A survey of Pennsylvania small business owners indicates they are cautiously optimistic about the future.
According to the poll by the trade association, SMC Business Councils, 28% of respondents expect to increase employment while 65% anticipate no change in their workforce levels, and 6% will lay off employees. Tom Henschke, president of the organization, says 56% expect revenues to grow; 30% see revenues remaining the same, and 14% think their revenues will drop.
"This survey shows some increased optimism from small business in the form of same or slightly increasing sales, same or slightly better profit margin. However, it's not necessarily leading to new hiring, capital investments, expansion. It's still a sign to us that there's a tremendous amount of uncertainty."
The small business owners indicated the cost of the Affordable Health Care Act as far and away the top business challenge. 88% of SMC members listed it as one of their top business challenges, including the cost of complying with the taxes, new benefits and mandates that go along with it. Nearly six in 10 -- 58% -- consider the health laws to be a severe challenge to their businesses.
However, a report issued last week by Families USA, a national organization for health care consumers, indicates 161,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania, 4 million nationwide, with fewer than 25 employees are eligible for a tax credit to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for their workers.
Business owners also listed the economy (34%), the cost of doing business (27%), taxes (38%), regulations (34%), and the cost of energy (23%) as other challenges to their success and ability to add workers.
Showing posts with label Health Insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health Insurance. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Field Hearing on Healthcare Leans Right
A year after the federal health care overhaul was signed into law, the measure remains a partisan lighting rod. On the legislation’s one-year anniversary, Republican Congressman Joe Pitts held a Harrisburg field hearing on the measure’s impact. The press release announcing the event included phrases like “broken promises” and “Obamacare” and the first few questions of the event followed suit. An early question from Republican G.T. Thompson was directed at acting Pennsylvania Public Welfare Secretary Gary Alexander. “Mr. Secretary, the new law creates a trillion dollar entitlement program, expands Medicaid, imposes new taxes and regulatory burdens on American employers and workers. In your view, does the new law control and reduce the trend of increasing public health care expenditures in Pennsylvania?” Sec. Alexander’s response, “Absolutely not.”
On the other side of the spectrum was the Democratic group Organizing for America. The group is holding several events across Pennsylvania celebrating the law’s passage. Organizing for America argues the measure has already expanded coverage options by letting people stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26, and barring companies from denying coverage to those with preexisting conditions. OFA’s PA Director, Elizabeth Lucas says, “It includes free preventative care, that can change things down the road for them significantly. It also lowers the cost of prescription drugs that they have to pay, the Medicare they can count on.”
In the meantime, Governor Corbett is asking President Obama to speed up legal challenges, so the Supreme Court can rule on the case. “Pennsylvania and all states need clarity. Our businesses, our health care providers and our citizens deserve quick action, and frankly, we need to know what our options and obligations will be.” says Corbett.
On the other side of the spectrum was the Democratic group Organizing for America. The group is holding several events across Pennsylvania celebrating the law’s passage. Organizing for America argues the measure has already expanded coverage options by letting people stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26, and barring companies from denying coverage to those with preexisting conditions. OFA’s PA Director, Elizabeth Lucas says, “It includes free preventative care, that can change things down the road for them significantly. It also lowers the cost of prescription drugs that they have to pay, the Medicare they can count on.”
In the meantime, Governor Corbett is asking President Obama to speed up legal challenges, so the Supreme Court can rule on the case. “Pennsylvania and all states need clarity. Our businesses, our health care providers and our citizens deserve quick action, and frankly, we need to know what our options and obligations will be.” says Corbett.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Anniversary For Health Care Law
It's been one year since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the health care overhaul legislation and supporters are touting its success.
Families USA, a national organization for health care consumers, has issued a study that examines the numbers of people: children, young adults, and seniors, plus small businesses that are eligible for benefits.
In the first year of the law, uninsured young adults were allowed to stay on their parents' health insurance plan until age 26. Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, says nationwide 3.4 million young adults are eligible including 89,100 in Pennsylvania...
"How many have done so, it's hard to say. The reason it's so important to let people know how many people might be eligible is that people might not be aware they are eligible. When they learn about it, they're more likely to talk to their parents to see if their parents are willing to put them back on."
The law also prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to children who have pre-existing conditions. That affects about 178,000 children in Pennsylvania.
According to Pollack, nearly 217,000 seniors in Pennsylvania, who fall into the so-called "doughnut hole," received a $250 prescription drug rebate check but this year, "these folks when they fall into this coverage gap will be eligible for 50% discounts in brand name drugs. So, I suspect there will be more people who benefit from this."
161,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania, 4 million nationwide, with fewer than 25 employees are eligible for a tax credit to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for their workers. It's uncertain how many companies want to provide the coverage in order to get the tax credit.
Pollack says even though most of the big provisions of the legislation don't take effect for a couple of years, it's already providing help to children, young adults and seniors.
Families USA, a national organization for health care consumers, has issued a study that examines the numbers of people: children, young adults, and seniors, plus small businesses that are eligible for benefits.
In the first year of the law, uninsured young adults were allowed to stay on their parents' health insurance plan until age 26. Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, says nationwide 3.4 million young adults are eligible including 89,100 in Pennsylvania...
"How many have done so, it's hard to say. The reason it's so important to let people know how many people might be eligible is that people might not be aware they are eligible. When they learn about it, they're more likely to talk to their parents to see if their parents are willing to put them back on."
