Advertisement

Legislation Aims To Reduce Disease, Lower Health Costs

Consumer health care costs were the focus of a bill being reviewed on Beacon Hill Tuesday.

Supporters of the bill say reducing the prevalence of diabetes and high blood pressure by just 5 percent could save the state $450 million a year.

Rep. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester, is sponsoring the bill, which would create a stable source of funding for community health initiatives that prevent diseases.

"The Prevention and Cost Control Trust Bill would create a high-impact program of competitive grants available to communities all across the commonwealth," Lewis said. "It is intended to implement interventions that address the most prevalent and most costly health conditions facing Massachusetts residents."

The trust would be funded by asking insurers to contribute an additional percentage of their health safety-net payments.

This program aired on May 3, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

Headshot of Steve Brown

Steve Brown Senior Reporter/Anchor
Steve Brown is a veteran broadcast journalist who serves as WBUR's senior State House reporter.

More…

Advertisement

More from WBUR

Listen Live
Close