Vermont U.S. Representative Welch Seeks to Ease Health Care Costs

Enlarge image

Credit Official Photo

Congressman Peter Welch

Vermont U.S. Representative Peter Welch says he wants to use the federal health care reform law to help control health care costs.

Welch, a Democrat, outlined his plans Tuesday during a visit to a Montpelier doctor's office.

Welch is a member of the House's Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal health care policy.

He says it's possible to put Medicare on a sustainable path without slashing benefits to seniors.

Welch says organizations such as "OneCare Vermont" reward providers for improving a patient's health rather than the number of procedures they perform.

Welch calls it a common sense approach that should be expanded nationwide.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.