this mean we should give up on efforts to encourage people to engage in healthy behaviors? Or dissuade them from playing a more active role in how their care is financed and administered?
I think the answers to these questions is no. But, I’d love to hear what you think about this study and what it means for the consumerism movement.
Image: www.gluttonsess.com
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Living longer
You are correct in thinking that the rich will be the only ones that will be able to afford medical treatments beyond that defined perameter. Okay. That does not mean that the end of life for those not rich will be compromised it can be and should be a beautiful experience.