DOSE OF REALISM NEEDED FOR NATION'S HEALTH CARE

It's time for people to become more realistic about the high cost of health care. That's the advice from the chief executive officer of Missouri's largest health insurer, who visited the area last week. It's an astute observation well deserving of our reflection.

For one thing, Roy Heimburger, head of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, explained that medical miracles carry a high price tag. And those exorbitant costs are ultimately borne not just by the person receiving treatment, but by all those who pay insurance premiums.

Americans are becoming more aware of the importance of preventive health care. But we must learn not just to talk a good game, but to live lives dedicated to "wellness." Consumers pay more than $325 billion for treatment and care of diseases and injuries that are preventable, said Heimburger. For example, eight out of 10 smokers will incur from $80,000 to $100,000 in medical costs in their lifetime due to the fact they smoke, he said. Those who don't wear their seatbelts are more likely to receive serious injuries in car crashes. There are countless other examples of things we all can do to lower our risk of catastrophic medical costs.

Those people who take on more of the risks may also be required to take on more of the costs one day.

As health premiums continue to rise, the incidence of uninsured persons continues to grow.

The Missouri House this week rejected a proposed $10 billion state-run health care plan modeled on the Canadian system. On this, too, we must be realistic. While it's important that all sick people receive health care, we can't afford a program that will break the bank in Missouri. That program would have cost more than the state's entire $9 billion budget this year.

The realities of higher deductibles and larger employee contributions have brought the high cost of health care home to many workers. It's easier to use services when they are accessible and "free." But there is no free lunch. We all are paying the bill for medical abuses and for uninsured Americans. All health care services carry a cost, which will be paid in one form or another.

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to the health care crisis. But a healthy dose of realism would go a long way toward curbing costs. Consumers, doctors, hospitals, insurance companies we all must realize these spiraling health care costs cannot go on.

Each of us must try to get our own health care house in order before we can approach this problem as a nation. We must all try to live healthier and safer lives, and become smarter health care consumers. If we all do our part to control health care expenses, it will make a difference. It's a responsibility we all must share.