The law also prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to children who have pre-existing conditions. That affects about 178,000 children in Pennsylvania.
According to Pollack, nearly 217,000 seniors in Pennsylvania, who fall into the so-called "doughnut hole," received a $250 prescription drug rebate check but this year, "these folks when they fall into this coverage gap will be eligible for 50% discounts in brand name drugs. So, I suspect there will be more people who benefit from this."
161,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania, 4 million nationwide, with fewer than 25 employees are eligible for a tax credit to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for their workers. It's uncertain how many companies want to provide the coverage in order to get the tax credit.
Pollack says even though most of the big provisions of the legislation don't take effect for a couple of years, it's already providing help to children, young adults and seniors.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Insurance Commissioner: Gov Worked Hard for Alternative to AdultBasic
Governor Tom Corbett’s pick for Insurance Commissioner says the administration is taking a “wait and see” approach to implementing the new federal health care law.
At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine said he would like to see a Supreme Court ruling on the measure’s constitutionality, before Pennsylvania decides whether or not to create a state-level health care exchange. “I certainly think we all would tend to agree that we would do a much better job of regulating insurance here in Pennsylvania than the federal government would do,” he said. “And admittedly, the federal government doesn’t even want to run these exchanges nationwide, or for large states.”
Several federal judges have issued rulings on the law, but it’s not clear when – or if – the Supreme Court will hear arguments on the challenge. Consedine said the department has accepted federal money to carry out a study on whether it would be better to create a state exchange, or let the federal government oversee Pennsylvania’s health insurance sales.
He also addressed adultBasic during the hearing, telling lawmakers that contrary to Democratic criticism, the Corbett Administration actively worked to find alternative coverage for the program’s 41,000 enrollees. “They worked directly with the Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in Pennsylvania, to make the Special Care product available, which is another subsidized limited benefit health insurance product available. We negotiated with the Blues and they agreed to waive the preexisting condition exclusion for adultBasic members who enrolled in the program, which was a very significant concession on their part,” he said.
Special Care offers fewer benefits than adultBasic, and has a more expensive monthly premium. Consedine says about 7,000 thousand people have joined Special Care since adultBasic ended earlier this month.
A group of former adultBasic enrollees has filed a lawsuit against Corbett and lawmakers, for failing to continue funding the initiative.
At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine said he would like to see a Supreme Court ruling on the measure’s constitutionality, before Pennsylvania decides whether or not to create a state-level health care exchange. “I certainly think we all would tend to agree that we would do a much better job of regulating insurance here in Pennsylvania than the federal government would do,” he said. “And admittedly, the federal government doesn’t even want to run these exchanges nationwide, or for large states.”
Several federal judges have issued rulings on the law, but it’s not clear when – or if – the Supreme Court will hear arguments on the challenge. Consedine said the department has accepted federal money to carry out a study on whether it would be better to create a state exchange, or let the federal government oversee Pennsylvania’s health insurance sales.
He also addressed adultBasic during the hearing, telling lawmakers that contrary to Democratic criticism, the Corbett Administration actively worked to find alternative coverage for the program’s 41,000 enrollees. “They worked directly with the Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in Pennsylvania, to make the Special Care product available, which is another subsidized limited benefit health insurance product available. We negotiated with the Blues and they agreed to waive the preexisting condition exclusion for adultBasic members who enrolled in the program, which was a very significant concession on their part,” he said.
Special Care offers fewer benefits than adultBasic, and has a more expensive monthly premium. Consedine says about 7,000 thousand people have joined Special Care since adultBasic ended earlier this month.
A group of former adultBasic enrollees has filed a lawsuit against Corbett and lawmakers, for failing to continue funding the initiative.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Corbett Sued Over AdultBasic
Three plaintiffs, all from southwestern Pennsylvania, have filed suit against Governor Tom Corbett and the state legislature for letting the adultBasic health insurance program expire March 1. Attorneys for the Pittsburgh law firm Caroselli Beachler McTiernan and Conboy allege in the suit that state officials are violating the Pennsylvania Tobacco Settlement Act which requires a portion of the annual tobacco settlement funds go to adultBasic.
That money along negotiated contributions from the four Blue Cross/Blue Shields was used to fund the insurance program for nearly 42,000 low-income people. Nearly a half million others were on the waiting list.
Governor Corbett responded to the suit by saying the state can't afford the insurance program.
"That money is gone. We will not spend money we do not have. I will comment that Senator Stack of Philadelphia has commented the legislature could have used their reserves . Pretty good observation, but I don't have access to those reserves. I wish I did."
State Senator Mike Stack has authored legalisation to allocate the the General Assembly's $188.5 million budget surplus to fund adultBasic for at least a year. Stack says it's in everyone's interest to continue with adultBasic. Stack says he couldn't believe that the governor did not mention adultBasic in his budget address. "It’s as if 41,000 Pennsylvanians have simply been forgotten. The governor said his budget proposal ‘separates the must-haves from the nice-to-haves.’ I guess he thinks basic health coverage is a luxury. Well, it’s not a luxury. It’s a lifeline, not only for the 42,000 hard-working men and women who were on adultBasic, but also the nearly half-million individuals who were on the waiting list."
Stack's bill is still in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
That money along negotiated contributions from the four Blue Cross/Blue Shields was used to fund the insurance program for nearly 42,000 low-income people. Nearly a half million others were on the waiting list.
Governor Corbett responded to the suit by saying the state can't afford the insurance program.
