Story Created:
Oct 8, 2009 at 8:14 PM EST
Story Updated:
Oct 8, 2009 at 8:23 PM EST
(WKTV) - As the debate over health care reform continues, 24th Congressional District Representative (D) Michael Arcuri has introduced a bill to congress that he hopes will reduce health care costs.
The bipartisan legislation encourages participation in employer sponsored health and wellness prevention programs to promote health living.
Arcuri wants to offer employees an incentive if they meet certain health goals. For example, if a worker were to quit smoking and start exercising, they could be eligible for a reduction in their health insurance premiums. More specifically, the legislation would raise the cap on health insurance premium discounts for participation in a wellness program from 20% to 30%. And the Secretary of Health and Human Services would have the authority to raise the discount cap to 50% if deemed appropriate.
Arcuri says that unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the high cost of health care in America. "The healthcare crisis in America has a lot to do with the strain on the system caused by increases in unhealthy lifestyle habits which lead to serious health issues," Arcuri said.
Republican representative Steve Buyer of Indiana co-authored House Bill 3688 with Arcuri. Buyer says this bill puts power in the hands of the individual. ""I support health care policies that encourage individuals to make healthy choices," Buyer said.
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