HARRISBURG, PA – On Tuesday, March 25, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a critical legislative package aimed at enshrining key protections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into state law. The legislation, approved unanimously by House Democrats, seeks to ensure Pennsylvanians maintain access to vital health care services even amid federal challenges to the ACA’s provisions.
The package includes four bills, each addressing core aspects of the ACA that have benefited millions of residents since its enactment 15 years ago.
- Health Insurance Preventive Services Coverage Act mandates coverage for preventive care services without cost-sharing.
- Health Insurance Protections Against Limitations Act prohibits caps on coverage for essential benefits.
- Health Insurance for Young Adults Act guarantees that young adults can remain on their parents’ insurance plans until age 26.
- Health Insurance Access Protections Act ensures that individuals with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage.
House leaders emphasized the importance of codifying these protections to safeguard Pennsylvanians’ health care access. “We are committed to making sure that health insurance works for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of what happens in Washington, DC,” said House Insurance Committee Majority Chairman Perry Warren, D-Bucks. He highlighted the lifesaving impact of preventive care services covered under the ACA and the necessity of preserving these provisions at the state level.
The Health Insurance Protections Against Limitations Act addresses one of the most vulnerable aspects of health care coverage. “No patient should ever have to hear that they’ve maxed out their coverage when they still have months of treatment ahead,” stated House Health Committee Majority Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny.
Support for young Pennsylvanians was a particular focus, with Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, noting the ACA’s pivotal role in allowing young adults to retain access to insurance through age 26. “Parts of the Affordable Care Act remain under threat from Republicans in Congress. If the ACA were struck down, many adult children could lose their health insurance, potentially leading to a crisis in the health insurance market,” Pashinski warned.
Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, reiterated the critical nature of protecting those with pre-existing conditions. Prior to the ACA, residents with conditions like cancer often faced overwhelming financial and medical hardships due to insurance denials. “We need to give people peace of mind that their insurance coverage will continue, no matter what happens at the federal level,” Haddock said.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis strongly advocated for the package’s passage, urging bipartisan cooperation. “We can’t go backward. There’s too much at stake,” said Davis. “It’s time to take off our red jerseys and blue jerseys and put on our Pennsylvania jerseys to get this done for the good people of our commonwealth.”
Health care advocates and officials echoed the House’s sentiments. Matt Yarnell, president of SEIU Healthcare PA, stressed the ACA’s role in supporting health care workers and their communities. Meanwhile, Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, warned against regressing on the progress achieved since the ACA was signed into law. “We cannot go backwards. We must continue the progress we have made over the last 15 years by codifying these critical consumer protections so no matter what, Pennsylvanians’ health will be protected,” Arkoosh said.
As the legislation heads to the state Senate, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa expressed confidence in its advancement, stating, “My colleagues and I will continue to raise our voices to fight for quality, affordable, and accessible health care for every single Pennsylvanian. Let’s get it done.”
The ACA protection laws aim not only to solidify health care access but also to provide stability in a time of federal uncertainty. With Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace, Pennie, offering consistent options for affordable care, the state legislature’s actions represent a significant step toward protecting the health of millions in the commonwealth.
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