Readers of the Post probably thought that a new study in Health Affairs undermined the case for preventative measures leading to cost savings. After all the headline of the article on the study is: "study raises questions about cost savings from preventive care."
In fact, the article actually found that, with Type 2 diabetes, preventative measures are more cost-effective than some analysts have realized, if a 25 year window is used rather than the standard 10-year budget window used by the Congressional Budget Office. Evaluating the effect of moving to a 25-year horizon the study notes: "the cost offsets in the ten-year window are proportionately smaller than those in the twenty-five year window."
While the Post highlights that the fact that for all but one age group, the net cost of preventive measures is still positive, it fails to mentions that the study is quite explicitly focused only on direct health care spending. It does not consider the impact of preventive measures on Social Security disability payments or on tax collections. Since the study finds that the vast majority of the cost of preventative measures are recovered through direct savings on health care spending, it would require only modest effects on disability and employment to make the net impact of these measures on the budget positive.
I’m writing to you today with a sense of urgency that I haven’t felt since I began my journalism career. As executive editor of The American Prospect, I’ve witnessed firsthand how independent journalism serves as a crucial bulwark against the erosion of our democratic institutions. Today, that role is more vital than ever. Can you step up today and show your support?
The winds of authoritarianism are blowing stronger. We’re seeing alarming signs of a coordinated effort to silence critical voices and undermine the very foundations that support progressive causes. As Bob Kuttner presciently wrote in our August 2024 issue, a weaponized IRS could attack the very foundations of the progressive movement. We need readers to step up and help us dig in for the long haul.
We’re falling behind in our spring fundraising campaign, and with so much at stake we can’t afford to come up short. If you value fearless, independent journalism that holds the powerful accountable and defends democracy, now is the time to step up. The American Prospect depends on reader support to stay in the fight. Pitch in today and help us close the gap. Please consider making a donation today.
–David Dayen, Executive Editor
Copyright 2025 | The American Prospect, Inc. | All Rights Reserved