Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 21, 2025

SB 601: An Act amending the act of September 27, 1961 (P.L.1700, No.699), known as the Pharmacy Act, providing for ivermectin without prescription or consultation with health care professional.

Senate Bill 601 proposes an amendment to the Pharmacy Act in Pennsylvania. The bill would permit ivermectin, when intended for human use, to be sold and purchased as an over-the-counter medication. This change would allow individuals to obtain ivermectin without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes prescription requirement for ivermectin, increasing patient access to medication without healthcare consultation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 17, 2025

HB 917: An Act amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in regulation of insurers and related persons generally, repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation.

HB 917 repeals Chapter 33 of Pennsylvania's Insurance Code, which previously required insurers offering plans through the state's health insurance exchange to follow specific federal health care law rules regarding abortion coverage. The repealed provisions included a ban on abortion coverage in most plans (except for complications or miscarriage treatment) and an opt-out option for abortion coverage. This bill directly affects insurers and health plans sold through Pennsylvania's health insurance exchange by removing these specific federal compliance requirements. The change eliminates the state's prior restrictions on abortion coverage within qualified health plans.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRepeals abortion coverage restrictions in insurance plans, removing bans and opt-outs to expand reproductive healthcare access within coverage policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Women's Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Sep 11, 2025

HR 315: A Resolution urging the Congress of the United States and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to enable veterans to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy for both traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

HR 315 is a non-binding resolution urging Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It does not create new law but calls on federal agencies to facilitate this treatment option for veterans. The resolution directly affects veterans diagnosed with TBI or PTSD who may seek this specific therapy. It has been referred to the House Health Committee for further review.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly urges VA to enable veterans' access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for TBI/PTSD, advancing patient access to specific healthcare treatment without restrictions.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly urges VA to enable hyperbaric oxygen therapy access for veterans with TBI/PTSD, expanding healthcare options for specific veteran conditions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Oct 17, 2025

SB 1054: 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 use and maintenance of opioid antagonists.

SB 1054 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to require Pennsylvania public schools to maintain opioid antagonists (medicines like naloxone) for emergency use and to train designated staff on their administration. It directly affects schools, students, and school personnel by mandating access to these life-saving medications during opioid overdose emergencies. The key provision establishes that schools must have opioid antagonists available, store them securely, and ensure staff are trained to use them promptly. This policy change updates school health protocols to address the opioid crisis, focusing on immediate response capabilities within school settings.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates opioid antagonist (naloxone) availability and staff training in schools for overdose emergencies, directly strengthening public health response and patient access to life-saving care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 20, 2025

SB 271: 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 anti-obesity treatments; and abrogating a regulation.

SB 271 requires Pennsylvania health insurers to cover bariatric surgery and FDA-approved anti-obesity drugs for individuals aged 18 or older. It mandates coverage for treatments meeting standards set by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery or American College of Surgeons, including pre- and post-operative care like nutritional counseling. The law applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed in Pennsylvania, requiring coverage "to the same extent as for other medically necessary procedures." It specifically abrogates a conflicting regulation (55 Pa. Code § 1121.54(1)) and takes effect 60 days after enactment. This directly affects insurers and Pennsylvania residents seeking obesity-related medical treatments.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurers to cover bariatric surgery and FDA-approved anti-obesity drugs, expanding insurance coverage for obesity treatments per medical standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 30, 2025

HB 1345: 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 medical assistance coverage for menopause treatments.

HB 1345 would expand Pennsylvania's medical assistance program to cover FDA-approved treatments for menopause symptoms, including hormonal and non-hormonal drugs, devices, and behavioral therapy, for eligible low-income residents. The bill specifically requires coverage for all defined menopausal symptoms - such as hot flashes, bone density loss, and sleep disturbances - as well as treatments for menopause following a hysterectomy. It mandates that the state seek federal approval via a plan amendment or waiver to implement these changes. This policy directly affects enrolled medical assistance recipients experiencing menopausal symptoms, ensuring they receive covered care without additional out-of-pocket costs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands medical assistance coverage for menopause treatments, including FDA-approved drugs and therapies, directly advancing public health access for low-income residents.95% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 2022: 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 scalp cooling systems.

HB 2022 amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921 to require casualty insurance policies to cover scalp cooling systems. The bill directly affects insurance companies and policyholders by mandating coverage for this specific medical technology. However, the provided context does not specify the exact mechanisms for implementation, affected insurance types, or patient eligibility details. The bill was referred to the Insurance committee on November 12, 2025, but no further provisions or impacts are described in the available information. The context lacks sufficient detail to describe key mechanisms or concrete policy changes beyond the title.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems, expanding access to cancer treatment support. Directly advances patient access to a specific medical technology.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 529: An Act establishing the Emergency Medical Services Certification Program; imposing duties on the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services within the Department of Health; providing for funding; and making an appropriation.

This bill establishes a Pennsylvania program that reimburses residents who earn state-recognized emergency medical services (EMS) certifications (such as EMT or paramedic) after paying for training at a Pennsylvania school. Applicants must submit proof of certification and payment, maintain Pennsylvania residency for two years after certification, and apply within 30 days of completing training. The state will cover full certification costs up to a $3 million total appropriation, with payments issued within two months of a complete application. The program ends when the $3 million is fully spent, with no fixed expiration date beyond that.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $3M to fund EMS certification reimbursements, directly increasing state spending on a public program.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds EMS certification costs for healthcare workers, expanding workforce access to emergency medical services through state reimbursement program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 26, 2025

SB 317: 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 eating disorder treatment.

SB 317 requires most health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover eating disorder treatment, directly affecting people with conditions like anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder. The bill mandates coverage for inpatient care, residential treatment, counseling, and specialized nutrition services provided by licensed professionals, as defined in the law. Insurers cannot deny coverage based solely on weight, prior treatment history, or attempt to steer patients toward less comprehensive care. This applies to individual and group health plans (excluding limited coverage types like dental or accident-only policies) and takes effect within 60 days of enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment including inpatient care and counseling, removing weight-based denial barriers, directly expanding mental health coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Sep 9, 2025

SB 461: An Act providing for patient access to diagnostics and treatments for Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses; and requiring health care policies to provide certain coverage.

SB 461 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover specific diagnostic tests and treatments for Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses. It directly affects all Pennsylvanians with health insurance, particularly those in the state’s high-risk areas (all 67 counties, per the bill’s findings). The key provision mandates insurers cover clinically appropriate diagnostics and antibiotics, including longer-term treatments that some patients require. The bill aims to improve access to care by eliminating coverage barriers, as Pennsylvania has the highest Lyme disease incidence in the U.S. (over 100,000 cases reported in 2018 alone). This is intended to reduce chronic cases and overall disease burden, aligning with the state’s legislative purpose to promote prevention and treatment access.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for Lyme disease diagnostics/treatments, expanding patient access and strengthening coverage requirements under PA law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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