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Senate Republicans
are renewing their efforts to
improve health care access and expand Pennsylvania’s health care safety net
through the HealthNET PA legislative package.
HealthNET PA expands access to health care and medicine to 507,000 uninsured and
low-income working Pennsylvanians. It utilizes information technology to control
costs and reduce health care-associated infections, and provides expanded
insurance options for employers and families.
Previously,
Senate
Republicans led the effort to give Pennsylvanians the ability to open tax-exempt
Health Savings Accounts to cover health care costs, curb
skyrocketing medical liability premiums that drive up health care costs, and
integrate state and federal prescription drug plans for seniors.
Patient safety
efforts launched in 2002 with passage of the
Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Act were further enhanced
in 2007 by a new law that will help
prevent, track and, ultimately, reduce the incidence of health
care-associated infections.
Moving Pennsylvania
toward a health care system that slashes costs through innovation, expands
access and protects consumer choice remains a top priority of Senate
Republicans.
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HealthNET PA: Senate Votes to Expand Small
Business Insurance Access |
The Senate approved a HealthNET PA
measure that extends continuation of group health insurance policies for former
employees and dependents, making the option available to approximately 150,000
individuals who work for employers with 2 to 19 employees and who change jobs.
Senate Bill 442, sponsored by Senate Banking and Insurance Committee
Chairman Don White (R-Indiana), creates a Mini-COBRA Small Employer Group
Health Plan. The federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
(COBRA) provides former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and
dependent children the right to continuation of health coverage at group rates
for up to 18 months. However, COBRA benefits only apply to employers with 20 or
more employees. SB 442 extends the COBRA guidelines in Pennsylvania to group
plans that employ 2 to 19 employees. (House Bill 1089,
Act 2 of 2009, is identical to Senate Bill 422.)
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Also signed into law is House
Bill 84 (Act
1 of 2009), which permits health insurers to withhold payment to
providers in the event of a preventable serious adverse event. It is
similar to legislation spearheaded by Senator White, Senate Bill 443.
More Information
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HealthNET PA: Senate Approves Bill Extending
Insurance to Young Adults |
The Senate unanimously approved
HealthNET PA legislation that extends health insurance coverage to adult
dependents up to the age of 30.
Act 4 of 2009, sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), extends insurance
to adult dependents up to the age of 30 who are not married, have no dependents,
are residents of the Commonwealth or are enrolled as a full-time student at an
institution of higher education and are not provided insurance coverage or
eligible for government benefits.
The largest segment of the uninsured in Pennsylvania -- roughly
half -- is young adults age 18 to 34.
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HealthNET PA: Senate Approves Health Care
Volunteer Education Bill |
The Senate approved HealthNET PA
legislation that would credit volunteer time by health care professionals toward
their continuing education requirements.
Senate Bill 464, sponsored by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), would allow
physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, nurses or certified registered nurse
practitioners to apply volunteer time served in a community-based health
care clinic towards the completion of no more than 20 percent of their
mandatory continuing education hours required by their individual licensure
boards.
More Information
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HealthNET PA: Health Information Technology Act
Approved by Committee |
The Senate Public Health and Welfare
Committee approved HealthNET PA legislation that would establish a Health
Information and Technology Program.
Under
Senate Bill 700 the program would provide loans to health care
providers and health information centers to implement health information
technology systems.
A health information technology system is an automated system that integrates
health records, clinical activities and data sharing in such areas as pharmacy
ordering and tracking, and laboratory testing, as well as data sharing among
health care facilities, physicians, and health insurers, and other
transaction-monitoring that promotes patient safety and efficiency in the
delivery of health care.
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Senate Approves Bill
Reauthorizing Health Care Cost Containment Council |
The Senate passed legislation
reauthorizing the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4).
Under
Act 3 of 2009, sponsored by Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland), PHC4 was
reauthorized until 2014. The council collects data from hospitals,
freestanding ambulatory surgery centers and some managed care plans, and
provides it to consumers in a comparative format so they may make educated
decisions on the purchase of their health care.
