PRINTER'S NO. 4314
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
975
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY SCHLOSSBERG, CIRESI, CRUZ, A. DAVIS, DEASY,
DELLOSO, DeLUCA, FRANKEL, FREEMAN, GALLOWAY, HANBIDGE, HILL-
EVANS, HOHENSTEIN, KENYATTA, KORTZ, MADDEN, McNEILL, MURT,
PASHINSKI, READSHAW, ROZZI, SANCHEZ, SCHWEYER, SHUSTERMAN,
THOMAS, WEBSTER, WILLIAMS AND YOUNGBLOOD, AUGUST 31, 2020
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE, AUGUST 31, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Urging the Governor to take action in coordination with the
Insurance Department to waive in-network cost-sharing
provisions for mental health service for frontline essential
workers.
WHEREAS, In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its
introduction into this Commonwealth, Governor Tom Wolf signed a
declaration of emergency disaster on March 6, 2020, and ordered
the closure of all nonessential businesses across the
Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Essential services continue to be maintained and
operated by frontline workers, guaranteeing residents of this
Commonwealth access to food, medicine, gas and other essentials
vital during this time; and
WHEREAS, From supermarket staff to logistics employees to
health care workers, essential workers have continued to meet
their existing responsibilities while overcoming staggering new
challenges resulting from COVID-19; and
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WHEREAS, While the COVID-19 pandemic has had an immeasurable
impact on all residents of this Commonwealth, the impact on
essential workers has been especially difficult; and
WHEREAS, The added stressors to the individuals serving in
these too-often undervalued roles include the increased risk of
infection, lack of protective equipment and isolation from
family and social support networks; and
WHEREAS, These increased burdens at work may have had an
adverse impact on the personal lives of essential workers or
caused financial hardship, especially for those working in a
low-wage occupation; and
WHEREAS, Many essential workers have fallen ill, been forced
to quarantine or isolate themselves from loved ones indefinitely
or have lost their lives; and
WHEREAS, For health care workers and first responders, in
particular, witnessing the devastating effects of COVID-19
firsthand can take an emotional and psychological toll; and
WHEREAS, At an already higher risk of depression, substance
use and burnout, the mental health and well-being of health care
workers is critically important in the continuing fight against
COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, As all residents of this Commonwealth recognize the
critical work essential workers continue to provide, we must
remember that the mental health impact of this pandemic is not
expected to vanish with a decline of COVID-19 cases; and
WHEREAS, Having carried the weight of supporting our
communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, these individuals
should not face a financial barrier when seeking access to
mental health services; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the Governor
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to address the mental health care needs of essential frontline
workers as one of their highest priorities; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the Governor
to take action in coordination with the Insurance Department to
waive in-network cost-sharing provisions for mental health
services for Pennsylvania's frontline essential workers.
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