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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 12, 2016 03:10 PM
From:	Representative Matthew E. Baker
To:	All House members
Subject:	PROPOSED HEALTH INSURANCE PACKAGE

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

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Document #1

Description:

In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation 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.

Document #2

Description:

In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation 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.  6 % of Pennsylvanians under the age of 19 are uninsured.    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.

Document #3

Description:

In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation 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.