All of the major health care reform bills currently before Congress include provisions designed to encourage healthy living.
Health insurers such as Kaiser Permanente and Blue Shield of California say preventive health initiatives can keep people healthy while reducing health care costs.
In addition, consumer advocates say wellness programs can boost health care access for low-income and underserved populations.
In a California Healthline Special Report by Pat McConahay, experts discussed the prospects for preventive care in health reform.
The Special Report includes comments from:
- Tom Epstein, vice president of public affairs for Blue Shield of California;
- Robert Pearl, executive director and CEO of the Permanente Medical Group; and
- Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access.
Experts say employers also can benefit from developing wellness initiatives that keep workers healthy (McConahay, California Healthline, 10/15).