PHC4 has required legislation to extend its existence periodically since its
founding in 1986. The authorizing statute expired most recently on June 30,
2008, and the council was temporarily extended by executive order until June 30,
2009.
More Information
2007-2008
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Senate
Approves Plan to Reduce Health Care-Associated Infections |
The Senate approved a new
law,
Act 52 of 2007, sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson
(R-Delaware), that will help prevent, track and, ultimately,
reduce the incidence of health care-associated infections.
Health care-associated
infections (HAIs) affect an estimated two million Americans
a year, with more than 100,000 dying from bacteria that are
increasingly resistant to common antibiotics. Infections
picked up in hospitals and other health care facilities add
more than $8,000 to the cost of the average hospital stay
and cause unnecessary health consequences.
Act 52 establishes the
steps to be taken by state government agencies and health
care facilities to
identify and reduce infections. It requires hospitals,
nursing homes and ambulatory surgical facilities to
implement internal infection control plans that will improve
the health and safety of patients and health care workers.
Pennsylvania hospitals,
nursing homes, and ambulatory surgical facilities will be
the first in the nation to report infections to the National
Healthcare Safety Network, an internet-based surveillance
system operated by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention that will co ordinate information, allowing
Pennsylvania to develop effective tools to attack this
problem in a measurable way.
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New Law Provides Long-Term Care Insurance
Incentives |
A Senate bill has been signed
into law to provide a strong financial incentive for
consumers to invest in long-term care insurance and
reduce financial costs to taxpayers.
Senate Bill 548, sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman
(R-Centre), would create the
Long-Term Care (LTC) Partnership Program, which would
provide a financial incentive for individuals to buy LTC
insurance, and orders the state Department of Public Welfare
to file Pennsylvania’s state plan for LTC insurance with the
federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by June
30th of this year. The measure is intended to give people
the opportunity to protect their personal assets by buying
the insurance. The Department of Public Welfare missed its
self-imposed deadline to submit Pennsylvania’s plan to the
federal government, which necessitated the legislation.
Under the current system,
health care consumers are required to spend down 'their
assets before taxpayer-funded Medicaid steps in to cover the
expenses associated with long-term care. As a result, many
individuals and families lose all of their assets well
before they go into long-term care, and then taxpayers are
forced to pick up the costs, which can be significant.
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Licensing Standards Established for
Assisted Living Facilities |
For the first time, assisted
living facilities will be licensed in Pennsylvania, defining
such residences and the services that may be offered.
Act 56 of 2007, sponsored by Sen. Pat Vance (R-31), sets
minimal standards for the regulation of the industry by the
state Department of Public Welfare and supports the
philosophy that individuals should be
permitted to remain in a home-like atmosphere of their
choice for as long as possible.
Although many personal care
homes often refer to themselves as assisted living
facilities, there currently is no official licensure
category for this type of care. By creating this type of
license, citizens will be able to determine what kind of
services to expect and whether the setting will address
their needs.
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New Law Provides Staffing
Flexibility |
A package of bills recently became law
that will give health care facilities more flexibility in
staffing, allowing them to better use their resources and
keep health care costs down.
The measures increase the number of
physician assistants that may be supervised by a physician, and
broadens the work that can be done by
Certified Nurse Practitioners and
nurse-midwives.
Nurses will be able to order certain
medical equipment and care, make referrals for certain types
of therapy and dietitian referrals, and perform other
functions. Nurse-midwives will be able to prescribe,
dispense, order and administer specific drugs.
Nurses play a vital role in providing
quality health care, and expanding their scope of practice
means physicians can spend their time more cost-effectively.
All of these changes include measures
to protect patient safety.
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Sen. White's Rx Redistribution Measure Headed to Governor
Legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) authorizing the
Corrections Department and county prisons to redistribute unopened prescription
medicines is now before the Governor for his signature and enactment into law.
Corman Bill Creating a Certificate of Birth
Resulting in Stillbirth Unanimously Passes Senate
The Senate of
Pennsylvania unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte) to allow a parent to request a
"Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth" from the Pennsylvania Department
of Health.
