{"id":1081,"date":"2017-09-28T14:36:02","date_gmt":"2017-09-28T18:36:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unite-us-tailwind.local\/expanding-the-definition-of-preventive-care-to-include-the-social-determinants-of-health\/"},"modified":"2024-06-26T17:25:24","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T21:25:24","slug":"expanding-the-definition-of-preventive-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uniteus.com\/blog\/expanding-the-definition-of-preventive-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Expanding the Definition of Preventive Care to Include the Social Determinants of Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Sabina Loscalzo<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

While politicians argue over the fate of the Affordable Care Act and whether private insurance<\/a> companies or the government should provide Americans\u2019 health insurance coverage, we may be missing an opportunity to reduce costs and help people live healthier, happier lives. And that opportunity is preventive care. But not just preventive care as defined by our current health care system \u2013 an expanded definition that includes the social determinants of health: housing, food, education, and employment.<\/p>\n

People agree that preventive care works<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why do you think every medical plan these days covers preventive care at 100%, with no deductibles and no copays? It\u2019s because most people understand that preventive care can help them stay healthier. And, if people don\u2019t have to pay for it, they\u2019ll use it; they will go to the doctor and get a physical, immunizations and screenings to keep them healthy and catch issues early. It\u2019s also because preventive care works, and everyone \u2013 doctors, insurance companies, and politicians alike \u2013 understand that, even if they just look at the numbers.<\/p>\n

People who are unhealthy cost the system more money than those who are healthy. In fact, according to a recent article:<\/p>\n