Local human services advocates rallied outside Governor Tom Corbett’s Pittsburgh office today to protest the House Republican budget proposal.
The House plan sets aside $10.7 billion for the Department of Public Welfare, about $471 million less than Corbett’s proposal. Last year’s DPW budget was $10.6 billion.
Just Harvest Co-Director Tara Marks says Harrisburg leaders should put $500 million from the budget surplus toward the DPW to fund it to Corbett’s proposed level.
Jim Franciscus of the Allegheny County Assistance Office says his department is understaffed and dealing with 22% more paperwork than ever before, so more funding is necessary to counteract a growing need.
Erin Gill of the PA Health Access Network also came out to protest the elimination of the adultBasic health insurance program, which provided coverage to 45,000 Pennsylvanians before it was terminated in February.
“But slashing these services isn’t enough for the Governor,” says Gill. “He’s taking it one step farther: taking dollars set aside in the Tobacco Settlement for health care and using them to start a new state-subsidized loan program for businesses, called Liberty Loans.”
The protesters toted umbrellas in the sunny weather, an allusion to Republican legislators’ idea to leave the $500 million tax surplus in a “rainy day fund.”
Showing posts with label Health Insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health Insurance. Show all posts
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Funds for Adult Basic Continue to be Diverted
An appellate judge will not stop the Corbett Administration from using money that in the past has helped pay for the adultBasic health care coverage. Commonwealth Court Senior Judge James Kelly denied a motion to order the State Treasurer to hold onto the state's annual deposit of money from the 1998 settlement with the tobacco companies.
The lawsuit filed last month alleges that 30% of the tobacco settlement money was to be set aside for adultBasic and Medicare, but it was unlawfully diverted to other purposes. The case lists 75 plaintiffs who were covered by adultBasic until the governor allowed the program to end on February 28th. The overall lawsuit is still pending and asks the court to force the governor to restore the health insurance plan.
The lawsuit filed last month alleges that 30% of the tobacco settlement money was to be set aside for adultBasic and Medicare, but it was unlawfully diverted to other purposes. The case lists 75 plaintiffs who were covered by adultBasic until the governor allowed the program to end on February 28th. The overall lawsuit is still pending and asks the court to force the governor to restore the health insurance plan.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Highmark: No Deal to Acquire West Penn Allegheny At This Time
Pittsburgh-based health insurer Highmark, Inc. is trying to clarify reports by some local media about an effort to acquire the West Penn Allegheny Health System which would put the company into even greater competition with UPMC as both an insurer and a care provider.
Highmark issued a statement saying it is always interested in having discussions with key stakeholder and "looking for ways to improve the efficiency and quality of the region’s health care system. While the West Penn Allegheny Health System (WPAHS) is a vital element of the local health care system, Highmark does not have a deal to acquire WPAHS at this time."
The statement went on to say that for decades the company has encouraged competition among multiple health care delivery systems.
" Highmark has historically supported an inclusive hospital network that includes a broad mix of advanced care and community hospitals to meet the medical needs of its members."
Highmark's current contract with UPMC expires June 30, 2012.
" Contrary to some media reports, under the terms of the current agreement, Highmark members will continue to have access to UPMC hospital services through June 30, 2013. Highmark is continuing contract discussions with UPMC with the goal of finalizing an agreement, which will preserve provider choice and broad access to UPMC for Highmark members into the future."
Highmark has about 4.8 million insurance subscribers, three times that of UPMC.
Highmark issued a statement saying it is always interested in having discussions with key stakeholder and "looking for ways to improve the efficiency and quality of the region’s health care system. While the West Penn Allegheny Health System (WPAHS) is a vital element of the local health care system, Highmark does not have a deal to acquire WPAHS at this time."
The statement went on to say that for decades the company has encouraged competition among multiple health care delivery systems.
" Highmark has historically supported an inclusive hospital network that includes a broad mix of advanced care and community hospitals to meet the medical needs of its members."
Highmark's current contract with UPMC expires June 30, 2012.
" Contrary to some media reports, under the terms of the current agreement, Highmark members will continue to have access to UPMC hospital services through June 30, 2013. Highmark is continuing contract discussions with UPMC with the goal of finalizing an agreement, which will preserve provider choice and broad access to UPMC for Highmark members into the future."
Highmark has about 4.8 million insurance subscribers, three times that of UPMC.
Dem Lawmakers Support Suit to Restore AdultBasic
A group of 15 Democratic State Reprentatives and Senators have filed an amicus brief on behalf of the nearly 42,000 Pennsylvanians who lost their health coverage when the state's adultBasic insurance program for low income workers ended February 28.
Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa of Allegheny County says Governor Corbett "overreached" when he "unilaterally" terminated adultBasic...
"He had the obligation and the responsibility to try to find resources to fund the program at least until June 30 that was agreed to by the General Assembly in July 2010. We think it's important we make our argument to the court in support of the lawsuits that have been filed, expressing our argument that the governor acted beyond his authority."
Governor Corbett said the state had no money to fund the insurance program. But Costa, Auditor General Jack Wagner and advocates for adultBasic claim that the administration and the legislature has redirected funds from the Tobacco Lawsuit settlement. The lawsuit filed on behalf of former adultBasic clients claims that 30% of the settlement monies were to be shared between adultBasic and Medicaid for workers with disabilities.
According to the state Insurance Department, 8,000 of the 42,000 former adultBasic recipients have transitioned to another insurance program. Costa says that means that the others, who now do not have preventive care, will wind up in hospital emergency rooms..."Those costs are borne by the hospitals. They then turn around and force them (the costs) on to the health care deliver system, ans it relates to about a 7-8% increase in costs of the premiums paid by the public or rate payers who for for health insurance."
Costa has introduced a bill that would use $25 million from this year's current surplus but that measure remains in committee.
He says the program needs to be funded until June 30th but also a bridge is needed till 2014 when the federal health care act kicks in completely.
Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa of Allegheny County says Governor Corbett "overreached" when he "unilaterally" terminated adultBasic...
"He had the obligation and the responsibility to try to find resources to fund the program at least until June 30 that was agreed to by the General Assembly in July 2010. We think it's important we make our argument to the court in support of the lawsuits that have been filed, expressing our argument that the governor acted beyond his authority."
