It’s a familiar scenario: a routine checkup gets postponed, a screening is delayed, or a symptom is ignored. Life is busy; appointments take time, and for many Nevadans, there’s a real concern about whether care will fit into this month’s budget. In the moment, delaying care can feel practical. But too often, it leads to the opposite result — higher costs, more complex treatment, and worse long-term health outcomes. This is why prevention matters. It’s about better health and financial well-being for families, employers, and the state of Nevada. When delaying 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 preventative screenings, are far more likely to be found at the earliest, most treatable stage, significantly reducing the cost of care. This matters at a time when the rise in healthcare costs is already under strain nationwide. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family coverage now totals nearly $27,000 annually, underscoring how delayed care and rising treatment costs affect families, employers, and the healthcare system. According to The United States of Care, 65% of Nevada adults reported experiencing health care affordability burdens in 2022, with healthcare spending per person in Nevada growing 29% between 2013 and 2021. Why prevention lowers the cost of care Lower healthcare costs don’t start in the emergency room or at the pharmacy counter; they begin much earlier. When people have access to regular checkups, screenings, and ongoing support, they are less likely to rely on emergency departments for non-emergency needs. Expanding access to primary care in Nevada can reduce avoidable ER visits, one of the most expensive entry points into the healthcare system. Likewise, managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease is a great example of how early prevention can avoid costly complications—particularly as the costs of diagnosed diabetes reached $413 billion in 2022 and are projected to reach $2 trillion for cardiovascular diseases by 2050. Nevada is already taking important steps in this direction by shifting toward value-based care models that reward providers for keeping patients healthy, not just for delivering services. This approach aligns incentives across the system and reinforces prevention as the foundation of care. 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’re 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 remissions. 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 preventative visits, understand benefits, and avoid unnecessary emergency visits and unexpected costs. By encouraging earlier action, we’re improving both the experience and overall health outcomes. A smarter path forward Health insurance isn’t just for emergencies. It’s meant to support individuals and their families so that emergencies never occur. 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/affordabilityinnevada.
