April 29th, 2010

Reports the Times-Tribune:

State health care programs need a new umbrella agency to ensure that the federal health care overhaul works well in Pennsylvania, a group of House lawmakers said Wednesday.

Legislation introduced by Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-153, Montgomery County, would put oversight for such key programs as Medical Assistance, Cover All Kids and adultBasic under a new Health Insurance Reform Implementation Authority.

The measure is supported by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-121, Wilkes-Barre, and several Democratic caucus leaders.

“We have to take the federal law and pattern it after the needs of Pennsylvania,” said Mr. Pashinski at a press conference unveiling the measure.

Mr. Shapiro described the proposal as reshuffling state bureaucracy, not adding new layers. He said having one authority would prove more efficient than dividing responsibility among several agencies.

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