March 31st, 2009

Says a press release from House Majority Leader Todd Eachus (D-Luzerne):

During a speech to the Pennsylvania Press Club today, state House Majority Leader Todd A. Eachus, D-Luzerne, unveiled Health PAct, a package of bills that focuses on providing and enhancing access to basic care.

 Eachus said lawmakers cannot wait any longer to address the severe problems of Pennsylvania’s health-care system, especially amid a national economic recession and mounting unemployment.

…

Health PAct contains six proposals, some of which are initiatives House Democrats have promoted in the past. But Eachus said the new legislative session presents a golden opportunity to refocus on helping the state’s most vulnerable citizens obtain access to basic care.

“House Democrats have been pushing for health-care reform for several years now, but we have faced opposition by our counterparts in the Senate,” Eachus added. “But we are not deterred in our effort. This session we are once again dedicated to keeping the pact we made with the people of Pennsylvania to improve and increase access to affordable, quality health care.”

House Democrat’s Health PAct proposals include:

·         H.B. 838, introduced by Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, would offer parents the option of extending their health insurance coverage to their uninsured children through age 29. The bill has already passed the House and is awaiting action in the Senate.

·         H.B. 173, introduced by Eachus, would reauthorize the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, or PHC4. This legislation could be passed as early as Monday afternoon.