ESSAY; Campaign Myth: Prevention as Cure-All - New York Times

ESSAY; Campaign Myth: Prevention as Cure-All - New York Times:

In a presidential campaign that promises straight talk and no gimmicks, why do both candidates champion one of medical care's most pervasive myths?

The myth is that like magic, preventive medicine will simultaneously reduce costs and improve health.

Senator John McCain argues that ''the best care is preventative care,'' and his health care reform plan claims that ''by emphasizing prevention'' and other measures ''we can reduce health care costs.'' Senator Barack Obama's plan says, ''Simply put, in the absence of a radical shift towards prevention and public health, we will not be successful in containing medical costs or improving the health of the American people.''

It may sound like common sense. But it is still a myth."