Top Pennsylvania official says affordable health insurance possible
13 05 08 - 11:58
A bill pending in the state Senate could address Pennsylvania's most critical health care crisis for the hundreds of thousands who lack health insurance, a top Department of State official told nursing students in Coraopolis.
Joined about 250 nursing students and professionals at an informational session at the Crowne Plaza, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Commissioner Basil Merenda said the bill would provide uninsured Pennsylvanians access to health care.
Merenda also echoed Gov. Edward G. Rendell's call for the passage of the PAAccess to Basic Care program, which was recently passed by the state House of Representatives. His call came during an event that also provided information about professional licensure, current and future nursing regulations, and continuing education opportunities.
"As professionals who care for us, you know better than most how critical health care is," Merenda said. "PA ABC would help uninsured Pennsylvanians get access to the medical care that could keep variousillnesses and injuries from escalating to emergencies, and help alleviate the demands our nurses already face."
In Pennsylvania, 767,000 adults are uninsured. According to advocacy group Families USA, approximately 710 working-age Pennsylvanians died as a result of lacking health care in 2006. Of those Pennsylvanians who lack insurance, 70 percent said cost is the main reason, a state Insurance Department study found.
The plan is part of Rendell's Prescription for Pennsylvania health care reform proposal.