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Re:Why Medical Bills Are Killing Us (2013) [pdf] by nradov on Sunday November 13, 2016 @08:38PM (#12946906)
Maybe it should be that way, however in practice it doesn't work. The ACA specifically requires free preventive services because research has shown that when patients have to pay they often skip it. And when they skip preventive care that causes the spread of infectious diseases, and allows small problems to turn into serious problems that are more difficult and expensive to treat. So this is important from a public health standpoint regardless of concerns over economic efficiency or personal responsibility.

https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/preventive-care-benefits...

Re:Why Medical Bills Are Killing Us (2013) [pdf] by coredog64 on Sunday November 13, 2016 @09:07PM (#12947033)
Preventative care that actually works is super cheap and not controversial (mostly vaccinations). This idea that we can save vast sums via preventative care is a fantasy. You may find anecdotes to support it, but the serious literature doesn't bear it out.
Re:Why Medical Bills Are Killing Us (2013) [pdf] by ceejayoz on Sunday November 13, 2016 @09:11PM (#12947048)
> Preventative care that actually works is super cheap

The same's true about car maintenance, but plenty of people drive on dying brake pads and stretch oil changes anyways. A hundred bucks for a checkup is still more than many folks are willing to pay. As an example, here's a kid who died for want of a $80 dental procedure: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02...

> not controversial (mostly vaccinations)

LOL.

Re:Why Medical Bills Are Killing Us (2013) [pdf] by cableshaft on Monday November 14, 2016 @10:51AM (#12950541)
Well they usually want to do more expensive procedures along with the dental extraction. I've been delaying mine a bit because they want to take it out then put in a bridge, which will cost $1800 (normally $6700, but I have good dental insurance). In fact the extraction will be free, the cost is all in the bridge. But now you've got me paranoid again. Damn.
Re:Why Medical Bills Are Killing Us (2013) [pdf] by AznHisoka on Sunday November 13, 2016 @09:39PM (#12947134)
from a personal standpoint i often skip preventive care even if its free. I am either just lazy or scared my doctor will tell me something bad.