Health Reform Law Steps Up Focus on Disease Prevention, Wellness
The new federal health reform law (HR 3590) includes many provisions aimed at disease prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles, the Los Angeles Times reports.
For example, the law creates a $15 billion fund for programs designed to promote prevention and wellness, such as efforts to address obesity and to help patients manage chronic diseases. The law also establishes a National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health Council to coordinate federal efforts to promote healthy living.
In addition, the health care reform law:
- Eliminates copayments for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries receiving preventive services;
- Increases reimbursement rates for physicians who offer certain preventive services;
- Provides grants to small business for establishing wellness programs and incentives for employers to offer workers as much as 50% off their premiums for participating in such programs; and
- Requires chain restaurants and vending machines to disclose nutritional information.
The law also provides additional resources for children, pregnant women and people trying to quit smoking (Lazarus, Los Angeles Times, 3/26).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.