Davis bill seeks to expand access to health insurance
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
A state representative from the Mon Valley introduced a bill Monday to close the health insurance gap and possibly cut the number of uninsured residents by half.
Rep. Austin Davis, D-McKeesport, was joined by leaders from the Pennsylvania Health Access Network, Pennie and SEIU Healthcare PA in Harrisburg to announce House Bill 1030. The bill would create the Pennsylvania Easy Enrollment Program, making it easier for thousands of uninsured Pennsylvanians to enroll in health insurance coverage.
Davis proposes adding a check box to state income tax returns that would connect Pennsylvanians with Pennie (pennie.com) and offer them a free evaluation to see if they qualify for a low-cost plan on the marketplace, the Children’s Health Insurance Program or Medicaid.
Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official online marketplace for health insurance plans and accessing financial assistance for health care.
“Every year, we talk to thousands of uninsured Pennsylvanians who lack easy-to-understand information about the affordable coverage options available to them,” Pennsylvania Health Access Network Executive Director Antoinette Kraus said. “Adding simple questions to the tax filing process already completed by millions and then giving individuals personalized options creates a straightforward solution and makes it easier to get covered.”
In a memorandum attached to the bill, Davis wrote that more than 700,000 Pennsylvanians do not have health insurance.
“Almost 90% of these individuals have incomes above 100% of the federal poverty line and should be filing state personal income tax returns,” he wrote. “These returns are opportunities to get more adults and children enrolled in health insurance coverage.
“… Individuals who check this box will have their eligibility evaluated for health insurance programs, such as premium tax credits. If an individual or their dependent is eligible, they will have an opportunity to enroll in health insurance.”
To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Tuesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.
