U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to reintroduce the Preventive Health Savings Act, known as S. 3204. The legislation, also backed by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), aims to change how the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates savings from preventive health care initiatives.
Currently, the CBO uses a 10-year budget window for its analyses of federal health policies. The proposed bill would extend this outlook to 30 years, allowing for a broader assessment of long-term cost savings related to prevention efforts.
“It is important we have a clear, long-term picture of the return on investment from preventive health care measures,” said Crapo. “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 act defines preventive health as actions focused on protecting, promoting, and maintaining wellness among individuals and populations. It requires credible evidence from sources such as clinical trials and epidemiological studies to support claims of disease prevention or reduced federal health spending.
A coalition of organizations—including the American Medical Association, American College of Preventive Medicine, American Physical Therapy Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, Premier, Inc., and the Healthcare Leadership Council—have expressed support for the bill.
In the House of Representatives, similar legislation is being led by Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-California), Diana DeGette (D-Colorado), Buddy Carter (R-Georgia), and Scott Peters (D-California).
