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Financial Analysis Shows PA ABC Health Care Plan Affordable and Sustainable
In a report released yesterday, the Governor’s Budget Office worked with an international actuarial consulting firm to estimate the likely costs of PA ABC. The budget office also examined the level of funding available to support PA ABC over the next 10 years as well as portions of the bill which would help to pay down the Mcare liability.
PA ABC is a private-sector health insurance package that would be available to eligible small businesses and low- and moderate-income individuals. It builds upon the health insurance proposals that were part of Governor Rendell’s Prescription for Pennsylvania health care reform plan.
The key funding sources for PA ABC are: state funds used currently to support Pennsylvania’s much more limited and more expensive adultBasic program; federal matching funds; premium payments paid by participating employers and employees and other individuals; and a portion of state cigarette tax revenues that has been earmarked to support improved access to health care for Pennsylvanians.
In a letter to legislative leaders yesterday, Budget Secretary Michael Masch noted that a 2007 Quinnipiac University poll showed that 71 percent of Pennsylvanians support raising the tax on cigarettes and using the money to help pay for health insurance for Pennsylvania residents.
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.
Have a question about Rx for PA?
Visit our Web site at www.rxforpa.com or click here for frequently asked questions. |
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"The uninsured do not have powerful Harrisburg lobbyists to represent them. They are hard-working individuals who are trying to make ends meet and worrying about how they are going to afford to see a doctor if they get sick," Governor Rendell continued. "It’s time we do something for them to make their lives a little easier. That’s what public service is supposed to be about.
“This budget analysis is the final piece to the puzzle and, with it, I hope the Senate debates and takes action on this crucial program. The biggest holdup we have been hearing is, ‘How are you going to fund it?’ Well, this analysis answers that question. Now it’s time to take action and help the people of Pennsylvania.”
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