June 12th, 2009

While the budget is in the forefront of everyone’s mind right now, the Legislature did make time this week to pass 2 bills which are meant to increase Pennsylvania’s access to quality health insurance.  SB 189, which allows individuals from ages 18-29 to stay on their parent’s health insurance policies under certain circumstances and HB 1089 which establishes a mini-COBRA program for employers with 2 to 19 employees were both signed into law by the governor.

Meanwhile the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council has to be happy they won’t be used as a political football this year, as Sen. Vance’s legislation to reauthorize the watchdog Council also become law.  And, Rep. DeLuca’s bill to deny payment for preventable serious adverse events (meant to crack down on healthcare-acquired infections) was also approved by Rendell, becoming Act 1.

Lastly, a bill which would require hospitals to obtain a certificate of need when purchasing expensive equipment or building new facilieis is set for a House Insurance hearing on June 24 in room 205 of the Ryan Office Building.