"That money is gone. We will not spend money we do not have. I will comment that Senator Stack of Philadelphia has commented the legislature could have used their reserves . Pretty good observation, but I don't have access to those reserves. I wish I did."
State Senator Mike Stack has authored legalisation to allocate the the General Assembly's $188.5 million budget surplus to fund adultBasic for at least a year. Stack says it's in everyone's interest to continue with adultBasic. Stack says he couldn't believe that the governor did not mention adultBasic in his budget address. "It’s as if 41,000 Pennsylvanians have simply been forgotten. The governor said his budget proposal ‘separates the must-haves from the nice-to-haves.’ I guess he thinks basic health coverage is a luxury. Well, it’s not a luxury. It’s a lifeline, not only for the 42,000 hard-working men and women who were on adultBasic, but also the nearly half-million individuals who were on the waiting list."
Stack's bill is still in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Legislative Surplus Could Fund adultBasic
Governor Tom Corbett says Pennsylvania's dire finances mean that his administration can't extend a low-cost health insurance plan for 42,000 working adults when the program
runs out of money in less than three weeks. Corbett is blaming his predecessor Ed Rendell for adding people to the rolls of adultBasic but not ensuring there was enough money in place.
However, some state lawmakers want to use the General Assembly's surplus to continue the health insurance program.
Senator Mike Stack, a democrat from Philadelphia, has introduced legislation that would sustain those who stand to lose health coverage at the end of the month when adultBasic expires. The program had been funded by contributions from the Blue Cross/Blue Shields across the state. Senate Bill 420 would allocate the General Assembly’s $188.5 million budget surplus to
fund operating expenses for adultBasic for another year.
Democratic State Senator John Yudichak of Luzerne County says there aren't many funding options..."There are few line items in the budget that have a surplus. Legislative leadership accounts have a surplus. I think this is an important step so that we can continue to provide services."
Stack, the bill's sponsor, says adultBasic must be more accountable....
"It's probably going to be necessary to change how frequently coverage is offered to people on the waiting list. We would also have to look at what's covered, how much is covered and also we may have to ask for folks to get involved with cost-sharing."
Assuming that adultBasic expenses remain at the current $14 million a month. The measure would give the state another year to determine how to help the program survive until federal health care coverage starts up in 2014.
runs out of money in less than three weeks. Corbett is blaming his predecessor Ed Rendell for adding people to the rolls of adultBasic but not ensuring there was enough money in place.
However, some state lawmakers want to use the General Assembly's surplus to continue the health insurance program.
Senator Mike Stack, a democrat from Philadelphia, has introduced legislation that would sustain those who stand to lose health coverage at the end of the month when adultBasic expires. The program had been funded by contributions from the Blue Cross/Blue Shields across the state. Senate Bill 420 would allocate the General Assembly’s $188.5 million budget surplus to
fund operating expenses for adultBasic for another year.
Democratic State Senator John Yudichak of Luzerne County says there aren't many funding options..."There are few line items in the budget that have a surplus. Legislative leadership accounts have a surplus. I think this is an important step so that we can continue to provide services."
Stack, the bill's sponsor, says adultBasic must be more accountable....
"It's probably going to be necessary to change how frequently coverage is offered to people on the waiting list. We would also have to look at what's covered, how much is covered and also we may have to ask for folks to get involved with cost-sharing."
Assuming that adultBasic expenses remain at the current $14 million a month. The measure would give the state another year to determine how to help the program survive until federal health care coverage starts up in 2014.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
PA House Committee Tries To Block Mandated Insurance
A state House panel has approved a bill blocking a key portion of the new federal health care law within Pennsylvania.
The health care legislation requires every American to purchase health insurance, or face penalties, beginning in 2014. The House Health Committee voted on straight party lines to void the mandate within Pennsylvania's borders.
Democrats on the panel argued the legislation is unconstitutional, since it would directly contradict federal law. Committee Chair and bill sponsor Matthew Baker countered that similar bills have been introduced in 42 states, and passed by six. "So it is the issue all across America right now: that this forced mandate is unconstitutional, and that states have the authority and the wherewithal under their constitutional construct to oppose a mandate that is unconstitutionally exacted upon them by Congress," he said.
Baker said President Obama and Congress were the ones who overstepped constitutional boundaries, by penalizing consumers who don't want to buy health insurance. "We need this bill in order to affirm and reassert our autonomy and freedoms. That what is not provided by federal law, the states have the ability to enact. And what this does is, it enacts an unconstitutional section of the federal health care bill called the mandate."
Democratic Committee Chair John Myers argued the 14-9 vote was a stunt. "What they're attempting to do today is to move forward their philosophical agenda, and not address the real issue. Because if they wanted to address the real issue we would be dealing with adultBasic today. And not dealing with this philosophical statement, anti-Barack Obama," he said. AdultBasic provides health insurance for more than 40-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but it's set to expire at the end of the month.
According to Baker, several constitutional elements are at play here. "The [Obama Administration] has to demonstrate that [the law] is derived from Congressional authority to regulate interstate commerce," he said, arguing regulation of "inactivity is an over-reach." (That's what a Florida federal judge recently found, in a lawsuit joined by then-Attorney General Tom Corbett.) Baker said the Tenth Amendment is also relevant. The language reads: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, not prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Whether or not Americans purchase health insurance, said Baker, is not Congress' responsibility.
So why not just let the federal courts decide the law's constitutionality, instead of pass a law that may violate another portion of the document, which reads, "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States...shall be the supreme law of the Land; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding"? "This is an added hedge of protection against federal overreach," said Baker.
