Mark Buehner: The “routine care” can be looked at another way.
If the routine checkups show a reduced chance of a catastrophic event (for example a physical showing high blood pressure, and meds prescribed to treat that), it’s actually in the insurance companies interest to have these checks done and for patients to take those meds. A physical and a daily prescription cost FAR FAR less than a heart attack and a rush to the emergency room and perhaps time spent in intensive care.
So, it is wise for the insurance company to promote such things (by making them more affordable for the user). We’re not quite to the stage where they are REQUIRING folks to get check up or take meds, as much as they’d probably like too.
If a regular oil change, brake tune up and tire rotation had a reasonable reduction in accident or theft claims to the insurer, I’m betting that your car insurance company would be sending you vouchers to encourage you to get the work done on your car.
Mind I understand the point about how (I feel) most folks view insurance as a discount plan, but there is some method to the madness.
