Legislative Update

A recent story in the Scranton Times-Tribune describes efforts by Rep. Todd Eachus (D-Butler Township) to address “a wide scope of health care issues,” including coverage for the uninsured. As chairman of the majority House Democrats’ policy committee, Eachus will work with his Democratic colleagues to focus on health care issues raised by Governor Rendell’s Prescription for Pennsylvania plan this fall, including the Cover All Pennsylvanians (CAP) health care reform plan. Parts of the plan were passed into law this spring, including legislation to reduce hospital acquired infections and to change the scope of practice for nurses. The primary issue to be debated this fall is whether and how to provide health insurance to almost 800,000 Pennsylvania adults who don’t have it. The funding sources proposed for the bill include a “fair share” assessment for employers who do not offer health insurance.