Extending longevity tends to increase overall health spending. Illnesses like Alzheimer's, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and prostate cancer make the final years of life incredibly expensive. The average nonsmoker who lives to age 84 will require about $100,000 more in medical expenses than the average smoker who dies seven years sooner because of his bad habit.

A few preventive measures do indeed save money. Others may impose a net cost but nonetheless are worth it because they improve our well-being. Preventive and wellness efforts may reduce pain and suffering and increase quality of life -- which may be justification enough.

But that's not the justification Washington is offering. Instead, lawmakers are trying to sell us on the seductive -- but ultimately false -- idea that taxpayer dollars spent on prevention can yield long-term savings.

We face a staggering federal deficit and increased taxes for all Americans if Obama's health care reform ideas are enacted. We need honest information about what proposed reforms will cost. And so it's time for politicians to swear off "Dr. Feel-Good's Incredible Health-Promoting, Cost-Saving Elixir."