Skimping on health care feared in tough times; Employers urged to caution workers against cutting corners by skipping doctor visits, prescriptions.(News)

Byline: JOANNE WOJCIK

Concerned that some employees may be scrimping on essential health care during the current economic downturn, experts advise employers to step up benefit communications to emphasize the importance of getting preventive screenings and taking prescription medications for chronic conditions.

They warn that employees who forgo necessary care now could end up costing their employers more later in both additional health care expenditures and increased absenteeism should a serious health threat go untreated or a chronic condition get worse.

Meanwhile, some employers are using incentives to ensure that their employees get the care they need at low or no cost.

With family budgets strained by higher fuel and food costs, U.S. residents are filling fewer prescriptions and visiting the doctor less often, researchers say.

IMS Health Inc., a health care analytics firm based in Norwalk, Conn., this summer recorded the first decline in …