Governor Corbett said the state had no money to fund the insurance program. But Costa, Auditor General Jack Wagner and advocates for adultBasic claim that the administration and the legislature has redirected funds from the Tobacco Lawsuit settlement. The lawsuit filed on behalf of former adultBasic clients claims that 30% of the settlement monies were to be shared between adultBasic and Medicaid for workers with disabilities.
According to the state Insurance Department, 8,000 of the 42,000 former adultBasic recipients have transitioned to another insurance program. Costa says that means that the others, who now do not have preventive care, will wind up in hospital emergency rooms..."Those costs are borne by the hospitals. They then turn around and force them (the costs) on to the health care deliver system, ans it relates to about a 7-8% increase in costs of the premiums paid by the public or rate payers who for for health insurance."
Costa has introduced a bill that would use $25 million from this year's current surplus but that measure remains in committee.
He says the program needs to be funded until June 30th but also a bridge is needed till 2014 when the federal health care act kicks in completely.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
28% of Small PA Businesses Expect to Hire
A survey of Pennsylvania small business owners indicates they are cautiously optimistic about the future.
According to the poll by the trade association, SMC Business Councils, 28% of respondents expect to increase employment while 65% anticipate no change in their workforce levels, and 6% will lay off employees. Tom Henschke, president of the organization, says 56% expect revenues to grow; 30% see revenues remaining the same, and 14% think their revenues will drop.
"This survey shows some increased optimism from small business in the form of same or slightly increasing sales, same or slightly better profit margin. However, it's not necessarily leading to new hiring, capital investments, expansion. It's still a sign to us that there's a tremendous amount of uncertainty."
The small business owners indicated the cost of the Affordable Health Care Act as far and away the top business challenge. 88% of SMC members listed it as one of their top business challenges, including the cost of complying with the taxes, new benefits and mandates that go along with it. Nearly six in 10 -- 58% -- consider the health laws to be a severe challenge to their businesses.
However, a report issued last week by Families USA, a national organization for health care consumers, indicates 161,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania, 4 million nationwide, with fewer than 25 employees are eligible for a tax credit to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for their workers.
Business owners also listed the economy (34%), the cost of doing business (27%), taxes (38%), regulations (34%), and the cost of energy (23%) as other challenges to their success and ability to add workers.
According to the poll by the trade association, SMC Business Councils, 28% of respondents expect to increase employment while 65% anticipate no change in their workforce levels, and 6% will lay off employees. Tom Henschke, president of the organization, says 56% expect revenues to grow; 30% see revenues remaining the same, and 14% think their revenues will drop.
"This survey shows some increased optimism from small business in the form of same or slightly increasing sales, same or slightly better profit margin. However, it's not necessarily leading to new hiring, capital investments, expansion. It's still a sign to us that there's a tremendous amount of uncertainty."
The small business owners indicated the cost of the Affordable Health Care Act as far and away the top business challenge. 88% of SMC members listed it as one of their top business challenges, including the cost of complying with the taxes, new benefits and mandates that go along with it. Nearly six in 10 -- 58% -- consider the health laws to be a severe challenge to their businesses.
However, a report issued last week by Families USA, a national organization for health care consumers, indicates 161,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania, 4 million nationwide, with fewer than 25 employees are eligible for a tax credit to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for their workers.
Business owners also listed the economy (34%), the cost of doing business (27%), taxes (38%), regulations (34%), and the cost of energy (23%) as other challenges to their success and ability to add workers.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Field Hearing on Healthcare Leans Right
A year after the federal health care overhaul was signed into law, the measure remains a partisan lighting rod. On the legislation’s one-year anniversary, Republican Congressman Joe Pitts held a Harrisburg field hearing on the measure’s impact. The press release announcing the event included phrases like “broken promises” and “Obamacare” and the first few questions of the event followed suit. An early question from Republican G.T. Thompson was directed at acting Pennsylvania Public Welfare Secretary Gary Alexander. “Mr. Secretary, the new law creates a trillion dollar entitlement program, expands Medicaid, imposes new taxes and regulatory burdens on American employers and workers. In your view, does the new law control and reduce the trend of increasing public health care expenditures in Pennsylvania?” Sec. Alexander’s response, “Absolutely not.”
On the other side of the spectrum was the Democratic group Organizing for America. The group is holding several events across Pennsylvania celebrating the law’s passage. Organizing for America argues the measure has already expanded coverage options by letting people stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26, and barring companies from denying coverage to those with preexisting conditions. OFA’s PA Director, Elizabeth Lucas says, “It includes free preventative care, that can change things down the road for them significantly. It also lowers the cost of prescription drugs that they have to pay, the Medicare they can count on.”
In the meantime, Governor Corbett is asking President Obama to speed up legal challenges, so the Supreme Court can rule on the case. “Pennsylvania and all states need clarity. Our businesses, our health care providers and our citizens deserve quick action, and frankly, we need to know what our options and obligations will be.” says Corbett.
On the other side of the spectrum was the Democratic group Organizing for America. The group is holding several events across Pennsylvania celebrating the law’s passage. Organizing for America argues the measure has already expanded coverage options by letting people stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26, and barring companies from denying coverage to those with preexisting conditions. OFA’s PA Director, Elizabeth Lucas says, “It includes free preventative care, that can change things down the road for them significantly. It also lowers the cost of prescription drugs that they have to pay, the Medicare they can count on.”
In the meantime, Governor Corbett is asking President Obama to speed up legal challenges, so the Supreme Court can rule on the case. “Pennsylvania and all states need clarity. Our businesses, our health care providers and our citizens deserve quick action, and frankly, we need to know what our options and obligations will be.” says Corbett.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Anniversary For Health Care Law
It's been one year since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the health care overhaul legislation and supporters are touting its success.
Families USA, a national organization for health care consumers, has issued a study that examines the numbers of people: children, young adults, and seniors, plus small businesses that are eligible for benefits.
In the first year of the law, uninsured young adults were allowed to stay on their parents' health insurance plan until age 26. Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, says nationwide 3.4 million young adults are eligible including 89,100 in Pennsylvania...
"How many have done so, it's hard to say. The reason it's so important to let people know how many people might be eligible is that people might not be aware they are eligible. When they learn about it, they're more likely to talk to their parents to see if their parents are willing to put them back on."
The law also prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to children who have pre-existing conditions. That affects about 178,000 children in Pennsylvania.
According to Pollack, nearly 217,000 seniors in Pennsylvania, who fall into the so-called "doughnut hole," received a $250 prescription drug rebate check but this year, "these folks when they fall into this coverage gap will be eligible for 50% discounts in brand name drugs. So, I suspect there will be more people who benefit from this."
