NOTE: This is the first in a series of four solutions-oriented health care op-eds from Congressman Dave Reichert.

As the debate in the United States Congress continues over needed health care reform, much of the conversation has turned on aspects that legislators oppose, rather than proposals for the innovative ideas and creative solutions that will carry us down the path to meaningful, effective reform.

I voted against the $1.3 trillion, government-run health overhaul bill because the proposal threatened to raise Americans’ health care costs, reduce choice, and allowed government interference in personal medical decisions. This series is dedicated, then, to describe in detail those ideas and solutions I do support and believe will deliver the access to quality, affordable care that every American deserves.

We begin from the foundation that health care is about people. It is intensely personal and touches every American. It is not about bureaucratic “systems” and “payment flows” and complicated regulations in government jargon.  Quality health care is the foundation for our children to grow and prosper, just as it is the basis for seniors to enjoy comfortable retirements. Therefore, it is incumbent on those of us who have been trusted to represent our fellow citizens to not merely disagree, but to also provide constructive alternatives.

I remain committed to protecting and strengthening health care. That means protecting Americans from increased health care costs, losing the health plans they currently have and wish to keep, and government interference in medical decisions; and strengthening health care by ensuring that better quality, more affordable care is available for everyone. Ways to achieve such care and access include: promoting wellness through giving employers and insurers greater flexibility to financially reward employees who seek to improve and maintain their health; rewarding high-quality care rather than encouraging health care providers to order more and unnecessary services; and making health care more convenient by eliminating bureaucratic red tape to expand access to Community Health Centers that are critical to underserved areas in both large cities and rural America.

It is well understood that rising health care costs are the central challenge to families and businesses alike – and over the past decade, health care costs have more than doubled. One promising solution to address the financial burden of health care is creating a culture of wellness and prevention – encouraging people to live healthy lives.

An exemplary model for promoting healthy lifestyles exists right in our own backyard. The King County employee wellness program was developed in order to reduce the rising cost of health care, and it has garnered the top national award from the American Heart Association for the emphasis placed on the health and well being of the county workforce.

The county recognized that the lack of physical activity associated with office work increased risk factors for a variety of medical problems, and contracted with private companies, including Weight Watchers, to provide a number of resources including health assessments, counseling, education and fitness classes. Through a unique partnership with Aetna, employees are also educated about and encouraged to be smart health care consumers. According to the county, within the first year of offering access to these tools, 75 percent of people at moderate or high risk for developing a chronic disease eliminated at least one risk factor. Additionally, 12 out of 14 health measures including smoking, nutrition, weight loss and blood pressure among participating employees has shown marked improvement, and employees have lost more than 9,000 pounds.

In addition to the inherent health benefits of the program, employees benefit from significant cost savings. Participation in the program is optional – not mandatory – and the King County Healthy Incentives structure offers reduced deductibles and co-insurance rates, providing financial incentives for those individuals who choose to take an active role in developing a personal wellness plan. Statistics from the American Heart Association reveal that companies spend from 25 to 30 percent annually on medical expenses for employees with health risks defined primarily by heart disease and stroke, and yet organizations can save from $3 to $15 for every $1 spent on wellness programs within the first 12 to 18 months. King County proves that out: since the program’s inception in 2005, $18 million less than projected has been spent on health care.

Clearly this is a smart, efficient, productive way to lower health care costs while enhancing quality of life, and is a prime example of the creative strategies that are gaining a foothold in the marketplace. The federal government would do well to consider and include incentives that will create a culture of wellness in any health care reform proposal, and I will continue to push for this important component to reform.

Congressman Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and represents Washington’s Eighth Congressional District. Reichert serves on the House Ways and Means Committee.

Source: King County Health Reform Initiative Fact Sheet, 2005-2009