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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Jesse White |
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White votes to expand access to health coverage in Pa.
HARRISBURG, March 17 – State Rep. Jesse White, D-Washington/Allegheny/Beaver, voted for legislation today that would provide access to affordable health insurance to more than 10,000 adults in Washington, Allegheny and Beaver counties who are on a waiting list for the state's adultBasic program.
The bill (S.B. 1137) passed the House 118-81.
Pennsylvania Access to Basic Care is a comprehensive plan that would help individuals and small businesses access affordable health care. PA ABC would provide access to health coverage for uninsured adults who don't qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. It would also help small businesses provide health benefits to their employees.
"I'm pleased that my colleagues in the House realize the importance of providing access to health care for all Pennsylvanians," White said. "That was reflected in today's vote."
PA ABC would take over coverage for current adultBasic enrollees and expand coverage to those on the waiting list. It would also improve coverage to include prescription drugs, behavioral health services, preventive care and chronic disease management.
The program would be available free or for a monthly premium of up to $50, depending on income, for uninsured adults earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $42,400 for a family of four. Uninsured adults earning between 200 percent and 300 percent of the poverty level could access PA ABC for about $311 a month.
Small employers could provide coverage to their workers through PA ABC. If an employer already provides comparable coverage, PA ABC would provide state grants to help them continue to cover their employees.
The bill now goes to the Senate for concurrence.
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