Shuler: The things I’d really like to see, and I think this is kind of throughout the U.S., are accessibility, quality of care and affordability. One of the things I would really like to ensure is that people aren’t dropped from the system, or a pre-existing condition doesn’t (exclude them from) coverage.<\/p>\n
I think that a bill, whether it’s crafted by our office or a working relationship with other members of Congress, what I’d really like to see is for it to implement the Asheville Project that’s been so successful.<\/p>\n
(In 1997, the city of Asheville implemented the Asheville Project, a wellness program that encourages employees to regularly visit a doctor and emphasizes disease prevention. The program, Shuler said, resulted in a 50 percent decrease in absenteeism while saving participants $600-800 a year and the city $1,200 per person per year.)….<\/p>\n
AC-T: You basically want to go back to scratch and start over (with reform)?<\/p>\n
Shuler: I’ve spoken to House leadership, and I feel that’s the best way for us to proceed forward. I do believe that we need to be sure that we get people access to quality health care, affordability and a quality outcome. The way we have to do that is starting over.<\/p>\n