Some day the government may make it easier for you to do this. But don't wait.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Amidst all the contentious debate over healthcare reform, there is one idea that everyone seems to agree on: funding prevention and wellness health care programs. Last week, as reported on Rodale.com, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced a $650 million appropriation to create community-based programs designed to reduce obesity and tobacco use, and improve overall nutrition. A more modest proposal is contained in the Health Care Reform Bill sponsored by Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus. The bill authorizes an initiative to explore offering incentives to Medicare recipients for completing health care programs that promote healthy behavior. It also authorizes $100 million in funds that states can use to incentivize Medicaid recipients to engage in healthy-lifestyle programs.

THE DETAILS: This seemingly modest provision has the potential to save billions in future healthcare costs. Which is why the concept is already being enacted by, among others, my own insurance provider. Because subsidizing preventative health care probrams makes good health and business sense, my insurer (and perhaps yours) offers discounts on annual premiums from $260 up to a whopping $780 for members who participate in health screenings and worksite wellness activities like exercise, nutrition, breathing, and meditation classes. It’s a wise investment for both the individual and the insurance company. People who learn and adopt healthy nutrition, exercise, and stress-reduction practices do reduce their risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, cognitive impairment, and a host of other serious and costly illnesses.