161,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania, 4 million nationwide, with fewer than 25 employees are eligible for a tax credit to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for their workers. It's uncertain how many companies want to provide the coverage in order to get the tax credit.
Pollack says even though most of the big provisions of the legislation don't take effect for a couple of years, it's already providing help to children, young adults and seniors.
Families USA, a national organization for health care consumers, has issued a study that examines the numbers of people: children, young adults, and seniors, plus small businesses that are eligible for benefits.
In the first year of the law, uninsured young adults were allowed to stay on their parents' health insurance plan until age 26. Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, says nationwide 3.4 million young adults are eligible including 89,100 in Pennsylvania...
"How many have done so, it's hard to say. The reason it's so important to let people know how many people might be eligible is that people might not be aware they are eligible. When they learn about it, they're more likely to talk to their parents to see if their parents are willing to put them back on."
The law also prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to children who have pre-existing conditions. That affects about 178,000 children in Pennsylvania.
According to Pollack, nearly 217,000 seniors in Pennsylvania, who fall into the so-called "doughnut hole," received a $250 prescription drug rebate check but this year, "these folks when they fall into this coverage gap will be eligible for 50% discounts in brand name drugs. So, I suspect there will be more people who benefit from this."
161,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania, 4 million nationwide, with fewer than 25 employees are eligible for a tax credit to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for their workers. It's uncertain how many companies want to provide the coverage in order to get the tax credit.
Pollack says even though most of the big provisions of the legislation don't take effect for a couple of years, it's already providing help to children, young adults and seniors.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Insurance Commissioner: Gov Worked Hard for Alternative to AdultBasic
Governor Tom Corbett’s pick for Insurance Commissioner says the administration is taking a “wait and see” approach to implementing the new federal health care law.
At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine said he would like to see a Supreme Court ruling on the measure’s constitutionality, before Pennsylvania decides whether or not to create a state-level health care exchange. “I certainly think we all would tend to agree that we would do a much better job of regulating insurance here in Pennsylvania than the federal government would do,” he said. “And admittedly, the federal government doesn’t even want to run these exchanges nationwide, or for large states.”
Several federal judges have issued rulings on the law, but it’s not clear when – or if – the Supreme Court will hear arguments on the challenge. Consedine said the department has accepted federal money to carry out a study on whether it would be better to create a state exchange, or let the federal government oversee Pennsylvania’s health insurance sales.
He also addressed adultBasic during the hearing, telling lawmakers that contrary to Democratic criticism, the Corbett Administration actively worked to find alternative coverage for the program’s 41,000 enrollees. “They worked directly with the Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in Pennsylvania, to make the Special Care product available, which is another subsidized limited benefit health insurance product available. We negotiated with the Blues and they agreed to waive the preexisting condition exclusion for adultBasic members who enrolled in the program, which was a very significant concession on their part,” he said.
Special Care offers fewer benefits than adultBasic, and has a more expensive monthly premium. Consedine says about 7,000 thousand people have joined Special Care since adultBasic ended earlier this month.
A group of former adultBasic enrollees has filed a lawsuit against Corbett and lawmakers, for failing to continue funding the initiative.
At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine said he would like to see a Supreme Court ruling on the measure’s constitutionality, before Pennsylvania decides whether or not to create a state-level health care exchange. “I certainly think we all would tend to agree that we would do a much better job of regulating insurance here in Pennsylvania than the federal government would do,” he said. “And admittedly, the federal government doesn’t even want to run these exchanges nationwide, or for large states.”
Several federal judges have issued rulings on the law, but it’s not clear when – or if – the Supreme Court will hear arguments on the challenge. Consedine said the department has accepted federal money to carry out a study on whether it would be better to create a state exchange, or let the federal government oversee Pennsylvania’s health insurance sales.
He also addressed adultBasic during the hearing, telling lawmakers that contrary to Democratic criticism, the Corbett Administration actively worked to find alternative coverage for the program’s 41,000 enrollees. “They worked directly with the Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in Pennsylvania, to make the Special Care product available, which is another subsidized limited benefit health insurance product available. We negotiated with the Blues and they agreed to waive the preexisting condition exclusion for adultBasic members who enrolled in the program, which was a very significant concession on their part,” he said.
Special Care offers fewer benefits than adultBasic, and has a more expensive monthly premium. Consedine says about 7,000 thousand people have joined Special Care since adultBasic ended earlier this month.
A group of former adultBasic enrollees has filed a lawsuit against Corbett and lawmakers, for failing to continue funding the initiative.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Corbett Sued Over AdultBasic
Three plaintiffs, all from southwestern Pennsylvania, have filed suit against Governor Tom Corbett and the state legislature for letting the adultBasic health insurance program expire March 1. Attorneys for the Pittsburgh law firm Caroselli Beachler McTiernan and Conboy allege in the suit that state officials are violating the Pennsylvania Tobacco Settlement Act which requires a portion of the annual tobacco settlement funds go to adultBasic.
That money along negotiated contributions from the four Blue Cross/Blue Shields was used to fund the insurance program for nearly 42,000 low-income people. Nearly a half million others were on the waiting list.
Governor Corbett responded to the suit by saying the state can't afford the insurance program.
"That money is gone. We will not spend money we do not have. I will comment that Senator Stack of Philadelphia has commented the legislature could have used their reserves . Pretty good observation, but I don't have access to those reserves. I wish I did."
State Senator Mike Stack has authored legalisation to allocate the the General Assembly's $188.5 million budget surplus to fund adultBasic for at least a year. Stack says it's in everyone's interest to continue with adultBasic. Stack says he couldn't believe that the governor did not mention adultBasic in his budget address. "It’s as if 41,000 Pennsylvanians have simply been forgotten. The governor said his budget proposal ‘separates the must-haves from the nice-to-haves.’ I guess he thinks basic health coverage is a luxury. Well, it’s not a luxury. It’s a lifeline, not only for the 42,000 hard-working men and women who were on adultBasic, but also the nearly half-million individuals who were on the waiting list."
Stack's bill is still in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
That money along negotiated contributions from the four Blue Cross/Blue Shields was used to fund the insurance program for nearly 42,000 low-income people. Nearly a half million others were on the waiting list.
Governor Corbett responded to the suit by saying the state can't afford the insurance program.
