Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 12, 2026

HR 565: A Resolution designating the month of September 2026 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This bill designates September 2026 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of screening and education for men. The resolution includes background information on prostate cancer statistics, symptoms, and recommended screening ages based on risk factors. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage awareness and early detection.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes prostate cancer awareness and screening, aligning with improving patient access and health education.75% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HR 578: A Resolution recognizing the week of September 12 through 18, 2026, as "Neonatal Nurses Week" in Pennsylvania.

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates the week of September 12 through 18, 2026, as "Neonatal Nurses Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to honor the work of neonatal nurses who provide specialized care to newborn infants, particularly those in intensive care units with complex health needs. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge the skills and dedication of these healthcare professionals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill honors neonatal nurses, protecting and acknowledging essential healthcare professionals who provide critical care.90% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 2, 2026

HB 2649: An Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, in casualty insurance, providing for coverage for certain fertility preservation services.

This Pennsylvania bill requires health insurance companies to cover fertility preservation services for individuals facing medically necessary cancer treatments that could cause infertility. The law mandates that insurers include at least three years of egg, sperm, or ovarian tissue storage at an in-network facility, with a minimum lifetime benefit of $100,000 per person. While the coverage must follow standard policy rules like deductibles and copayments, religious employers are allowed to request exemptions if the services conflict with their beliefs, provided they notify patients and allow them to buy separate supplemental insurance.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for fertility preservation services, expanding access to reproductive healthcare and increasing patient benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 5, 2026

HR 551: A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission and Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to examine the reimbursement mechanisms necessary to expand and sustain a robust behavioral health crisis service system in this Commonwealth, specifically analyzing practices of the Medicaid program, Medicare program and private commercial health insurance payors in paying for crisis services and their impact on the sustainability and accessibility of these vital services.

This resolution directs state committees to study how Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance pay for behavioral health crisis services in Pennsylvania. The investigation aims to understand how current payment methods affect the ability of crisis centers to operate sustainably and provide accessible care. The study will analyze specific financial data, compare reimbursement rates across different payors, and review successful models used in other states. Ultimately, the committees will develop recommendations to improve funding and ensure the long-term viability of these essential services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directs committees to examine reimbursement mechanisms to expand and sustain behavioral health crisis services, aiming to improve accessibility and sustainability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Mental Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 1371: An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, further providing for enrollment limitation.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish stricter rules for when individuals can switch managed care health plans. It requires people who qualify for public assistance to stay in their current plan for at least twelve months unless they meet specific criteria to change. The law allows switching without a reason during a short window after first joining a plan, once a year during a designated enrollment period, or at any time for documented "good cause" such as moving, religious objections, or poor quality of care. To approve a switch based on quality issues, the department must review objective evidence like medical records or official complaints rather than relying on general dissatisfaction. The state must also follow federal regulations when implementing these changes and provide a process for appealing denied requests.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill restricts patient access to managed care plans by imposing a 12-month lock-in period, limiting flexibility for individuals seeking better coverage.85% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HR 577: A Resolution recognizing the month of September 2026 as "Newborn Screening Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This resolution designates September 2026 as "Newborn Screening Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of early health testing for infants. The bill does not alter any laws or change how screening is conducted; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage public awareness among parents, healthcare providers, and the community. By recognizing this month, the House of Representatives aims to promote education about newborn screening programs that detect rare but serious conditions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes newborn screening awareness to improve early detection and public health education.85% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2654: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in fees, further providing for exemption of persons, entities and vehicles from fees.

This bill expands fee exemptions in Pennsylvania for volunteers serving in fire companies or nonprofit emergency medical services agencies. Under the new provisions, these individuals would no longer pay the standard vehicle registration fee, though they would still be required to pay a $11 processing fee to cover administrative costs. The legislation also clarifies that such exemptions are limited to one passenger car or truck per volunteer, ensuring the benefit applies only to a single vehicle per person.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides fee exemptions for emergency medical services volunteers, enhancing access to critical health services.75% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 1376: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in Department of Aging, further providing for objectives, for powers and duties in general, for area agencies and powers and duties and for evaluation.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Administrative Code to establish a cabinet-level Department of Aging dedicated to improving the well-being of older citizens. It mandates that the department eliminate program duplication and promotes the growth of independent clubs and associations for seniors. The legislation also requires the department to provide comprehensive training for area agency employees on topics such as abuse detection, investigative techniques, and financial exploitation. Additionally, the bill prohibits the department from entering into contracts that limit oversight by the General Assembly or the Auditor General.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a cabinet-level Department of Aging to improve senior well-being, eliminate program duplication, and mandate training on abuse detection and financial exploitation, directly supporting healthcare and protective services for older adults.75% confidence

Tags Seniors

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2657: An Act providing for the regulation and sale of kratom products; imposing a tobacco products tax on natural kratom products; imposing duties on the Department of Health; and imposing penalties.

This bill establishes a regulatory framework for the sale of kratom products in Pennsylvania, requiring businesses to register with the Department of Health and prohibiting the sale of synthetic kratom varieties. It mandates that retailers verify customers are at least 21 years old using electronic ID scanners and strictly forbids sharing this data, while also enforcing specific labeling and child-resistant packaging requirements. Additionally, the legislation imposes a tax on natural kratom products and outlines penalties for violations, aiming to standardize oversight and protect public health.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill imposes a tobacco products tax on natural kratom, generating state revenue to fund government operations.85% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill restricts patient access to kratom products through age limits, bans synthetic varieties, and imposes taxes, limiting treatment options.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 2583: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in human services, providing for medical assistance payments for medical equipment and supplies.

This bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to make a one-time payment to medical assistance managed care organizations by December 31, 2027, to help increase payments to providers for medical equipment and supplies. The total amount available for distribution is calculated by taking the total funds these organizations paid to providers for such items in 2024 and adding 10% to that figure. Once the department distributes its share, the managed care organizations must pass along 10% of the 2024 payment amounts to each participating provider within 30 days. The law applies specifically to individuals enrolled in the medical assistance program and the healthcare providers and organizations that serve them.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs a one-time payment to increase provider payments for medical equipment, strengthening funding for essential health services.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates funds to increase payments for medical equipment and supplies, directly strengthening healthcare provider resources.90% confidence

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