So what's next? It's unclear when the full House would vote on the measure, though GOP leadership supports its intent. It's also unclear when or where the next federal court action will happen, though nearly every political and legal observer in the country agrees the health care law will ultimately end up before the United States Supreme Court.
The health care legislation requires every American to purchase health insurance, or face penalties, beginning in 2014. The House Health Committee voted on straight party lines to void the mandate within Pennsylvania's borders.
Democrats on the panel argued the legislation is unconstitutional, since it would directly contradict federal law. Committee Chair and bill sponsor Matthew Baker countered that similar bills have been introduced in 42 states, and passed by six. "So it is the issue all across America right now: that this forced mandate is unconstitutional, and that states have the authority and the wherewithal under their constitutional construct to oppose a mandate that is unconstitutionally exacted upon them by Congress," he said.
Baker said President Obama and Congress were the ones who overstepped constitutional boundaries, by penalizing consumers who don't want to buy health insurance. "We need this bill in order to affirm and reassert our autonomy and freedoms. That what is not provided by federal law, the states have the ability to enact. And what this does is, it enacts an unconstitutional section of the federal health care bill called the mandate."
Democratic Committee Chair John Myers argued the 14-9 vote was a stunt. "What they're attempting to do today is to move forward their philosophical agenda, and not address the real issue. Because if they wanted to address the real issue we would be dealing with adultBasic today. And not dealing with this philosophical statement, anti-Barack Obama," he said. AdultBasic provides health insurance for more than 40-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but it's set to expire at the end of the month.
According to Baker, several constitutional elements are at play here. "The [Obama Administration] has to demonstrate that [the law] is derived from Congressional authority to regulate interstate commerce," he said, arguing regulation of "inactivity is an over-reach." (That's what a Florida federal judge recently found, in a lawsuit joined by then-Attorney General Tom Corbett.) Baker said the Tenth Amendment is also relevant. The language reads: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, not prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Whether or not Americans purchase health insurance, said Baker, is not Congress' responsibility.
So why not just let the federal courts decide the law's constitutionality, instead of pass a law that may violate another portion of the document, which reads, "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States...shall be the supreme law of the Land; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding"? "This is an added hedge of protection against federal overreach," said Baker.
So what's next? It's unclear when the full House would vote on the measure, though GOP leadership supports its intent. It's also unclear when or where the next federal court action will happen, though nearly every political and legal observer in the country agrees the health care law will ultimately end up before the United States Supreme Court.
PA Opt Out Fight Grows
A Pennsylvania House panel has approved a bill blocking a key portion of the new federal health care law from being enacted within Pennsylvania. The federal health care legislation requires every American to purchase health insurance in 2014 or face penalties. The House Health Committee voted on straight party lines to void the mandate within Pennsylvania's borders.
Democrats on the panel argue the legislation is unconstitutional, since it would directly contradict federal law. Committee Chair and bill sponsor Matthew Baker countered that similar bills have been introduced in 42 states, and passed in six. "So it is the issue all across America right now: that this forced mandate is unconstitutional, and that states have the authority and the wherewithal under their constitutional construct to oppose a mandate that is unconstitutionally exacted upon them by Congress," says Baker. He says President Obama and Congress were the ones who overstepped constitutional boundaries, by penalizing consumers who don't want to buy health insurance. "We need this bill in order to affirm and reassert our autonomy and freedoms. That what is not provided by federal law, the states have the ability to enact. And what this does is, it enacts an unconstitutional section of the federal health care bill called the mandate."
Democratic Committee Chair John Myers argues the 14-9 vote was a stunt. "What they're attempting to do today is to move forward their philosophical agenda, and not address the real issue. Because if they wanted to address the real issue we would be dealing with adultBasic today. And not dealing with this philosophical statement, anti-Barack Obama," says Myers.
AdultBasic provides health insurance for more than 40-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but it's set to expire at the end of the month. According to Baker, several constitutional elements are at play here. "The [Obama Administration] has to demonstrate that [the law] is derived from Congressional authority to regulate interstate commerce," he says, arguing regulation of "inactivity is an over-reach." (That is what a Florida federal judge recently found, in a lawsuit joined by then-Attorney General Tom Corbett.)
Baker says the Tenth Amendment is also relevant. The language reads: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, not prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Whether or not Americans purchase health insurance, says Baker, is not Congress' responsibility. So why not just let the federal courts decide the law's constitutionality, instead of pass a law that may violate another portion of the document, which reads, "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States...shall be the supreme law of the Land; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding?" "This is an added hedge of protection against federal overreach," says Baker.
It's unclear when the full House would vote on the measure, though GOP leadership supports its intent. It's also unclear when or where the next federal court action will happen, though nearly every political and legal observer in the country agrees the health care law will ultimately end up before the United States Supreme Court.
Democrats on the panel argue the legislation is unconstitutional, since it would directly contradict federal law. Committee Chair and bill sponsor Matthew Baker countered that similar bills have been introduced in 42 states, and passed in six. "So it is the issue all across America right now: that this forced mandate is unconstitutional, and that states have the authority and the wherewithal under their constitutional construct to oppose a mandate that is unconstitutionally exacted upon them by Congress," says Baker. He says President Obama and Congress were the ones who overstepped constitutional boundaries, by penalizing consumers who don't want to buy health insurance. "We need this bill in order to affirm and reassert our autonomy and freedoms. That what is not provided by federal law, the states have the ability to enact. And what this does is, it enacts an unconstitutional section of the federal health care bill called the mandate."
