|
|
COSTA INTRODUCES ‘COVER ALL PENNSYLVANIANS’
HARRISBURG, October 2, 2007 - - State Sen. Jay Costa
(D-Allegheny) today introduced a Senate bill that would provide
health care coverage for the uninsured in Pennsylvania.
“The goal of my legislation is to provide affordable health care
service for the nearly 800,000 uninsured Pennsylvanians,” Costa said
at a Capitol rally. “We need to act now to address the higher taxes
and premiums that those with insurance are subject to because of the
uncompensated care provided by health care providers and hospitals.”
“I credit Governor Rendell for addressing this important issue.”
Costa’s ‘Cover All Pennsylvanians’ proposal, Senate Bill 1117, does
not include the Governor’s proposed Fair Share Assessment on
businesses that do not provide health care insurance to their
employees.
“I recognize the controversial nature of this provision and believe
it could hamper serious discussion on this crucial issue in the
Senate,” Costa said. “By leaving that aspect of the proposal out, I
hope to give health care reform more attention and priority in the
state Senate.”
Costa’s legislation would establish a basic health insurance program
to help small businesses provide health insurance to their employees
and make reasonably priced health insurance available to uninsured
adults.
The legislation mirrors much of Gov. Rendell’s health care reform
package. Earlier in the year, the legislature enacted other parts of
Governor Rendell’s plan, including a comprehensive Hospital Acquired
Infections bill that will save millions of dollars in health care
costs when fully implemented.
Under Costa’s legislation, basic coverage would include preliminary
and annual health assessments, emergency care, inpatient and
outpatient care; prescription drugs, medical supplies and equipment;
emergency dental care; maternity care; skilled nursing, home health
and hospice care; chronic disease management; preventive and
wellness care; and behavioral health services.
“The vast majority of uninsured Pennsylvanians are employed, and we
need to take action now,” Costa said. “I look forward to extensive
and engaging discussion on this essential legislation with my
colleagues on both sides of the Senate aisle in the coming weeks.”
State Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) introduced similar legislation
in the state House of Representatives today as House Bill 1870.
# # #
|
|