Senate Passes Folmer's High-Risk Pool Legislation
Senator Mike Folmer's
Senate Bill 507, legislation to establish a state High Risk Pool (HRP),
passed the full Senate by a vote of
49-1.
Folmer's High-Risk Pool Legislation Passes Senate Banking and
Insurance Committee
Senator Mike Folmer's
Senate Bill 507, legislation to establish a state High Risk Pool (HRP),
unanimously passed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
Dental Law Changes Clear Senate; Head to Governor
The State Senate approved legislation that would amend the Dental Law by
expanding the scope of practice for "expanded function" dental assistants,
according to Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40), prime sponsor of the Senate version (Senate
Bill 385).
Senate Approves Community-Based Health Care Clinics Program
The state Senate unanimously approved legislation to further advance discussion
on establishing an initiative to help develop and expand community-based health
care clinics that provide "medical homes" for the uninsured.
Senate Passes Bill to Extend CHIP Program And Protect Those Who Purchase
Annuities
The State Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Jake Corman
(R-34) that would extend the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
and provide additional protections for consumers who purchase annuities.
Senate Approves Sen. White's Rx Redistribution Measure
The Senate approved legislation introduced by Senator Don White
(R-41) that would authorize the Corrections Department and county prisons to
redistribute unopened prescription medicines.
Rafferty Calls for Legislation to Create Commission To Oversee Disbursement of
MCARE Funds in PA
Seeking to keep doctors in Pennsylvania and hold down health care costs,
Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) joined medical representatives at a
Harrisburg news conference to push for legislation he is sponsoring that would
create an MCARE Commission to oversee the future disbursement of MCARE funds.
Rx Redistribution Measure Clears Committee
The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved a
measure introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) that would authorize the
Corrections Department and county prisons to redistribute unopened prescription
medicines.
Senate Bill 1044 would authorize correctional facilities to return the
medicines to the pharmaceutical wholesaler for credit and potential
redistribution to other correctional facilities.
Senator Ted Erickson (R-26) Guest Column:
Federal Health Care Legislation
Currently, I and other members of the general public are sitting and holding our
breath while a handful of U.S. House and Senate leaders and the President craft
an overhaul of the nation’s health care marketplace in secrecy. The deal
that these individuals reach to guarantee health insurance – NOT health care
services – to the people of the United States will impact the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, its citizens, and our budget for years to come.
AdultBasic Costs: Government Can't Manage Health Care
Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee,
took issue with a statement released by state Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario
arguing that "federal health reform is the only viable path to providing
affordable insurance options for all Pennsylvanians."
Senator White Issues Statement on House Bill 1
Senator Don White, chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee
issued the following statement on
House Bill 1.
Governor Signs Senator Corman's Health Care Measure
The Governor signed into law legislation introduced by Senator Jake Corman
(R-34) to extend health care coverage for young adults under their parents'
insurance plans.
"Mini-COBRA" Program Enacted in Pennsylvania
Legislation creating a "Mini-COBRA" health
insurance plan in Pennsylvania was signed into law by the Governor,
according to Senator Don White (R-41), prime sponsor of the Senate version of
the measure.
Vance Legislation Reauthorizing Health Care
Cost Containment Council Heads to Governor
Legislation
reauthorizing the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) until
2014 is on its way to the governor's desk after the bill unanimously passed the
Senate, said prime sponsor Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York).
"Mini-COBRA" Bill Headed to Governor
Legislation creating a "Mini-COBRA" health
insurance plan in Pennsylvania is headed to the Governor for enactment following
Senate approval, according to Senator Don White (R-41) prime sponsor of
the Senate version of the measure.
Erickson: "Alarmist and
Inaccurate" Statements Impede Budget Process
Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Ted Erickson (R-26)
challenged the state Health Secretary's claims that the Senate-approved state
budget plan "threatens the health of millions of Pennsylvanians."
Senator White Issues
Statement on CHIP Funding
Senator Don White, (R-41) Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance
Committee, issued the following statement reaffirming the Senate Republican
Caucus's commitment to Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program.
