Health Insurance Equity Bill Brought to State House

State Representative Rob Matzie has introduced a bill that would bring Pennsylvania’s insurance law into compliance with new federal requirements, and also give the state Insurance Department authority to enforce those laws. Under the changes in the non-discrimination effort, insurers would have to:

* Provide equal insurance coverage for those struggling with mental illness or addiction
* Stop requesting genetic testing of clients and potential clients
* Protect dependent college children who must take a medical leave of absence from higher insurance rates or loss of coverage imposed by school insurance policies

Matzie says it is “imperative” this bill is passed by October, else the state will be faced with penalties from the federal government. He says the bill would basically put the execution of these federal laws into state hands. The legislation is now up for a vote in the House.