Democratic Committee Chair John Myers argues the 14-9 vote was a stunt. "What they're attempting to do today is to move forward their philosophical agenda, and not address the real issue. Because if they wanted to address the real issue we would be dealing with adultBasic today. And not dealing with this philosophical statement, anti-Barack Obama," says Myers.
AdultBasic provides health insurance for more than 40-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but it's set to expire at the end of the month. According to Baker, several constitutional elements are at play here. "The [Obama Administration] has to demonstrate that [the law] is derived from Congressional authority to regulate interstate commerce," he says, arguing regulation of "inactivity is an over-reach." (That is what a Florida federal judge recently found, in a lawsuit joined by then-Attorney General Tom Corbett.)
Baker says the Tenth Amendment is also relevant. The language reads: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, not prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Whether or not Americans purchase health insurance, says Baker, is not Congress' responsibility. So why not just let the federal courts decide the law's constitutionality, instead of pass a law that may violate another portion of the document, which reads, "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States...shall be the supreme law of the Land; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding?" "This is an added hedge of protection against federal overreach," says Baker.
It's unclear when the full House would vote on the measure, though GOP leadership supports its intent. It's also unclear when or where the next federal court action will happen, though nearly every political and legal observer in the country agrees the health care law will ultimately end up before the United States Supreme Court.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Casey: Health Care Repeal Doesn't Make Sense
A day after a Florida federal judge struck down the entire Affordable Care Act as "unconstitutional," the White House and Democratic lawmakers continue to warn about the negative impact of repealing the law.
U.S. District Judge C. Roger Vinson said through through the law, Congress exceeded its power to regulate interstate commerce. Vinson agreed with the plaintiffs that the law cannot force citizens to obtain health insurance or face a fine. He is the first judge to strike down the entire act while 2 other courts upheld the health care law. However, Vinson did not issue an injunction to prevent the law from proceeding pending appeal.
White House Deputy Senior Advisor Stephanie Cutter said the President has indicated that anything can be improved and he's willing to work to make the law better and care more affordable but not re-fight the battles of the last 2 years.
Pennsylvania's senior U.S. Bob Casey says he agrees with the President ...
"There are plenty of reasons to have discussions about changes we can make. But the idea of repeal and turning the clock back on families in Pennsylvania makes no sense, especially when we're trying to fully recover from a horrific recession."
Casey says repeal would mean insurance companies could again deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and could deny or cap coverage unexpectedly.
Although the House voted to repeal the health care overhaul law, the Democrat-controlled Senate is highly unlikely to do so, and President Obama would veto it.
Casey says he's still reviewing the Florida judge's ruling....
"I just want to make sure that as we have a debate, it won't just be a debate that takes place in the courts with and among lawyers, that this is a debate across the country. I think it's important
that people understand the stakes."
U.S. District Judge C. Roger Vinson said through through the law, Congress exceeded its power to regulate interstate commerce. Vinson agreed with the plaintiffs that the law cannot force citizens to obtain health insurance or face a fine. He is the first judge to strike down the entire act while 2 other courts upheld the health care law. However, Vinson did not issue an injunction to prevent the law from proceeding pending appeal.
White House Deputy Senior Advisor Stephanie Cutter said the President has indicated that anything can be improved and he's willing to work to make the law better and care more affordable but not re-fight the battles of the last 2 years.
Pennsylvania's senior U.S. Bob Casey says he agrees with the President ...
"There are plenty of reasons to have discussions about changes we can make. But the idea of repeal and turning the clock back on families in Pennsylvania makes no sense, especially when we're trying to fully recover from a horrific recession."
Casey says repeal would mean insurance companies could again deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and could deny or cap coverage unexpectedly.
Although the House voted to repeal the health care overhaul law, the Democrat-controlled Senate is highly unlikely to do so, and President Obama would veto it.
Casey says he's still reviewing the Florida judge's ruling....
"I just want to make sure that as we have a debate, it won't just be a debate that takes place in the courts with and among lawyers, that this is a debate across the country. I think it's important
that people understand the stakes."
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Immunization Conference in Pittsburgh
The Allegheny County Health Department hosted an immunization conference for health professionals on the South Side on Thursday. Over 230 people attended.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
She said with all of the vaccines there are great opportunities for prevention and for less disease but also more complexity for doctors and patients. She says there is also the challenge of overcoming complacency. Because so many diseases, such as polio, are nearly non-existent, people tend to think vaccines are not very important.
She said people of all ages should be aware of vaccine requirements and recommended a whopping cough booster for all adults. There has been a whopping cough epidemic in California.
Under the affordable care act, also known as health reform, there are provisions for vaccines that are routinely recommended by CDC’s Advisory committee to be covered without a co-payment by the insurance companies.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
She said with all of the vaccines there are great opportunities for prevention and for less disease but also more complexity for doctors and patients. She says there is also the challenge of overcoming complacency. Because so many diseases, such as polio, are nearly non-existent, people tend to think vaccines are not very important.
She said people of all ages should be aware of vaccine requirements and recommended a whopping cough booster for all adults. There has been a whopping cough epidemic in California.
Under the affordable care act, also known as health reform, there are provisions for vaccines that are routinely recommended by CDC’s Advisory committee to be covered without a co-payment by the insurance companies.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
PA Lawmakers Okay MCARE Extension
The House and Senate have approved a bill extending Pennsylvania’s medical malpractice fund but Governor Rendell hasn’t decided whether or not he’ll sign it into law.
