Panel will look at state of HIV/AIDS care in southwestern PA
The panel will assemble a group of experts in order to discuss service gaps, barriers and unmet needs identified by the Southwestern PA Regional HIV Needs Assessment.
More voice opposition to proposed Blues merger
An article in Sunday’s Tribune-Review features comments from those around the state who are urging Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario to disapprove the proposed merger between insurance companies Highmark, Inc. and Independence Blue Cross.
Professor of medicine says number of primary care doctors in PA is declining
Richard J. Simons, M.D., FACP; vice dean for educational affairs and a professor of medicine at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, wrote an op-ed featured this weekend in the Patriot-News, in which he contends that the lack of incentives for primary care doctors in PA is causing a shortage, and that several proposed bills would help solve the problem.
Restaurant owners say smoking ban isn’t hurting business
This weekend, an article in the York Dispatch featured interviews with several restaurant and bar owners in the York area; all of whom say that the smoking ban isn’t hurting their businesses.
Senate Leadership Elections Kind of a Snore
The only big shake-ups in either caucus came from the retiring Majority and Minority Chairmen of the Appropriations Committee — which will be especially instrumental this year with the budget deficit growing.
Worried PA physician says legislation needed to keep primary care docs in state
Physician and governor of a chapter of the American College of Physicians, Richard Simons is deeply concerned about the declining number of primary care physicians in our state.
Rendell reauthorizes PHC4 through June
Gov. Rendell signed an executive order yesterday to extend the life of Pennsylvania Health Care Containment Council (PHC4), a health wathdog agency, through June 30th.
Senate Committee voted to oppose Blues’ merger today
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee voted 10-4 to recommend that Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario block the merger of Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross.
Senate Committee to Discuss Blues’ Merger Today
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee is scheduled to meet today at 12:30 to consider recommendations on the proposed merger between Highmark, Inc., and Independence Blue Cross. The meeting is scheduled in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building.
House Republicans & Democrats spar over healthcare legislation
Yesterday, House Republicans tried to bring up a bill concerning physician MCARE abatement for a vote, but met resistance from House Democrats.