September 22nd, 2008

With the legislators returning from their summer break last week, there is so much to do and so little time…

Along with lawmakers attempting to work towards a compromise plan to help Pennsylvania’s uninsured, doctors and hospital officials met in the Capitol urging legislators to quickly pass MCARE  (a fund that helps physicians pay for their medical malpractice insurance) to keep doctors in the state. Unfortunately for Pennsylvania doctors, the Democrats have attached MCARE to their health insurance plan, while Republicans are not wavering on their desire to detach the two pieces of legislation. 

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council (PHC4), which evaluates the effectiveness of hospitals in the state, has been caught in the middle of a political tug-of-war.  Both parties have refused to re-authorize PHC4 until they see something done on their healthcare agenda — up until now this has been MCARE for the Senate Republicans and PA ABC for the House Democrats.  Time is running out for the Council, which was only temporarily reauthorized until November 30th by an executive order from Rendell in July. 

Healthcare related bills that saw movement last week included:

Sen. Erickson’s SB 5, which would establish the Community-Based Health Care program in the Dept. of Health was approved by the Senate Health and Public Welfare Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar.

HB 2098, sponsored by Rep. DeLuca, would deny insurance payment to hospitals for adverse events and infections.  The bill was amended with less severe language and was approved by the Senate Insurance Committee last week and was also set on the Senate Calendar.

An act providing for insurance coverage for patient costs asscoiated with cancer clinical tirials, HB 1462, passed out of House Insurance Committee and is now on the tabled calendar.

SB 180, which would extend dental and vision coverage for students that have served in the military, was passed by the Senate and will now heads to the Gov’s desk to be signed into law.