Healthcare (Primary Care)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 16, 2025

HB 1602: An Act amending the act of November 22, 2005 (P.L.407, No.74), known as the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Act, further providing for short title, for definitions and for Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Program established.

HB 1602 amends Pennsylvania's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Act to update the program's short title, definitions, and administrative structure. It clarifies operational details without changing the core screening services provided to patients. The bill directly affects the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Program, healthcare providers offering screenings, and patients seeking preventive care. The bill was referred to the Insurance committee on June 16, 2025, for further review.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAmends breast/cervical cancer screening program to clarify operations, maintaining program efficiency without reducing services.70% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 614: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, providing for primary care workforce initiative; and making an appropriation.

SB 614 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to establish a state-funded initiative supporting workforce development for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which are community health centers serving rural and underserved areas. The bill directly affects FQHCs by providing funding to recruit and retain primary care staff, addressing documented shortages in these facilities. Key provisions include creating a dedicated funding stream within the state budget specifically for FQHC workforce expansion, with appropriations to cover hiring and training costs. This policy change aims to strengthen primary care access in communities with limited healthcare resources through targeted financial support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates dedicated state appropriation for FQHC workforce development, directly increasing budgeted spending on essential healthcare services for underserved communities.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds FQHC workforce development to address staff shortages in community health centers serving underserved areas, directly strengthening primary care access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds recruitment/retention for FQHC primary care staff, directly addressing workforce shortages in underserved healthcare settings, advancing employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Primary Care Workforce Development

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 1548: An Act authorizing the State Workers' Insurance Board to make available health insurance policies for purchase by the general public; providing for premiums; and authorizing a loan from the State Workers' Insurance Fund.

HB 1548 authorizes Pennsylvania's State Workers' Insurance Board to sell health insurance policies directly to the general public, not just state workers. The program must include minimum coverage for inpatient/outpatient hospital care, emergency services, preventive care, and basic medical services like doctor visits, physical therapy, and lab tests. The Board may borrow up to 40% of the State Workers' Insurance Fund’s annual balance to cover claims and administrative costs, with premiums partially funding loan repayments. This program will begin on January 1, 2026, offering a new public option for health insurance in Pennsylvania.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes public health insurance access with mandatory minimum coverage (hospital, emergency, preventive care), expanding coverage options beyond state workers to general public.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance Primary Care

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 522: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, providing for Collaborative Care Model and Primary Care Behavioral Health Model Implementation Program.

SB 522 provides funding and support for integrating mental health services into primary care settings across Pennsylvania. It allocates grants to primary care physicians and practices to cover initial costs of implementing collaborative care models (like hiring staff, upgrading technology, and creating patient tracking systems), with priority for rural clinics and areas with high suicide or overdose rates. The bill also establishes regional technical assistance centers to help practices develop staffing models, integrate tools into electronic records, and navigate billing. These provisions directly affect primary care providers statewide, aiming to improve access to behavioral health services through existing medical settings.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state grants for mental health integration in primary care, funding essential public health services through government spending.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides grants for mental health integration into primary care, prioritizes high-need areas, and establishes technical assistance centers for behavioral health implementation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Primary Care Substance Abuse

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 1827: An Act providing for medical assistance coverage and insurance coverage of screening, prevention and treatment measures for osteoporosis as a result of menopause.

This bill requires Medicaid programs and private health insurance plans to cover bone density screenings, preventive care, and treatments for osteoporosis specifically linked to menopause. It directly affects postmenopausal women, particularly those with low income who rely on Medicaid, by ensuring access to these services without cost barriers. The key provision mandates that both public medical assistance programs and private insurers include these osteoporosis-related services in standard coverage. This expands existing coverage to explicitly address menopause-related bone health needs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Medicaid/private insurers to cover osteoporosis screenings/treatment for postmenopausal women, removing cost barriers and expanding access to preventive care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Primary Care

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 22, 2025

SB 51: An Act providing for individual and group health care insurance coverage protections and for core health benefits; imposing penalties; and providing for applicability and for regulations.

SB 51, the Health Insurance Core Benefits Coverage Act, requires Pennsylvania health insurance companies to cover specific core health benefits in both individual and group plans. It mandates coverage for 10 essential categories, including emergency services, mental health care, prescription drugs, hospitalization, preventive care, and pediatric services (like dental/vision for children). The law ensures plans are at least as comprehensive as those offered in 2018, with the Insurance Department allowed to adjust requirements through regulations. This directly affects insurers and policyholders by standardizing minimum coverage across the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates 10 essential health benefits including mental health care, preventive services, and pediatric coverage; requires plans to be at least as comprehensive as 2018 standards with penalties for non-compliance.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates comprehensive health benefits coverage in employer group plans, expanding worker benefits and protections under employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Insurance Primary Care

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 2, 2025

HB 1376: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, providing for school-based health centers.

HB 1376 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish standards for school-based health centers in public, private, and parochial schools. It requires these centers to provide accessible care without denying services based on payment ability, insurance status, or health conditions, while coordinating with students' existing primary care providers. Centers must offer a full range of services with proper parental consent, minimize barriers to care, and maintain confidentiality per federal law. The bill also creates a statewide advisory council and a department liaison to oversee implementation and ensure centers align with student needs like age, demographics, and community resources.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates accessible school health centers without financial/insurance barriers, directly enhancing educational access and student well-being per Public School Code amendment.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates non-discriminatory school-based health centers with full services, no denial based on payment/insurance, and confidentiality, expanding healthcare access for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Children's Health Primary Care

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jul 1, 2025

HB 1590: An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, providing for abrogation of regulatory requirements for payment for clinic services within physical confines of clinic facilities.

HB 1590 removes specific regulatory requirements that clinics must meet to receive payment for services provided within their own facilities under public assistance programs like Medicaid. This change directly affects clinics offering on-site care covered by these programs, simplifying their billing process. The bill amends the Human Services Code to eliminate the need for clinics to comply with certain prior payment rules when services occur inside their physical premises. It focuses solely on modifying reimbursement procedures without altering eligibility or funding levels.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes regulatory barriers for clinics to receive Medicaid payment, simplifying billing and improving access to care under public health programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Primary Care

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