State House Passes Bill to Expand adultBasic
The state House of Representatives on June 29, 2009, passed a bill that would expand adultBasic, the state-run health insurance program for low-income workers whose employers don’t offer health insurance.
The 104-96 vote was largely along party lines with only one Republican voting for the bill. House Bill 1 was sent to the state Senate, but it is unlikely to be considered soon.
The expansion would be partially funded with $362 million from the Health Care Provider Retention Account (HCPRA), which was originally created to fund the Mcare abatement program.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society has not taken a position on this bill but is working with state lawmakers to develop a plan that would pay off the debt left when the Mcare program ends and expand access to uninsured. That plan would require $465 million from the same account.
HB 1 is the centerpiece of the House Democrats health care reform plan, Health PAct. It was approved June 3, 2009, by the House Insurance Committee.
The bill would reduce the 230,000-person waiting list for adultBasic and add benefits to the program, including prescription coverage, chronic disease management, preventive and wellness care, and behavioral health care.
The state would be eligible for federal funds if prescription coverage is added to adultBasic, Rep. Eachus said in a press release.
Two amendments to the bill would forgive medical school loans for some physicians and prohibit the adultBasic program from reimbursing physicians at a lower rate than Medicaid.
Last Updated: 7/1/2009