Cover All Pennsylvanians Bill Introduced in House
House Bill 1870, a bill to provide health insurance to all Pennsylvanians through Gov. Rendell’s “Cover All Pennsylvanians” (CAP) plan, was introduced in the House of Representatives on Oct. 2, 2007, by Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster).
The Pennsylvania Medical Society has expressed concerns about the CAP proposal because it could potentially lower physician payment levels to near Medicaid HMO levels, decreasing access to care. Uninsured residents, who currently number nearly 1 million, could purchase insurance through CAP. Lower income residents would receive state help paying premiums, while those earning more could purchase insurance at full cost.
Small businesses with 50 or fewer employees who earn less than the state average wage could participate. Employers would pay about $130 per employee per month, and each employee would pay a premium of $10 to $70 per month depending on income. Employers who continue not providing health insurance would be charged a 3 percent payroll tax. Small businesses have said they just can’t afford to offer health insurance.
At its regular October meeting, the State Society’s Board of Trustees heard an update from Rep. Sturla, chairman of the House Professional Licensure Committee, about CAP.
Last month, Gov. Ed Rendell took to the highway to campaign for his “Prescription for Pennsylvania” health care reform plan, pushing for insurance reform and passage of CAP initiative. Stops included news conferences and town hall meetings, where residents were encouraged to share stories about being uninsured or underinsured.
Last Updated: 8/6/2008