STACK TOUTS ENACTMENT OF HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT BILLS

            HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Sen. Mike Stack today announced that four important health care measures have been signed into law.

            “These four new laws take important steps toward improving health coverage and protecting consumers,” said Stack, who is the Democratic chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

            Act 1 of 2009 (House Bill 84) prevents health care providers from seeking payment for a preventable serious medical error or services required to correct or treat the problem that occurred under their care. 

            “This legislation will protect patients who obtain a health care-acquired infection from paying for a hospital’s mistake,” Stack said. “It’s also an incentive for hospitals to improve their standards for decreasing medical errors.”

            Act 2 of 2009 (House Bill 1089) authorizes Mini-COBRA Small Employer Group Health Policies. Specifically, the new law allows employees or dependents of employees of small employers (2-19 employees) who lose health care coverage through a qualifying event to continue the group health insurance coverage at cost.  The continuation of coverage includes coverage for the employees’ dependents. It will also help laid off employees to access a 65 percent premium subsidy funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

            “Unemployed individuals have enough to worry about without the added toll of losing health coverage for themselves and their families,” Stack said. “Expanding COBRA coverage will be a relief these men and women until they get back on their feet.”

            Act 3 of 2009 (Senate Bill 89) renews Health Care Cost Containment Council until June 30, 2014. PHC4 is an independent state agency responsible for addressing the problem of escalating health costs, ensuring the quality of health care, and increasing access for all citizens.

            “This is an important agency that acts as a watchdog for insured citizens, so I’m pleased that it will provide a much-needed service to the Commonwealth for the next five years,” Stack said.

            Act 4 of 2009 (Senate Bill 189) allows dependent children to receive health insurance coverage through their parent’s policy up to age 30.

            “At a time when students are staying in school longer and graduates are having a hard time finding work, they can be assured now that they can stay on their parents’ health coverage,” Stack said.

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