"That money is gone. We will not spend money we do not have. I will comment that Senator Stack of Philadelphia has commented the legislature could have used their reserves . Pretty good observation, but I don't have access to those reserves. I wish I did."
State Senator Mike Stack has authored legalisation to allocate the the General Assembly's $188.5 million budget surplus to fund adultBasic for at least a year. Stack says it's in everyone's interest to continue with adultBasic. Stack says he couldn't believe that the governor did not mention adultBasic in his budget address. "It’s as if 41,000 Pennsylvanians have simply been forgotten. The governor said his budget proposal ‘separates the must-haves from the nice-to-haves.’ I guess he thinks basic health coverage is a luxury. Well, it’s not a luxury. It’s a lifeline, not only for the 42,000 hard-working men and women who were on adultBasic, but also the nearly half-million individuals who were on the waiting list."
Stack's bill is still in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
PA Auditor: Stop Raiding Tobacco Funds
A Special report out of the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s office today outlines how state lawmakers have diverted $1.3 billion in Tobacco Settlement funds in recent years without asking for any public input. In 2001 the General Assembly mandated that annual tobacco settlement payments be divided by set percentages among several accounts. Eight percent was to be deposited to an endowment account for the future, 30 percent for adultBasic and Medicaid for workers with disabilities, 18 percent for health research, 13 percent for home and community-based services for the elderly, 12 percent for tobacco prevention and cessation programs, 10 percent to reimburse hospitals for uncompensated care, eight percent to expand the PACENET prescription drug program, and one percent for cancer research. Wagner says in recent years those ratios have been ignored.
Wagner says the legislature has diverted funds to pay for Medicaid and to prop up the general fund. He says the endowment that was to provide for health needs in the future will be completely drained later this year.
Since 1998 the state has received $4.4 Billion in tobacco settlement funds. Payments to the state over the next seven years are expected to average $370 million. Between 2019 and 2025 they are expected to average $355 million a year.
Wagner is calling on the state legislature and the governor to immediately use all incoming funds to reopen the low income health insurance program adultBasic and then hold a series of public hearings on the allocation of future funds. “Things may have changed over time and maybe more funds should be directed to one program or the other,” says Wagner “but those decisions should be made in a public process, with public input. Something that has not happened since the inception of tobacco settlement funds.”
Wagner says, “It’s about time there is a little bit of sunshine into this process.” He says it is not too late to rebuild the endowment fund and it is not too late to save adultBasic for the more than 40,000 individuals who lost coverage this week.
Wagner says the legislature has diverted funds to pay for Medicaid and to prop up the general fund. He says the endowment that was to provide for health needs in the future will be completely drained later this year.
Since 1998 the state has received $4.4 Billion in tobacco settlement funds. Payments to the state over the next seven years are expected to average $370 million. Between 2019 and 2025 they are expected to average $355 million a year.
Wagner is calling on the state legislature and the governor to immediately use all incoming funds to reopen the low income health insurance program adultBasic and then hold a series of public hearings on the allocation of future funds. “Things may have changed over time and maybe more funds should be directed to one program or the other,” says Wagner “but those decisions should be made in a public process, with public input. Something that has not happened since the inception of tobacco settlement funds.”
Wagner says, “It’s about time there is a little bit of sunshine into this process.” He says it is not too late to rebuild the endowment fund and it is not too late to save adultBasic for the more than 40,000 individuals who lost coverage this week.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Rallies Try to Save adultBasic
The state supported low-income health insurance known as “adult Basic” expires at midnight tonight and rallies across the state today called on the governor to restore spending. When the adultBasic program was launched in 2001 the state’s four Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies and money from the State’s tobacco settlement funded it. When the tobacco money ran out, the state covered the gap and now Governor Tom Corbett has decided to let the program expire. In a rally in Pittsburgh's Market Square today, Pennsylvania Consumer Health Coalition Executive Director Beth Heeb says adultBasic was a lifeline for nearly 42-thousand Pennsylvanians. “People who work two and three jobs to support their families, people whose employers cannot afford to offer health care, people who are sick suffering from chronic illnesses and are priced out of the private insurance market due to their pre-existing medical conditions,” says Heeb.
Activists are asking for the governor to fund adultBasic through the end of the fiscal year and to find a way to preserve the program through 2014 when federal health care laws begin. They contend there are several options before the governor that he can choose if he wants to save the program.
Alison Zapata was on adultBasic. She was on the waiting list for more than three years before getting into the program less than a year ago. Zapata says two months after she learned she was pregnant, she learned the program was being eliminated. “[It] kind of sent me into a panic mode,” says Zapata. She says she cannot afford to go on her fiancées insurance and she thinks the other government-supported options, which cost more and cover less are, “scary.”
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thousands To Lose Health Insurance in PA
A state-run health insurance program for 40,000 low-income Pennsylvanians will expire Monday, but the Corbett Administration won’t step in to extend adultBasic.
Republican Governor Tom Corbett blames his Democratic predecessor for adultBasic’s demise.
Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley says Governor Rendell shouldn’t have extended the program’s rolls, knowing its funding agreement was expiring.
"It’s unfortunate that Governor Rendell never lived up to his commitment. But the fact is, it’s unsustainable, and there’s no money in the budget for it."
Republican Governor Tom Corbett blames his Democratic predecessor for adultBasic’s demise.
Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley says Governor Rendell shouldn’t have extended the program’s rolls, knowing its funding agreement was expiring.
"It’s unfortunate that Governor Rendell never lived up to his commitment. But the fact is, it’s unsustainable, and there’s no money in the budget for it."
adultBasic supporters aren’t giving up hope. At a Capitol rally, Reverend Amy Reumann of the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry urged Corbett to step in and save the program.
"We don’t accept it at this point. We still think there is room. And if he could simply function in the role to bring all the players to the table, where there could be some negotiation around, how can we continue it? Do the blues still have a charitable obligation, and if so, what form is that going to take? What could be the role of other insurance agencies out there?
I think there are still solutions and possibilities out there, if there’s a will. And we look to him to give that moral leadership."
Philadelphia-based Community Legal Services has threatened to sue over Corbett’s decision to end the program. Harley brushed off the threat, saying, “the state gets sued about 70 times a week.”
I think there are still solutions and possibilities out there, if there’s a will. And we look to him to give that moral leadership."
