It is a scenario far too familiar: a routine checkup gets postponed, a screening is delayed, or a symptom is ignored. Life is busy. Appointments take time to schedule, and for many, there is a
real concern about whether care will fit into this month’s budget.
In the moment, delaying care can feel like the practical choice. But postponing routine screenings or appointments often leads to the opposite result: higher costs, more complex treatment, and in some cases, worse long-term health outcomes.
This is why prevention matters. It is about our overall health and our financial well-being.
When delayed care becomes expensive care
Preventive care is designed to catch health issues early, when they are easier and less
expensive to manage. National research from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association shows that complex health issues like cancer, if detected through preventive screenings, are far more likely to be found at the earliest, most treatable stage, significantly reducing the cost of care.
Preventive care matters at a time when the continuing rise in healthcare costs is already adversely impacting employers, their employees and families. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family coverage now totals nearly $27,000. In New Hampshire this year, specific to Anthem coverage:
- The total annual premium, on average, for a family of four in the Small Group market is slightly more than $27,000. Employers and their employees cover these costs.
- The total annual premium, on average, for a family of four on the Individual Exchange is nearly $18,000. And families pay the total cost of Individual coverage.
Why prevention lowers the cost of care
Lower healthcare costs do not start in the emergency room or at the pharmacy counter; they begin much earlier. Access to preventive services, early intervention, and follow-up support can help manage health issues before small problems become costly crises.
Addressing mental and behavioral health needs before they escalate is a great example. Here in New Hampshire, we are deeply committed to addressing this challenge and have been laser-focused on this work – especially over the past two years. While a focus on making care available and reducing barriers to that care will always be a priority for us, we are also turning our attention to better educating our members about the options we have available for them. This ensures they can take full advantage of the ways we have increased access and, importantly, made the care more affordable.
Making prevention easier, not harder
Health plans have a responsibility to remove barriers to preventive care by covering
recommended screenings and wellness visits, and by helping people navigate where to go, what services they need, or how much care will cost. When people have clear guidance and support, they are more likely to act rather than delay.
We support prevention by pairing coverage with practical tools and programs, including:
- Rewarding safer care: Through our Quality-In-Sights: Hospital Incentive Program, hospitals are encouraged to improve patient safety and reduce preventable complications.
- Simplifying access through technology: Our Concierge Care program and digital tools connect members to 24/7 nurse support and guidance, helping reduce avoidable hospital admissions and readmissions.
- Turning data into action: Data insights help identify care gaps and guide members to the right care with tools like the Sydney Health app, making it easier to schedule preventive visits, understand benefits, and avoid unnecessary emergency visits and unexpected costs.
By encouraging earlier action, we are improving both the experience and overall health
outcomes.
Investing in healthier communities
Prevention does not stop at the doctor’s office. It extends into our communities through partnerships that help address barriers like transportation, nutrition, and access to behavioral health services. Supporting people’s physical, emotional, and social needs is critical to keeping our communities healthy and reducing avoidable healthcare costs.
With healthcare costs top of mind for families and businesses, prevention offers a clear path forward. It leads to better health outcomes, lowers costs, and helps ensure that people get the care they need when they need it most.
Learn more at anthem.com/affordabilityinnewhampshire.
