U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has joined a bipartisan group of senators in reintroducing the Preventive Health Savings Act, known as S. 3204. The legislation aims to change how the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) evaluates the long-term savings of preventive health care initiatives by extending its analysis window from 10 years to 30 years.
Senator Crapo said, “It is important we have a clear, long-term picture of the return on investment from preventive health care measures. Removing current CBO limitations benefits any future health care reform and helps pave the way for additional preventive measures that save lives and reduce costs.”
The bill defines preventive health as actions focused on protecting, promoting, and maintaining health and wellness to prevent disease, disability, and premature death. This definition relies on credible evidence from sources such as epidemiological models, clinical trials, observational studies in humans, longitudinal studies, and meta-analyses.
Supporters of the bill include several major organizations such as the American Medical Association, the American College of Preventive Medicine, the American Physical Therapy Association, the National Association of Community Health Centers, Premier Inc., and the Healthcare Leadership Council.
In addition to support in the Senate from Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), companion legislation is being led in the House by Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-California), Diana DeGette (D-Colorado), Buddy Carter (R-Georgia), and Scott Peters (D-California).
