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House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 7, 2013 11:57 AM
From:	Representative Matthew E. Baker
To:	All House members
Subject:	PROPOSED HEALTH INSURANCE PACKAGE (FORMER HB 43, 46 & 47)

Under this memo, please find copies of 3 bills that I will be re-introducing in the near future. #1 – AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE (FORMER HB 43) #2 – HEALTH INSURANCE CHOICE – RIGHT TO PURCHASE HEALTH INSURANCE SOLD IN OTHER STATES (FORMER HB 46) #3 – RIGHT TO PURCHASE HEALTH INSURANCE IN OTHER STATES-INSURANCE COMMISSIONER TO STUDY. (FORMER HB 47)

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Document #1

Description:	In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation (former HB 43) that would provide for a tax credit for the purchase of more affordable Health Savings Account (HSA) eligible policies.   My legislation targets the segments of the uninsured population who need and can afford insurance but choose not to purchase coverage.   My legislation will permit flexible rewards for healthy lifestyles, eliminate unnecessary state and local premium taxes and allow for more flexibility in plan designs.   HSA-eligible plans have a better record when compared to traditional health insurance plans in providing coverage while promoting better, healthier lifestyles.   PREVIOUS COSPONSORS: BAKER, BOYD, CHRISTIANA, CLYMER, CUTLER, ELLIS, EVERETT, FRANKEL, GABLER, GEIST, GINGRICH, GOODMAN, GROVE, KAUFFMAN, KILLION, MICOZZIE, PICKETT, REICHLEY, ROAE, SAYLOR, SCHRODER, STERN, SWANGER, TAYLOR, VULAKOVICH, WATSON
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Document #2

Description:	In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation (former HB 46)  that would allow Pennsylvanian’s to purchase affordable health insurance across state lines.   Close to one million Pennsylvanians are uninsured.  Many of them don’t choose to purchase coverage. One in four Pennsylvanian’s between the ages of 19 and 25 are uninsured.  According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s Health Insurance Survey, over 48,000 Pennsylvanians have incomes in excess of 300% of the federal poverty level (a family of four earning 61,950), yet still don’t purchase coverage.   While cost is one of the main reason folks give for going without insurance, many consumers contend that fewer carriers and plan choices is another factor why they are uninsured.   My legislation would allow the uninsured to access different carriers and more choices – perhaps at lower rates – by allowing other states to sell their plans within the Commonwealth.  This will enable Pennsylvania’s uninsured to customize and purchase the benefit package that best suits their needs. PREVIOUS COSPONSORS: BAKER, BOYD, CHRISTIANA, CLYMER, CUTLER, EVERETT, FARRY, GABLER, GEIST, GINGRICH, GOODMAN, GROVE, HESS, KAUFFMAN, KILLION, MICOZZIE, PICKETT, REESE, REICHLEY, ROAE, SAYLOR, SCHRODER, STERN, SWANGER, TALLMAN, TAYLOR, VULAKOVICH, WATSON
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Document #3

Description:	In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation (former HB 47) that will require the Insurance Commissioner to undertake review of our laws to determine how best to allow for residents of the Commonwealth to purchase health insurance products sold in other states by insurance carriers not otherwise subject to Pennsylvania law.   My legislation seeks to remove the barriers that limit access to affordable health care and expand the opportunities for consumers in the Commonwealth to purchase coverage that better suits their needs.   The Commissioner, upon conducting his review, will report to the General Assembly on what changes to Pennsylvania law and regulation would be necessary in order to enable consumers in the Commonwealth to purchase out-of-state health products, along with a proposed timeline for implementation of such changes.   Once the necessary changes are made, consumers would be free to purchase any health plan that best suits their needs.   PREVIOUS COSPONSORS: BAKER, BOYD, CHRISTIANA, CLYMER, CUTLER, EVERETT, FARRY, GABLER, GEIST, GINGRICH, GOODMAN, GROVE, HESS, KAUFFMAN, KILLION, MICOZZIE, PETRI, PICKETT, REICHLEY, ROAE, SAYLOR, STERN, SWANGER, TALLMAN, TAYLOR, VULAKOVICH, WATSON
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