Monday, October 24, 2005
Mike Huckabee: Saving The Taxpayers Billions
Since 1987, obesity-related health spending in the private insurance industry has increased from $3.6 billion to a whopping $36.5 billion annually. Before you start accusing of doctors and hospitals of raising fees, you should know that Emory University has a new study out that shows the rise in costs is not attributable to higher fees per patient but rather to a dramatic increase in the number of obese patients.Between 1987 and 2002 the number of privately insured obese adults doubled. Today it is estimated that almost 24% of all privately insured adults are classified as obese.
Obesity, and its related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol, is largely preventable. Brought about by poor lifestyle choices, the vast majority of obese patients could reduce their weight and consequently their need for greater-than-normal medical care, by adopting healthier eating and lifestyle habits.
But this is only half of the story.
According to researchers, the $36.5 billion in obesity-related expenditures for the private insurance industry represents less than half of the total spent for all obese patients in the U.S., including those on public health care programs (Medicare and Medicaid). In 2002, the most recent year for which Medicare and Medicaid costs have been calculated, it is estimated that approximately $46.3 billion was spent by taxpayers to treat obesity-related illnesses.
When the results of these studies are combined, the total annual obesity-related health care costs in the U.S. are estimated to have reached an astounding $82.8 billion annually as of 2002. Furthermore, documented trends showing rapid growth of obesity in America have surely pushed the costs even higher. One estimate puts current obesity costs at more than $100 billion annually.
Dr. Kenneth E. Thorpe, leader of the Emory University study, says that current approaches to controlling health care costs are not working because policy makers have ignored the true drivers of the costs. “Increases in the number of people getting treatment for serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol are directly linked to population increases in obesity.”
If insurers, businesses and the government are serious about reigning in health care spending, then “obesity prevention should be at the top of their agenda,” Thorpe said.
Obesity, and other illnesses that can be controlled through taking personal responsibility for one’s health, threaten to bankrupt the American taxpayer in coming years if nothing is done to control it.
Governor Mike Huckabee, a national leader and role model in the areas of health, health care, and personal responsibility, is the only potential presidential candidate talking about America’s health care crisis. Last May he published his best selling book, “Quit Digging Your Grave With a Knife and Fork.” Last month he took over as chairman of the National Governor’s Association and launched his national “Healthy America” initiative to fight obesity and promote taking personal responsibility for one’s health.
Stay tuned.
BSR
