Access to Care
Health Care Reform
Pennsylvania hospitals support efforts to ensure coverage
for all individuals. The framework established under the Affordable Care Act
(ACA)—which offers subsidized coverage through health care insurance exchanges,
combined with expanded access to Medicaid—provides the most viable pathway to
expand coverage and reduce costs.
- More than 1.1 million Pennsylvanians have benefited from access to coverage
- Millions have benefited from consumer protections—coverage for pre-existing conditions, no lifetime limits, a minimum essential benefits package
HAP has produced an interactive state map to help the public and policymakers understand the Affordable Care Act’s health care coverage impact in the state’s Congressional districts.
In Pennsylvania, the ACA’s individual and small group health insurance plans remain stable. For 2019, in aggregate, individual plans will show a 2.3 percent rate decrease statewide and an average 2.6 percent increase for small group market plans. All but ten of Pennsylvania’s counties have more than one insurer offering coverage and additional insurers are joining the individual market in 30 Pennsylvania counties.
Despite those successes, the Administration and some members of Congress have challenged the law. There is increasing conversation about proposals that would upend the existing health care system by establishing a government-run, single-payer, universal Medicare program.
In light of the uncertain political environment, HAP has embraced a multi-faceted strategy to advocate for affordable, comprehensive coverage for as many Pennsylvanians as possible, and protection for access to care for everyone.
Efforts include:
- Promoting insurance enrollment by partnering with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to convene stakeholders to implement education and outreach strategies
- Maintaining coverage gains by working with the state Congressional delegation and federal policymakers to maintain comprehensive health coverage and oppose Administrative policies that weaken coverage provisions
- Supporting the Wolf Administration’s commitment to enforce consumer protections provided through the ACA, and to nurture a viable and stable insurance market
As federal policymakers push alternative approaches to the ACA framework, including a single-payer model, the issues will require extensive conversation and attention
- Disruption to employer-sponsored coverage
- Access concerns that would stem from expanding reliance on public programs. Medicare and Medicaid have historically reimbursed providers less than the cost of care
- The threat of decreased payment rates through the micro-management of Medicare and Medicaid, driven by politicians who are under pressure to address costs
- Stifling of delivery system reforms that have improved care, enhanced quality, and reduced costs
HAP will continue to partner with federal and state officials, and health care stakeholders to maintain and expand access to meaningful coverage and high quality care.
ACA IMPACT – INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
HAP President and CEO Andy Carter Letter to Pennsylvania Delegation (
Download PDF) - March 2017
PA Health Care Providers Letter to Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation (
Download PDF) - May 2017
AHA Letter to Members of Congress on AHCA (
Download PDF) - February 2017
Report Card Health Care Transformation in PA (
Download PDF) - February 2017