The measure, which passed the House on a 117-81 vote, extends Pennsylvania’s MCARE fund for another seven years.
Scot Chadwick of the Pennsylvania Medical Society has some problems with the measure.
He points out current law gives Pennsylvania’s insurance commissioner the chance to reconfigure every two years the ratio of private and public coverage hospitals are required to purchase, but this bill locks a 50-50 split into place through 2017.
"I think we’ve always felt that the private insurance market can do a better job of selling insurance than the state can. A free market competitive system allows more choice, allows, probably, for better pricing."
Acting Insurance Commissioner Robert Pratter wants MCARE to roll over excess funds from year to year.
"We would have concerns with using that entire fund balance. Because in 2011, you might have payments go up. And at that point, the MCARE fund wouldn’t have enough money to meet its expenses, and would have to borrow money, so the assessments would go up."
Governor Rendell is also unhappy with the measure's language returning unspent funds to hospitals, instead of rolling the money into the next year of coverage.
Pennsylvania has paid out 329 MCARE claims this year, compared to a high of 701 in 2003.
The measure, which passed the House on a 117-81 vote, extends Pennsylvania’s MCARE fund for another seven years.
Scot Chadwick of the Pennsylvania Medical Society has some problems with the measure.
He points out current law gives Pennsylvania’s insurance commissioner the chance to reconfigure every two years the ratio of private and public coverage hospitals are required to purchase, but this bill locks a 50-50 split into place through 2017.
"I think we’ve always felt that the private insurance market can do a better job of selling insurance than the state can. A free market competitive system allows more choice, allows, probably, for better pricing."
Acting Insurance Commissioner Robert Pratter wants MCARE to roll over excess funds from year to year.
"We would have concerns with using that entire fund balance. Because in 2011, you might have payments go up. And at that point, the MCARE fund wouldn’t have enough money to meet its expenses, and would have to borrow money, so the assessments would go up."
Governor Rendell is also unhappy with the measure's language returning unspent funds to hospitals, instead of rolling the money into the next year of coverage.
Pennsylvania has paid out 329 MCARE claims this year, compared to a high of 701 in 2003.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Highmark Gives Bullying Prevention Grants
Two Pennsylvania bullying prevention programs will receive a combined $3.3 million from the Highmark Foundation.
Dr. Matthew Masiello of the Windber Research Institute says his organization and the Center for Safe Schools will essentially split the grant in half, but both entities will continue their work as two components of the same coalition.
“The Center for Safe Schools is responsible for implementing this evidence-based bullying prevention program, that now has been ongoing in the school systems of western Pennsylvania for the past several years,” says Masiello. “The role of the Windber Research Institute is to concentrate on the research and evaluation and monitoring of that implementation.”
Both organizations use the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, which trains school faculty on how best to reduce bullying. Masiello says after the trainer leaves, the school district creates its own committee to continue the Olweus program.
Masiello says Windber uses before-and-after surveys of kids, teachers, and parents to determine the effectiveness of the program.
Masiello says while there will probably never be an “absolute end” to bullying, efforts like this take strides in reducing it to create a better learning environment.
Dr. Matthew Masiello of the Windber Research Institute says his organization and the Center for Safe Schools will essentially split the grant in half, but both entities will continue their work as two components of the same coalition.
“The Center for Safe Schools is responsible for implementing this evidence-based bullying prevention program, that now has been ongoing in the school systems of western Pennsylvania for the past several years,” says Masiello. “The role of the Windber Research Institute is to concentrate on the research and evaluation and monitoring of that implementation.”
Both organizations use the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, which trains school faculty on how best to reduce bullying. Masiello says after the trainer leaves, the school district creates its own committee to continue the Olweus program.
Masiello says Windber uses before-and-after surveys of kids, teachers, and parents to determine the effectiveness of the program.
Masiello says while there will probably never be an “absolute end” to bullying, efforts like this take strides in reducing it to create a better learning environment.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Young Adults Get Extended Health Insurance
A portion of the federal health care law that went into effect this week will build on a measure Governor Ed Rendell signed into law last year.
Since last December, Pennsylvania insurance companies have been able to extend parents’ health care benefits to their children, up to the age of 29.
The state law provided the option for companies to do that, though – it wasn’t a mandate, as Acting Insurance Commissioner Robert Pratter explains.
"Whether or not that was provided was left up to the employer sponsoring the plan. So that if the employer agreed to provide that coverage that coverage would be available. But it was not the parents’, or I’ll say the consumers’, choice."
The federal health care law now in effect requires insurers to provide coverage to young adults up to age 26, through their parents’ plans.
At the time the state law went into effect last year, Pennsylvania’s Insurance Department estimated 15-thousand twenty-somethings without insurance could benefit from joining their parents’ plan.
Insurance companies are also now barred from denying coverage to children with preexisting conditions.
Meantime, the Insurance Department is still accepting applications for a new pilot program covering people with preexisting health conditions. There are 35-hundred available spots.
A spokeswoman says about 34-hundred people have applied so far.
Since last December, Pennsylvania insurance companies have been able to extend parents’ health care benefits to their children, up to the age of 29.
The state law provided the option for companies to do that, though – it wasn’t a mandate, as Acting Insurance Commissioner Robert Pratter explains.
