|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Jewell Williams
|
|
Williams votes for bill to expand state's adultBasic program
HARRISBURG, June 29 – Thousands of Pennsylvania adults who are currently uninsured would have access to affordable, quality health care under legislation that state Rep. Jewell Williams, D-Phila., voted for today.
The measure (H.B. 1), which passed the House of Representatives, would expand the state's adultBasic program and provide health-care coverage to more uninsured Pennsylvanians. Williams said there are more than 131,600 Philadelphia adults currently without health insurance.
"The number of Pennsylvanians who are without health insurance is swelling to alarming levels, and we cannot wait for the federal government to save the day with a national health-care program," Williams said. "Expanding the adultBasic program would have a marked impact on the quality of life of thousands of Pennsylvanians. Going to the doctor when you're sick is a basic need, and we should be helping as many uninsured adults as we can who cannot access that care.
"Pennsylvania has the opportunity to lead by example and help many more uninsured adults," Williams added. "I am strongly encouraging my Senate counterparts to pass this bill quickly and send it to the governor."
Currently, the state's adultBasic program provides coverage for 46,000 Pennsylvanians between the ages of 19 and 64.
To make the state eligible for federal dollars, H.B. 1 would expand the number
of adults covered and add benefits to the current adultBasic program, including
prescription medications, chronic disease management, preventive and wellness
care, and behavioral health care.
House Bill 1 is a central component of Health PAct, the House Democrats' package of bills aimed at reforming the state's health-care system. It is now goes to the Senate for consideration.
###