[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE PREVENTION MEDICINE FOR A HEALTHIER AMERICA ACT OF 
                                  2006

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                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2006

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that 
would improve the long-term health of Americans and reduce the 
skyrocketing health care costs in our nation. One of the best ways we 
can accomplish these goals is to encourage companies to implement 
programs that prevent disease and encourage healthy lifestyles.
  Mr. Speaker, that is why I am introducing the Preventive Medicine for 
a Healthier America Act of 2006. This legislation would increase the 
number of individuals who pursue preventive medicine careers, encourage 
businesses to offer wellness programs for their employees, and provide 
public awareness on the importance of preventive medicine.
  Preventive medicine physicians are an important resource in the quest 
to educate patients and communities of health risks, detect symptoms in 
the early stages of disease, and encourage preventive action. 
Unfortunately, the number of preventive medicine residency programs and 
individuals pursuing preventive medicine degrees has significantly 
decreased in recent years.
  As a result, the Preventive Medicine for a Healthier America Act 
would offer up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness for individuals who 
become board certified in preventive medicine. Medical school is an 
expensive undertaking and too many medical students are forced to 
pursue professions that will provide instant financial benefits. They 
often must do this simply to payoff student loans. By providing up to 
$20,000 in loan forgiveness for pursuing preventive medicine, this 
legislation would help ensure a talented pool of preventive medicine 
physicians.
  Businesses are another important component in the fight to prevent 
disease among Americans. As businesses realize the financial benefits 
and productivity improvements involved with the health of their 
employees, more and more are becoming interested in preventive 
medicine. Wellness and preventive health programs can be expensive 
initially. However results over the long-term have saved companies 
hundreds of thousands of dollars and several have even seen cost 
savings in the millions.
  The Preventive Medicine for a Healthier America Act would provide tax 
incentives for companies that implement a wellness program for their 
employees. Qualified businesses that implement wellness programs would 
be able to claim a tax credit for every employee that participates. A 
certain percentage of their employees would have to participate for a 
company to be eligible for the credit, and there are specific 
requirements to ensure employees benefit. In turn, employees would stay 
healthier and businesses can see a significant reduction in their 
health care costs.
  Public awareness regarding the importance of preventive medicine is 
also a key to the prevention of disease. My bill also would require the 
Department of Health and Human Services to carry out a national 
education campaign to encourage the use of preventive health 
screenings. Providing education would encourage individuals to take 
responsibility for their health and offer information on how to prevent 
illness for themselves and for their loved ones.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce the Preventive Medicine for a 
Healthier America Act which would reduce the risk of disease, encourage 
a healthier America, and help curb the rising cost of health care for 
our businesses. It is important we realize as a Nation that taking care 
of ourselves today will pay the dividends of tomorrow.

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