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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jim Wansacz
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Wansacz votes to expand access to health coverage in Pa.
HARRISBURG, March 18 – State Rep. Jim Wansacz voted for legislation that would provide affordable health insurance to more than 4,100 adults in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties who are on a waiting list for the state's adultBasic program.
The bill (S.B. 1137) passed the House 118 to 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 and Medicare. It would also help small businesses provide health benefits to their employees.
"Having helped run a small business, I know how important it is to hold down costs so employers can provide health care," Wansacz said. "PA ABC does that and much more to help expand access to coverage for many Pennsylvania residents."
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.
Wansacz said that college students and other single people earning less than $15,600 per year would be eligible for the program at no cost. Additionally, those earning less than $18,200 per year would be able to buy into the program for $40 per month.
The buy-in would be $50 per month for individuals with an annual income of less than $20,800. Uninsured adults earning between $20,800 and $41,600 could access PA ABC for about $311 a month.
Small employers would be able to 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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