That sentiment, which is echoed in newspapers across the commonwealth, is perhaps best summed up by an excerpt from an editorial in the Philadelphia Daily News (06/16/2008); “Our [state House] came up with a proposal to cover all Pennsylvanians, targeting the poor and low-wage workers who are uninsured.  Measuring that plan [PA ABC] against the cobbled-together and inadequate response from the Senate is enough to make us sick. The tragedy is that Health Net is likely to have that real effect on too many real people.”

PA ABC is a proposal designed to provide access to affordable basic health insurance coverage for Pennsylvania’s uninsured.  The plan passed the state House with bipartisan support as SB 1137 on March 17, along with a set of insurance reforms intended to lower health insurance costs for individuals and small businesses.  PA ABC is based on the plan proposed by Governor Edward G. Rendell in his Prescription for Pennsylvania, which earned national acclaim as a comprehensive and sustainable health care reform plan.

HEARING:
Under pressure since the passage of SB 1137 by the state House three full months ago, the Senate is holding its first and only hearing on PA ABC tomorrow from 1-3 p.m.  There are five individuals representing various viewpoints scheduled to testify before the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

Express your support for PA ABC and the insurance reform initiatives.  Call or email your senator today! 

Want to help?
Call or write to your legislators to urge them to support PA ABC or write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Click here for assistance.

Not sure who your legislator is?
Visit this Web site and use the member search option in the top right corner to find your legislator or call us at: 717-772-9022 and we’ll help you find out.

IN THE NEWS:

Editorials Once again, prognosis for Pa. health-care progress is grim John Baer Philadelphia Daily News June 16, 2008   Illl Will in Senate Health Plan: Put 'HealthNET' out of its, and our, misery Philadelphia Daily News June 16, 2008  Second opinion: The Senate health plan is built on optimism Pittsburgh Post-Gazette June 15, 2008 To fix health care, focus on uninsured Allentown Morning Call June 15, 2008  Health care plan no prescription  Scranton Times Tribune June 14, 2008   Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor   AS I SEE IT, MARC STIER Even if GOP plan works, it will be inadequate  Harrisburg Patriot News June 17, 2008 Games do nothing to help health care Lebanon Daily News June 15, 2008   Health care related articles   Health care issue is summer's sizzler Allentown Morning Call June 16, 2008  Nonprofit's health costs reflect  small business woes Pittsburgh Post-Gazette June 14, 2008   Group presses Pileggi on  health-care bill  Delaware County Times June 11, 2008