Times-Tribune asks Legislature to focus on health reform in Jan.

September 29th, 2008

The Times-Tribune editors ask that lawmakers come back to Harrisburg in January completely committted to tackling the issue of runaway health care costs and the damage they are doing to our families and the economy.

Rendell nominates new Health Secretary

September 26th, 2008

Governor Ed Rendell announced today that he will nominate Everette James, formerly of the Clinton Administration, to serve as secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Healthcare costs are outpacing workers’ earnings

September 26th, 2008

Today the Sun-Gazette reports on findings of a study conducted by Families USA, a national healthcare consumer group, which revealed that health insurance costs have far outpaced employees’ wages in recent years.

Two bills would expand health insurance in PA

September 26th, 2008

The Senate has approved two bills that would expand opportunities for health insurance in PA, reports the Associated Press.

Another argument against Blues merger

September 25th, 2008

Today’s Philadelphia Inquirer features an op-ed by Tom Knox, a former Democratic candidate for mayor of Philadelphia, former CEO of UnitedHealthcare Pennsylvania, and planned candidate for governor of PA.

American pocketbooks further strained as health care costs rise

September 25th, 2008

Policy analysts say that two recent health care studies highlight the need for the government to address the growing unaffordability of care, despite the distraction – and cost – of a proposed $700 billion bailout of the nation’s financial sector.

Smoke continues to clear two weeks into smoking ban

September 25th, 2008

14 days into the smoking ban it’s easier to breathe in most restaurants and bars. But there are, as with every law, some people who refuse to comply.

Death Rates down in PA hospitals

September 25th, 2008

Pennsylvania’s hospitals saw declining death rates for 25 different procedures and conditions over the past four years.

State House committee will hold hearing on healthcare plan

September 24th, 2008

The House Majority Policy Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, to discuss the Pennsylvania Access to Basic Care health plan.

Carlisle getting an air quality monitor from the EPA

September 24th, 2008

Identified as one of the cities with the poorest air quality in the nation, Carlisle is getting a monitor from the Environmental Protection Agency that will keep citizens informed of the daily pollution readings in their area.