Philadelphia-based Community Legal Services has threatened to sue over Corbett’s decision to end the program. Harley brushed off the threat, saying, “the state gets sued about 70 times a week.”
Friday, February 11, 2011
Legislative Surplus Could Fund adultBasic
Governor Tom Corbett says Pennsylvania's dire finances mean that his administration can't extend a low-cost health insurance plan for 42,000 working adults when the program
runs out of money in less than three weeks. Corbett is blaming his predecessor Ed Rendell for adding people to the rolls of adultBasic but not ensuring there was enough money in place.
However, some state lawmakers want to use the General Assembly's surplus to continue the health insurance program.
Senator Mike Stack, a democrat from Philadelphia, has introduced legislation that would sustain those who stand to lose health coverage at the end of the month when adultBasic expires. The program had been funded by contributions from the Blue Cross/Blue Shields across the state. Senate Bill 420 would allocate the General Assembly’s $188.5 million budget surplus to
fund operating expenses for adultBasic for another year.
Democratic State Senator John Yudichak of Luzerne County says there aren't many funding options..."There are few line items in the budget that have a surplus. Legislative leadership accounts have a surplus. I think this is an important step so that we can continue to provide services."
Stack, the bill's sponsor, says adultBasic must be more accountable....
"It's probably going to be necessary to change how frequently coverage is offered to people on the waiting list. We would also have to look at what's covered, how much is covered and also we may have to ask for folks to get involved with cost-sharing."
Assuming that adultBasic expenses remain at the current $14 million a month. The measure would give the state another year to determine how to help the program survive until federal health care coverage starts up in 2014.
runs out of money in less than three weeks. Corbett is blaming his predecessor Ed Rendell for adding people to the rolls of adultBasic but not ensuring there was enough money in place.
However, some state lawmakers want to use the General Assembly's surplus to continue the health insurance program.
Senator Mike Stack, a democrat from Philadelphia, has introduced legislation that would sustain those who stand to lose health coverage at the end of the month when adultBasic expires. The program had been funded by contributions from the Blue Cross/Blue Shields across the state. Senate Bill 420 would allocate the General Assembly’s $188.5 million budget surplus to
fund operating expenses for adultBasic for another year.
Democratic State Senator John Yudichak of Luzerne County says there aren't many funding options..."There are few line items in the budget that have a surplus. Legislative leadership accounts have a surplus. I think this is an important step so that we can continue to provide services."
Stack, the bill's sponsor, says adultBasic must be more accountable....
"It's probably going to be necessary to change how frequently coverage is offered to people on the waiting list. We would also have to look at what's covered, how much is covered and also we may have to ask for folks to get involved with cost-sharing."
Assuming that adultBasic expenses remain at the current $14 million a month. The measure would give the state another year to determine how to help the program survive until federal health care coverage starts up in 2014.
Impact of Health Care Spending Caps
While Congress debates repealing the federal health care law or changing specific provisions such as mandatory health insurance and prohibiting denial of coverage for those with preexisting conditions, Families USA says one low-profile provision will protect Pennsylvania families from catastrophic medical expenses.
That provision puts a cap on out of pocket costs for insured people for co-payments, deductibles and treatments not covered. The spending caps take effect in 2014 like many other features of the health care law. Starting in 3 years, those caps will be $5,950 for an individual per year and
$11,900 for a family.
Ron Pollock, executive director of Families USA, says this year alone 452,000 Pennsylvanians will spend an estimated $655 million beyond the out-of-pocket caps.......
"This is going to provide a significant protection that does no exists and that will enable people to save money for other necessities."
Pollock says their study shows that nearly 40% of Pennsylvanians who will spend more than the caps are in families where the head of the household works for a small business...
"These caps will be of special value to small businesses and the employees of small businesses."
He says that's because rising health insurance costs have pressured small business owners into passing off the increases to workers through higher deductibles and co-payments.
Pollock says their study shows that there is still a great deal of confusion about the federal health care legislation because "it's a big law with many features."
He says they are not releasing this study as a preemptive strategy to head off a possible elimination of the 2014 caps...."I don't thing that this provision is under attack. I have not heard yet that anyone is really interested in eliminating, or reducing, or changing the caps."
He says there are features of the law that have engendered more controversy. He adds there are many provisions that are not controversial and therefore have not gotten much attention, and that's the purpose of this report on the out-of-pocket caps.
That provision puts a cap on out of pocket costs for insured people for co-payments, deductibles and treatments not covered. The spending caps take effect in 2014 like many other features of the health care law. Starting in 3 years, those caps will be $5,950 for an individual per year and
$11,900 for a family.
Ron Pollock, executive director of Families USA, says this year alone 452,000 Pennsylvanians will spend an estimated $655 million beyond the out-of-pocket caps.......
"This is going to provide a significant protection that does no exists and that will enable people to save money for other necessities."
Pollock says their study shows that nearly 40% of Pennsylvanians who will spend more than the caps are in families where the head of the household works for a small business...
"These caps will be of special value to small businesses and the employees of small businesses."
He says that's because rising health insurance costs have pressured small business owners into passing off the increases to workers through higher deductibles and co-payments.
Pollock says their study shows that there is still a great deal of confusion about the federal health care legislation because "it's a big law with many features."
He says they are not releasing this study as a preemptive strategy to head off a possible elimination of the 2014 caps...."I don't thing that this provision is under attack. I have not heard yet that anyone is really interested in eliminating, or reducing, or changing the caps."
He says there are features of the law that have engendered more controversy. He adds there are many provisions that are not controversial and therefore have not gotten much attention, and that's the purpose of this report on the out-of-pocket caps.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
PA House Committee Tries To Block Mandated Insurance
A state House panel has approved a bill blocking a key portion of the new federal health care law within Pennsylvania.
The health care legislation requires every American to purchase health insurance, or face penalties, beginning in 2014. The House Health Committee voted on straight party lines to void the mandate within Pennsylvania's borders.
Democrats on the panel argued the legislation is unconstitutional, since it would directly contradict federal law. Committee Chair and bill sponsor Matthew Baker countered that similar bills have been introduced in 42 states, and passed by six. "So it is the issue all across America right now: that this forced mandate is unconstitutional, and that states have the authority and the wherewithal under their constitutional construct to oppose a mandate that is unconstitutionally exacted upon them by Congress," he said.