Senator Corman's Health
Care Measure Headed to Governor
Legislation introduced by Senator Jake Corman (R-34) to
extend health care coverage for young adults under their parents' insurance
plans is headed to the Governor for enactment into law following the House of
Representatives' approval (192 to 2) of the measure. The Senate
unanimously approved the bill on March 25.
Banking and Insurance
Committee Approves Health Care Bills
The Senate
Banking and Insurance Committee approved two bills that include provisions
of the HealthNET PA legislative package introduced by Senate Republicans,
according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).
Senate Approves Browne's Volunteer Education Bill
The Senate approved legislation introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16)
that would credit volunteer time by health care professionals toward their
continuing education requirements.
Senate Approves Senator
White's "Mini-COBRA" Bill
The Senate
approved
Senate Bill 442,
a measure introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) intended to improve health care
access, affordability and coverage.
Committee Approves
Browne's Volunteer Education Bill
The Senate
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee approved legislation
introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) that would credit volunteer time by
health care professionals toward their continuing education requirements.
Senators Tout Plan to Boost Community Health Care
State Senator
Lloyd Smucker (R-13) and Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) held a news conference
at SouthEast Lancaster Health Services as part of an effort to improve
health care access and expand Pennsylvania's health care safety net through the
HealthNET PA legislative package.
State Senate Unanimously
Endorses Senator Corman's Bill To Extend Insurance Benefits to Young Adults
The State Senate unanimously approved legislation sponsored
by Senator Jake Corman (R-34) that would extend health insurance coverage to
adult dependent children up to the age of 30.
Senate Approves
Legislation Reauthorizing Health Care Cost Containment Council
The Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation authored by Sens. Pat Vance
(R-Cumberland/York) and Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) reauthorizing the
Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4).
Senate Appropriations
Committee Approves HealthNET PA Bills
The Senate
Appropriations Committee approved three bills in the HealthNET PA legislative
package intended to improve health care access and coverage, according to
Committee Chairman Senator Jake Corman (R-34).
Committee Approves
HealthNET Bills to Expand Access to Community Health Care, Physicians, Medicine
Legislation that would expand access to community health care, physicians and
medicine across Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate Public Health and
Welfare Committee.
Senate Panel Approves
McIlhinney Prescription Assistance Legislation
The Senate
Public Health and Welfare Committee unanimously approved legislation that would
expand prescription drug access for low-income Pennsylvanians.
Banking and Insurance
Committee Approves HealthNET PA Bills
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee approved three bills in the
HealthNET PA legislative package intended to improve health care access and
coverage (Senate Bills 442, 443 and 189) and two mortgage reform bills (Senate
Bills 170 and 171), according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).
Erickson, Browne Visit Allentown Health Clinic
Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Ted Erickson (R-26) and
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Pat Browne (R-16) visited Sacred Heart
Hospital’s Sigal Center for Family Medicine in Allentown as part of the
effort to improve health care access and expand Pennsylvania's health care
safety net through the HealthNET PA legislative package.
Senate Majority Leader Pileggi, Senator
Eichelberger Visit Altoona Medical Center to Discuss Plan to Boost Community Health Care
State Sen. John Eichelberger (R-30) was joined by Senate Majority Leader
Dominic Pileggi (R-9) at an Altoona medical center as part of their effort to
improve health care access and expand Pennsylvania's health care safety net
through the HealthNET PA legislative package.
Senate Majority Leader Pileggi, Senate Public Health and Welfare
Committee Chairman
Erickson Visit Medical Center
to Discuss HealthNET Plan
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senate Public Health and
Welfare Committee Chairman Ted Erickson (R-26) visited Crozer-Chester Medical Center
as part of their effort to improve health care access and expand
Pennsylvania's health care safety net through the HealthNET PA legislative
package.
Senate Republicans Urge Action on Plan to Boost Community Health Care,
Cut Costs
Senate Republicans
renewed their call to improve health care access and expand Pennsylvania's
health care safety net through the HealthNET PA legislative package.
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