"Whether or not that was provided was left up to the employer sponsoring the plan. So that if the employer agreed to provide that coverage that coverage would be available. But it was not the parents’, or I’ll say the consumers’, choice."
The federal health care law now in effect requires insurers to provide coverage to young adults up to age 26, through their parents’ plans.
At the time the state law went into effect last year, Pennsylvania’s Insurance Department estimated 15-thousand twenty-somethings without insurance could benefit from joining their parents’ plan.
Insurance companies are also now barred from denying coverage to children with preexisting conditions.
Meantime, the Insurance Department is still accepting applications for a new pilot program covering people with preexisting health conditions. There are 35-hundred available spots.
A spokeswoman says about 34-hundred people have applied so far.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Applications Still Being Accepted for "FairCare"
There are still more than a thousand spots available in Pennsylvania's new high-risk health insurance pool.
Pennsylvania's Insurance Department received more than a thousand bids to join its new coverage plan for people with preexisting conditions during the first day of its application window.
But since then, things have slowed down, and fewer than two thousand people have applied for its 35-hundred spots.
Spokeswoman Melissa Fox says the department will launch radio and Internet ads over the next few weeks, in order to spread the word about the program.
"We're not going to do Philly or Pittsburgh, only because we're still seeing a steady stream of interest in those counties. In addition, those are the two most expensive media markets out there. So we hope to get some advertising out within the next few weeks, in early September."
The PA Fair Care program will run until 2014, when the new federal health care law kicks in.
Fox says there are more than 800-thousand uninsured Pennsylvanians, though the department doesn't know how many of them have preexisting health conditions.
You can apply at PAFairCare.com.
Pennsylvania's Insurance Department received more than a thousand bids to join its new coverage plan for people with preexisting conditions during the first day of its application window.
But since then, things have slowed down, and fewer than two thousand people have applied for its 35-hundred spots.
Spokeswoman Melissa Fox says the department will launch radio and Internet ads over the next few weeks, in order to spread the word about the program.
"We're not going to do Philly or Pittsburgh, only because we're still seeing a steady stream of interest in those counties. In addition, those are the two most expensive media markets out there. So we hope to get some advertising out within the next few weeks, in early September."
The PA Fair Care program will run until 2014, when the new federal health care law kicks in.
Fox says there are more than 800-thousand uninsured Pennsylvanians, though the department doesn't know how many of them have preexisting health conditions.
You can apply at PAFairCare.com.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Study Reveals Increased Use of Antibiotics by Seniors
A University of Pittsburgh study of spending on antibiotics under Medicare Part D shows an increase in antibiotics use by seniors with pneumonia, which is an improvement, but also an increase in broad-spectrum antibiotics, which could mean an overuse of inappropriate drugs.
The study’s lead author, Yuting Zhang, of the Graduate School of Public Health says there’s been a major improvement for those with pneumonia who did not have drug coverage before the implementation of Medicare Part D. “It’s important that they use antibiotics to control their condition.”
However, she says there is also a misuse of prescription antibiotics, and this could lead to excessive government spending and overdose.
Zhang says there are a few things that can be done to prevent the misuse of these antibiotics without changing Medicare Part D. “There could be different education programs or reimbursement policy changes.” For example, she says policymakers could consider using a different pricing strategy that may involve charging higher for certain drugs that may not be appropriate for certain patients.
The assistant professor of health economics says they maintain one goal: to find another type of reimbursement policy program to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics… “Which always has been a very important thing and we have made a lot of progress and probably still have some room to improve on that.”
The study’s lead author, Yuting Zhang, of the Graduate School of Public Health says there’s been a major improvement for those with pneumonia who did not have drug coverage before the implementation of Medicare Part D. “It’s important that they use antibiotics to control their condition.”
However, she says there is also a misuse of prescription antibiotics, and this could lead to excessive government spending and overdose.
Zhang says there are a few things that can be done to prevent the misuse of these antibiotics without changing Medicare Part D. “There could be different education programs or reimbursement policy changes.” For example, she says policymakers could consider using a different pricing strategy that may involve charging higher for certain drugs that may not be appropriate for certain patients.
The assistant professor of health economics says they maintain one goal: to find another type of reimbursement policy program to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics… “Which always has been a very important thing and we have made a lot of progress and probably still have some room to improve on that.”
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Charity Healthcare Center Nets $500,000
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield gave $500,000 to a free health care center run by the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh yesterday.
Catholic Charities Executive Director Susan Rauscher says the insurance company’s grant is equal to the amount of all other donations the center received. Rauscher says like most charities, the center had been hard-pressed to find donations in a down economy.
“We’re going to continue to need to look for resources and to look for support, but certainly this very generous gift from Highmark just ensures that we’re going to be functioning at capacity for another year,” says Rauscher.
She says the Free Health Care Center treats about 700 people per month for many kinds of dental and medical problems. She says those patients are often those who “fall between the cracks”: their employers do not insure them but they make too much to be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
The Free Health Care Center operates at a budget between $800,000 and $900,000 each year, says Rauscher. Only six of the workers are paid staff members; the majority of the medical and dental work is done by volunteers.
Highmark and the Highmark Foundation have given more than $1 million to the center since 2005, including this year’s gift.
Catholic Charities Executive Director Susan Rauscher says the insurance company’s grant is equal to the amount of all other donations the center received. Rauscher says like most charities, the center had been hard-pressed to find donations in a down economy.