Baker said President Obama and Congress were the ones who overstepped constitutional boundaries, by penalizing consumers who don't want to buy health insurance. "We need this bill in order to affirm and reassert our autonomy and freedoms. That what is not provided by federal law, the states have the ability to enact. And what this does is, it enacts an unconstitutional section of the federal health care bill called the mandate."
Democratic Committee Chair John Myers argued the 14-9 vote was a stunt. "What they're attempting to do today is to move forward their philosophical agenda, and not address the real issue. Because if they wanted to address the real issue we would be dealing with adultBasic today. And not dealing with this philosophical statement, anti-Barack Obama," he said. AdultBasic provides health insurance for more than 40-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but it's set to expire at the end of the month.
According to Baker, several constitutional elements are at play here. "The [Obama Administration] has to demonstrate that [the law] is derived from Congressional authority to regulate interstate commerce," he said, arguing regulation of "inactivity is an over-reach." (That's what a Florida federal judge recently found, in a lawsuit joined by then-Attorney General Tom Corbett.) Baker said the Tenth Amendment is also relevant. The language reads: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, not prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Whether or not Americans purchase health insurance, said Baker, is not Congress' responsibility.
So why not just let the federal courts decide the law's constitutionality, instead of pass a law that may violate another portion of the document, which reads, "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States...shall be the supreme law of the Land; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding"? "This is an added hedge of protection against federal overreach," said Baker.
So what's next? It's unclear when the full House would vote on the measure, though GOP leadership supports its intent. It's also unclear when or where the next federal court action will happen, though nearly every political and legal observer in the country agrees the health care law will ultimately end up before the United States Supreme Court.
The health care legislation requires every American to purchase health insurance, or face penalties, beginning in 2014. The House Health Committee voted on straight party lines to void the mandate within Pennsylvania's borders.
Democrats on the panel argued the legislation is unconstitutional, since it would directly contradict federal law. Committee Chair and bill sponsor Matthew Baker countered that similar bills have been introduced in 42 states, and passed by six. "So it is the issue all across America right now: that this forced mandate is unconstitutional, and that states have the authority and the wherewithal under their constitutional construct to oppose a mandate that is unconstitutionally exacted upon them by Congress," he said.
Baker said President Obama and Congress were the ones who overstepped constitutional boundaries, by penalizing consumers who don't want to buy health insurance. "We need this bill in order to affirm and reassert our autonomy and freedoms. That what is not provided by federal law, the states have the ability to enact. And what this does is, it enacts an unconstitutional section of the federal health care bill called the mandate."
Democratic Committee Chair John Myers argued the 14-9 vote was a stunt. "What they're attempting to do today is to move forward their philosophical agenda, and not address the real issue. Because if they wanted to address the real issue we would be dealing with adultBasic today. And not dealing with this philosophical statement, anti-Barack Obama," he said. AdultBasic provides health insurance for more than 40-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but it's set to expire at the end of the month.
According to Baker, several constitutional elements are at play here. "The [Obama Administration] has to demonstrate that [the law] is derived from Congressional authority to regulate interstate commerce," he said, arguing regulation of "inactivity is an over-reach." (That's what a Florida federal judge recently found, in a lawsuit joined by then-Attorney General Tom Corbett.) Baker said the Tenth Amendment is also relevant. The language reads: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, not prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Whether or not Americans purchase health insurance, said Baker, is not Congress' responsibility.
So why not just let the federal courts decide the law's constitutionality, instead of pass a law that may violate another portion of the document, which reads, "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States...shall be the supreme law of the Land; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding"? "This is an added hedge of protection against federal overreach," said Baker.
So what's next? It's unclear when the full House would vote on the measure, though GOP leadership supports its intent. It's also unclear when or where the next federal court action will happen, though nearly every political and legal observer in the country agrees the health care law will ultimately end up before the United States Supreme Court.
PA Opt Out Fight Grows
A Pennsylvania House panel has approved a bill blocking a key portion of the new federal health care law from being enacted within Pennsylvania. The federal health care legislation requires every American to purchase health insurance in 2014 or face penalties. The House Health Committee voted on straight party lines to void the mandate within Pennsylvania's borders.
Democrats on the panel argue the legislation is unconstitutional, since it would directly contradict federal law. Committee Chair and bill sponsor Matthew Baker countered that similar bills have been introduced in 42 states, and passed in six. "So it is the issue all across America right now: that this forced mandate is unconstitutional, and that states have the authority and the wherewithal under their constitutional construct to oppose a mandate that is unconstitutionally exacted upon them by Congress," says Baker. He says President Obama and Congress were the ones who overstepped constitutional boundaries, by penalizing consumers who don't want to buy health insurance. "We need this bill in order to affirm and reassert our autonomy and freedoms. That what is not provided by federal law, the states have the ability to enact. And what this does is, it enacts an unconstitutional section of the federal health care bill called the mandate."
Democratic Committee Chair John Myers argues the 14-9 vote was a stunt. "What they're attempting to do today is to move forward their philosophical agenda, and not address the real issue. Because if they wanted to address the real issue we would be dealing with adultBasic today. And not dealing with this philosophical statement, anti-Barack Obama," says Myers.
AdultBasic provides health insurance for more than 40-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but it's set to expire at the end of the month. According to Baker, several constitutional elements are at play here. "The [Obama Administration] has to demonstrate that [the law] is derived from Congressional authority to regulate interstate commerce," he says, arguing regulation of "inactivity is an over-reach." (That is what a Florida federal judge recently found, in a lawsuit joined by then-Attorney General Tom Corbett.)
Baker says the Tenth Amendment is also relevant. The language reads: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, not prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Whether or not Americans purchase health insurance, says Baker, is not Congress' responsibility. So why not just let the federal courts decide the law's constitutionality, instead of pass a law that may violate another portion of the document, which reads, "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States...shall be the supreme law of the Land; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding?" "This is an added hedge of protection against federal overreach," says Baker.
It's unclear when the full House would vote on the measure, though GOP leadership supports its intent. It's also unclear when or where the next federal court action will happen, though nearly every political and legal observer in the country agrees the health care law will ultimately end up before the United States Supreme Court.
