WASHINGTON, D.C. — Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in reintroducing legislation aimed at broadening how the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) evaluates potential long-term savings from preventive health care initiatives.

The bill, known as the Preventive Health Savings Act (S. 3204), is co-led by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota). The proposal would allow the CBO to expand its current 10-year budget analysis window to 30 years when reviewing certain prevention-focused health policies.

Crapo said providing a longer view could give policymakers better insight into the return on investment for preventive measures. “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,” he stated in the announcement.

The bill defines preventive health as actions intended to protect and maintain wellness and prevent disease, disability, or premature death, supported by publicly available evidence such as epidemiological models, clinical trials, and longitudinal studies.

Several national health organizations and patient advocacy groups, including the American Medical Association and the National Association of Community Health Centers, are backing the measure.

Companion legislation has also been introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-California), Diana DeGette (D-Colorado), Buddy Carter (R-Georgia), and Scott Peters (D-California).