“We’re going to continue to need to look for resources and to look for support, but certainly this very generous gift from Highmark just ensures that we’re going to be functioning at capacity for another year,” says Rauscher.
She says the Free Health Care Center treats about 700 people per month for many kinds of dental and medical problems. She says those patients are often those who “fall between the cracks”: their employers do not insure them but they make too much to be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
The Free Health Care Center operates at a budget between $800,000 and $900,000 each year, says Rauscher. Only six of the workers are paid staff members; the majority of the medical and dental work is done by volunteers.
Highmark and the Highmark Foundation have given more than $1 million to the center since 2005, including this year’s gift.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Health Group: Pre-Existing Conditions Rife in PA
Health care advocacy group Families USA has released a report saying more than one in five Pennsylvanians less than 65 years old has a diagnosed pre-existing condition.
Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack says although 2.3 million non-elderly state residents are diagnosed with pre-existing conditions, many more remain undiagnosed. Anyone with a such a health problem can be denied health insurance, including nearly 178,000 children across the state.
The national health care reform bill passed this March will outlaw that practice, but Pollack says Families USA released the report anyway because many people aren’t aware of the contents of the act.
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey says children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage starting September 23 of this year. He says that right will be extended to adults in 2014.
“It’s inexcusable that we allowed this to persist year after year, decade after decade, when we were literally putting families in the path of a system that was harming them, literally,” says Casey.
Pollack says nearly three quarters of Pennsylvanians with pre-existing conditions have incomes more than double that of the national poverty level – at or above $44,100. Governor Ed Rendell signed an executive order last week to begin implementing the new federal health care law. He says the immediate priority is to apply for $160 million in federal aid to set up an insurance program for those with pre-existing conditions.
Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack says although 2.3 million non-elderly state residents are diagnosed with pre-existing conditions, many more remain undiagnosed. Anyone with a such a health problem can be denied health insurance, including nearly 178,000 children across the state.
The national health care reform bill passed this March will outlaw that practice, but Pollack says Families USA released the report anyway because many people aren’t aware of the contents of the act.
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey says children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage starting September 23 of this year. He says that right will be extended to adults in 2014.
“It’s inexcusable that we allowed this to persist year after year, decade after decade, when we were literally putting families in the path of a system that was harming them, literally,” says Casey.
Pollack says nearly three quarters of Pennsylvanians with pre-existing conditions have incomes more than double that of the national poverty level – at or above $44,100. Governor Ed Rendell signed an executive order last week to begin implementing the new federal health care law. He says the immediate priority is to apply for $160 million in federal aid to set up an insurance program for those with pre-existing conditions.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Rendell: Health Care Reforms Could Save $650M Over 8 Years
Governor Ed Rendell has signed an executive order that begins to implement many of the key elements of the recently signed federal health care overhaul law.
Rendell said it's essential to begin laying the groundwork for implementation of health care reform.
“It’s important that we start working today to apply for the federal health care funds that are available this year, and to craft a strategic plan to ready this state for the enormous expansion in health care access in 2014"
Rendell said the most immediate task is the creation of a new insurance program to cover adults who have been denied insurance due to pre-existing conditions (high risk pool)...“The federal government allocated $160 million for this insurance program in Pennsylvania and we hope to have a federal application in as soon as possible to help several thousand of these Pennsylvanians finally access reliable affordable health care. We hope that if any legislation is needed they (the legislature) will make sure it is passed before summer recess so that access to health care for these Pennsylvanians isn’t delayed.”
The executive order creates 2 bodies: an internal working group and and advisory committee consisting of insurance industry executives, hospital representatives, medical professionals, unions, health and budget policy experts and consumers.
The internal group is assigned several tasks including:
*Designing the optimal programmatic model for the state’s High Risk Pool.
*Designing the optimal organizational model to support a customer-friendly and efficient health benefit exchange.
*Preparing a strategic plan for the implementation of the new law.
Rendell says the new law will benefit the uninsured, parents and children and the state..."We have estimated what the reforms will cost and what we will save from them. Over the next eight years, the Commonwealth will save from a low of $280 million to a high of $650 million in direct general and lottery fund payments for health care expenditures."
Rendell said it's essential to begin laying the groundwork for implementation of health care reform.
“It’s important that we start working today to apply for the federal health care funds that are available this year, and to craft a strategic plan to ready this state for the enormous expansion in health care access in 2014"
Rendell said the most immediate task is the creation of a new insurance program to cover adults who have been denied insurance due to pre-existing conditions (high risk pool)...“The federal government allocated $160 million for this insurance program in Pennsylvania and we hope to have a federal application in as soon as possible to help several thousand of these Pennsylvanians finally access reliable affordable health care. We hope that if any legislation is needed they (the legislature) will make sure it is passed before summer recess so that access to health care for these Pennsylvanians isn’t delayed.”
The executive order creates 2 bodies: an internal working group and and advisory committee consisting of insurance industry executives, hospital representatives, medical professionals, unions, health and budget policy experts and consumers.
The internal group is assigned several tasks including:
*Designing the optimal programmatic model for the state’s High Risk Pool.
*Designing the optimal organizational model to support a customer-friendly and efficient health benefit exchange.
*Preparing a strategic plan for the implementation of the new law.
Rendell says the new law will benefit the uninsured, parents and children and the state..."We have estimated what the reforms will cost and what we will save from them. Over the next eight years, the Commonwealth will save from a low of $280 million to a high of $650 million in direct general and lottery fund payments for health care expenditures."
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