For millions of Americans, an economic slump doesn't mean belt-tightening. It means going without health insurance. Cutting back on preventive care. Foregoing chemotherapy

News stories from across the country describe how those scary gyrations on Wall Street hit health care on Main Street. USA Today reports on a study (not a random sample but still informative) that found that one-in-eight people with advanced cancer turned down recommended care because of the cost. For people with income under $40,000 the rate was one-in-four. New cancer treatments are often expensive, but more of the costs are shifted to patients, even those with insurance. From 2003 to 2006, insurers' cancer care costs rose a very steep 53 percent. But patients share of the costs more than doubled.

McClatchy newspapers profiled a couple in Pennsylvania, where both the husband and wife have chronic conditions. She's now living off Social Security disability payments because of her autoimmune disease; his rare nerve disorder causes attacks of debilitating pain that has interfered with his ability to work steadily as a carpenter. They are insured, for at least a few more months, but they are still paying about $25,000 out-of-pocket each year.

The Salt Lake Tribune noted that Utahns are skipping preventive and dental care, and even letting diseases like diabetes getting out of control because they can't afford to see a doctor. Demand for treatment of stress and depression is up as the economy has declined, but people can't afford it, and the nonprofit community resources can't match the growing need.

We hope that policymakers are reading these stories too. They remind us why the economic crisis can't squeeze health care off the agenda. They are one and the same.