Democrats on the panel argue the legislation is unconstitutional, since it would directly contradict federal law. Committee Chair and bill sponsor Matthew Baker countered that similar bills have been introduced in 42 states, and passed in six. "So it is the issue all across America right now: that this forced mandate is unconstitutional, and that states have the authority and the wherewithal under their constitutional construct to oppose a mandate that is unconstitutionally exacted upon them by Congress," says Baker. He says President Obama and Congress were the ones who overstepped constitutional boundaries, by penalizing consumers who don't want to buy health insurance. "We need this bill in order to affirm and reassert our autonomy and freedoms. That what is not provided by federal law, the states have the ability to enact. And what this does is, it enacts an unconstitutional section of the federal health care bill called the mandate."
Democratic Committee Chair John Myers argues the 14-9 vote was a stunt. "What they're attempting to do today is to move forward their philosophical agenda, and not address the real issue. Because if they wanted to address the real issue we would be dealing with adultBasic today. And not dealing with this philosophical statement, anti-Barack Obama," says Myers.
AdultBasic provides health insurance for more than 40-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but it's set to expire at the end of the month. According to Baker, several constitutional elements are at play here. "The [Obama Administration] has to demonstrate that [the law] is derived from Congressional authority to regulate interstate commerce," he says, arguing regulation of "inactivity is an over-reach." (That is what a Florida federal judge recently found, in a lawsuit joined by then-Attorney General Tom Corbett.)
Baker says the Tenth Amendment is also relevant. The language reads: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, not prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Whether or not Americans purchase health insurance, says Baker, is not Congress' responsibility. So why not just let the federal courts decide the law's constitutionality, instead of pass a law that may violate another portion of the document, which reads, "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States...shall be the supreme law of the Land; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding?" "This is an added hedge of protection against federal overreach," says Baker.
It's unclear when the full House would vote on the measure, though GOP leadership supports its intent. It's also unclear when or where the next federal court action will happen, though nearly every political and legal observer in the country agrees the health care law will ultimately end up before the United States Supreme Court.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Casey: Health Care Repeal Doesn't Make Sense
A day after a Florida federal judge struck down the entire Affordable Care Act as "unconstitutional," the White House and Democratic lawmakers continue to warn about the negative impact of repealing the law.
U.S. District Judge C. Roger Vinson said through through the law, Congress exceeded its power to regulate interstate commerce. Vinson agreed with the plaintiffs that the law cannot force citizens to obtain health insurance or face a fine. He is the first judge to strike down the entire act while 2 other courts upheld the health care law. However, Vinson did not issue an injunction to prevent the law from proceeding pending appeal.
White House Deputy Senior Advisor Stephanie Cutter said the President has indicated that anything can be improved and he's willing to work to make the law better and care more affordable but not re-fight the battles of the last 2 years.
Pennsylvania's senior U.S. Bob Casey says he agrees with the President ...
"There are plenty of reasons to have discussions about changes we can make. But the idea of repeal and turning the clock back on families in Pennsylvania makes no sense, especially when we're trying to fully recover from a horrific recession."
Casey says repeal would mean insurance companies could again deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and could deny or cap coverage unexpectedly.
Although the House voted to repeal the health care overhaul law, the Democrat-controlled Senate is highly unlikely to do so, and President Obama would veto it.
Casey says he's still reviewing the Florida judge's ruling....
"I just want to make sure that as we have a debate, it won't just be a debate that takes place in the courts with and among lawyers, that this is a debate across the country. I think it's important
that people understand the stakes."
U.S. District Judge C. Roger Vinson said through through the law, Congress exceeded its power to regulate interstate commerce. Vinson agreed with the plaintiffs that the law cannot force citizens to obtain health insurance or face a fine. He is the first judge to strike down the entire act while 2 other courts upheld the health care law. However, Vinson did not issue an injunction to prevent the law from proceeding pending appeal.
White House Deputy Senior Advisor Stephanie Cutter said the President has indicated that anything can be improved and he's willing to work to make the law better and care more affordable but not re-fight the battles of the last 2 years.
Pennsylvania's senior U.S. Bob Casey says he agrees with the President ...
"There are plenty of reasons to have discussions about changes we can make. But the idea of repeal and turning the clock back on families in Pennsylvania makes no sense, especially when we're trying to fully recover from a horrific recession."
Casey says repeal would mean insurance companies could again deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and could deny or cap coverage unexpectedly.
Although the House voted to repeal the health care overhaul law, the Democrat-controlled Senate is highly unlikely to do so, and President Obama would veto it.
Casey says he's still reviewing the Florida judge's ruling....
"I just want to make sure that as we have a debate, it won't just be a debate that takes place in the courts with and among lawyers, that this is a debate across the country. I think it's important
that people understand the stakes."
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Debate Over adultBasic Builds
Governor Tom Corbett is asking the federal government to step in and help solve Pennsylvania’s adultBasic funding problem.
The program offers health insurance for 41,000 low-income Pennsylvanians, but it’s set to expire at the end of February. Corbett has already offered enrollees a spot in the “Special Care” program offered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurers, which offers less coverage for more money. Democratic lawmakers and health care advocates have dismissed the alternative as inadequate. “They call adultBasic – I read in the paper – they call it bare-bones insurance,” said Jerry Kaufman of Erie, who recently came to the Capitol to protest the end of adultBasic. “So if adultBasic is bare-bones insurance, then Special Care is no-bones. In other words, it’s not even worth having.” Kaufman is battling prostate cancer, and said he’s worried Special Care won’t cover his upcoming radiation treatment.
Corbett is now trying to offer another option to adultBasic enrollees: space in Pennsylvania’s new state-run – but federally-funded – high-risk health insurance pool, called PA Fair Care. The federally-mandated guidelines would need to be tweaked for adultBasic users to join the plan, since people are only eligible to apply if they’ve been uninsured for more than six months. Corbett is also asking the Department of Health and Human Services for more money, so Pennsylvania can expand Fair Care beyond its current 3,500-person limit. As of right now, the state has $160 million to run the program through 2014.
Fair Care was created by President Obama’s federal health care law, which makes the whole episode a bit awkward for Corbett. Last spring, when Corbett was Attorney General and running in the Republican gubernatorial primary, he joined a lawsuit challenging the measure’s constitutionality. Now, he wants more money from it. Spokesman Kevin Harley insisted the two stances are consistent, explaining Corbett had a problem with a specific portion of the law: its language requiring people to purchase health insurance. “He never said that he opposed all of the elements of Obamacare. And unfortunately, the authors of Obamacare did not put in what’s known as a severability clause, which is if one part of the bill is found to be unconstitutional, the rest of it would be unconstitutional. They failed to do that when they wrote this bill,” he said.
Even if Washington officials change the eligibility requirements and increase funding, Fair Care may not be the best solution for adultBasic enrollees. Its $283 a month premium is much more expensive than the current program’s $36 fee, and double the most expensive Special Care premium of $140. “It’s certainly not the perfect solution, but unfortunately, adultBasic is unsustainable,” said Harley. “There’s no money for it.”
The program offers health insurance for 41,000 low-income Pennsylvanians, but it’s set to expire at the end of February. Corbett has already offered enrollees a spot in the “Special Care” program offered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurers, which offers less coverage for more money. Democratic lawmakers and health care advocates have dismissed the alternative as inadequate. “They call adultBasic – I read in the paper – they call it bare-bones insurance,” said Jerry Kaufman of Erie, who recently came to the Capitol to protest the end of adultBasic. “So if adultBasic is bare-bones insurance, then Special Care is no-bones. In other words, it’s not even worth having.” Kaufman is battling prostate cancer, and said he’s worried Special Care won’t cover his upcoming radiation treatment.
Corbett is now trying to offer another option to adultBasic enrollees: space in Pennsylvania’s new state-run – but federally-funded – high-risk health insurance pool, called PA Fair Care. The federally-mandated guidelines would need to be tweaked for adultBasic users to join the plan, since people are only eligible to apply if they’ve been uninsured for more than six months. Corbett is also asking the Department of Health and Human Services for more money, so Pennsylvania can expand Fair Care beyond its current 3,500-person limit. As of right now, the state has $160 million to run the program through 2014.
Fair Care was created by President Obama’s federal health care law, which makes the whole episode a bit awkward for Corbett. Last spring, when Corbett was Attorney General and running in the Republican gubernatorial primary, he joined a lawsuit challenging the measure’s constitutionality. Now, he wants more money from it. Spokesman Kevin Harley insisted the two stances are consistent, explaining Corbett had a problem with a specific portion of the law: its language requiring people to purchase health insurance. “He never said that he opposed all of the elements of Obamacare. And unfortunately, the authors of Obamacare did not put in what’s known as a severability clause, which is if one part of the bill is found to be unconstitutional, the rest of it would be unconstitutional. They failed to do that when they wrote this bill,” he said.
Even if Washington officials change the eligibility requirements and increase funding, Fair Care may not be the best solution for adultBasic enrollees. Its $283 a month premium is much more expensive than the current program’s $36 fee, and double the most expensive Special Care premium of $140. “It’s certainly not the perfect solution, but unfortunately, adultBasic is unsustainable,” said Harley. “There’s no money for it.”
Monday, January 24, 2011
Health Insurance for Low Income To End in 5 Weeks
Democratic leaders in the State Senate are trying to come up with a plan to prevent AdultBasic, a health insurance program for low income Pennsylvanians from running out.
AdultBasic is funded through tobacco settlement money, and contributions from Pennsylvania’s four Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance companies.
The Blues’ agreement with the state has expired and the state has failed to negotiate a renewal so the program is likely to stop at the end of February.
Governor Tom Corbett plans to offer AdultBasic enrollees a spot in the providers’ “Special Care” program, but health care advocates say that program is more expensive and allows just 4 doctor's visits a year.
AdultBasic was created in 2001 to provide health insurance for state residents ages 19 through 64 who meet income-eligibility requirements, with a monthly premium of $36 per person. Special Care’s rates start at 80.
Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa of Allegheny County says he' sent a letter to legislative leaders and the Corbett Administration asking for a meeting to discuss alternatives....
"We don't think we are out of policy options and we need more substantive discussion with legislators on both sides of the aisle, and in both chambers, to resolve the AdultBasic funding crisis. The impact of failing to look at all alternatives will be devastating to those families who rely on this insurance."
The AdultBasic program currently covers 41,953 state residents, and there is a waiting list of 478,735. That waiting list more than doubled between January 2009 and January 2010, creating an estimated three-year wait.
AdultBasic is funded through tobacco settlement money, and contributions from Pennsylvania’s four Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance companies.
The Blues’ agreement with the state has expired and the state has failed to negotiate a renewal so the program is likely to stop at the end of February.
Governor Tom Corbett plans to offer AdultBasic enrollees a spot in the providers’ “Special Care” program, but health care advocates say that program is more expensive and allows just 4 doctor's visits a year.
AdultBasic was created in 2001 to provide health insurance for state residents ages 19 through 64 who meet income-eligibility requirements, with a monthly premium of $36 per person. Special Care’s rates start at 80.
Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa of Allegheny County says he' sent a letter to legislative leaders and the Corbett Administration asking for a meeting to discuss alternatives....
"We don't think we are out of policy options and we need more substantive discussion with legislators on both sides of the aisle, and in both chambers, to resolve the AdultBasic funding crisis. The impact of failing to look at all alternatives will be devastating to those families who rely on this insurance."
The AdultBasic program currently covers 41,953 state residents, and there is a waiting list of 478,735. That waiting list more than doubled between January 2009 and January 2010, creating an estimated three-year wait.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Wheelchair Games To Be Held in Pittsburgh
The 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games will be held in Pittsburgh this August. The games are the largest annual wheelchair sports event and will have about 600 competitors.
The games consist of 17 different sports and are open to Veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, amputations or neurological diseases. The games last several days and are free and open to the public. Bill Lawson, the National President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America said watching his fellow veterans play sports such as basketball or baseball is "inspirational."
Rob Morris, an Army Veteran from Grindstone has competed and won medals in the past. "Everybody has a competitor in them," he said, "You come back for the competition but there is relationships there, people from all other states, a chance to get out and see other parts of the country and again compete. It all rolls up into something thats just...Its hard to explain. It just all rolls up into something where you want to do it again and again and again."
On Monday, local insurance company Highmark presented the games with a check for $100,000.
The games consist of 17 different sports and are open to Veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, amputations or neurological diseases. The games last several days and are free and open to the public. Bill Lawson, the National President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America said watching his fellow veterans play sports such as basketball or baseball is "inspirational."
Rob Morris, an Army Veteran from Grindstone has competed and won medals in the past. "Everybody has a competitor in them," he said, "You come back for the competition but there is relationships there, people from all other states, a chance to get out and see other parts of the country and again compete. It all rolls up into something thats just...Its hard to explain. It just all rolls up into something where you want to do it again and again and again."
On Monday, local insurance company Highmark presented the games with a check for $100,000.
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