Healthcare

signed · Pennsylvania · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 416: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, providing for Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program; in 911 Emergency Communication Services, further providing for surcharge; in Department of Revenue, further providing for exclusion from classes of income and providing for research and experimental expenditures and qualified production property, for report to General Assembly and for interest expense; in joint underwriting association, further providing for findings and for definitions, repealing provisions relating to sunset and providing for risk-based capital certification, for fund transfers, for association oversight and additional duties, for Joint Underwriting Association Board, for board meetings, for construction, for dissolution, for appropriations and for reports and hearings; in State Health Insurance Exchange Affordability Program, further providing for Exchange Affordability Assistance Account; providing for Rural Health Transformation Program; in Treasury Department, providing for waiver of interest, costs and fees; in procedure for disbursement of money from the State Treasury, further providing for use and appropriation of unused Commonwealth funds; in oil and gas wells, further providing for Oil and Gas Lease Fund; providing for advanced air mobility sites and for public transportation vehicles; in human services, further providing for resident care and related costs; in Attorney General, providing for home improvement contractor registration fee; providing for Rare Disease Advisory Council, for affordable housing tax credit and for working Pennsylvanians tax credit; in additional keystone opportunity expansion zones, providing for additional keystone opportunity expansion zones for certain counties of the fourth class; providing for additional extensions of keystone opportunity zones; in special funds, further providing for funding, for expiration and for other grants; in additional special funds and restricted accounts, further providing for establishment of special fund and account, for use of fund and for distributions from Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund and providing for refund of 2003 assessment by Insurance Department; in additional special funds and restricted accounts relating to Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund, further providing for deposits and providing for Property Tax Relief Fund; in general budget implementation, further providing Executive Offices, for Department of Community and Economic Development, for Department of Environmental Protection, for Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and for Commonwealth Financing Authority, providing for stenography services, further providing for surcharges, for Federal and Commonwealth use of forest land and for Multimodal Transportation Fund and providing for State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board, for interest transfers, for fund transfers and for miscellaneous provisions; in 2024-2025 budget implementation, further providing for Department of Education, for Department of Environmental Protection and for Department of Human Services; in Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program, further providing for scope of article, for definitions and for the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program, providing for review and determination of specific permits and for State agency permits and further providing for construction; providing for electricity load forecast accountability, for 2025-2026 budget implementation and for 2025-2026 restrictions on appropriations for funds and accounts; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

HB 416 establishes a new Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program to support early childhood educators and creates a Rural Health Transformation Program to improve healthcare access in underserved areas. It also streamlines permit processes for economic development projects through the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program. These provisions are integrated into the 2025 state budget implementation, alongside administrative updates to tax collection procedures, state fund management, and reporting requirements for agencies like the Department of Revenue and Treasury. The bill does not alter existing tax rates or create new funding streams but modifies how current state financial systems operate.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill funds essential programs (Child Care, Rural Health) and provides tax credits (affordable housing, working Pennsylvanians), supporting budget allocation and tax relief.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes Rural Health Transformation Program to improve healthcare access in underserved areas, directly advancing healthcare services and access.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly includes 'affordable housing tax credit' as a direct funding mechanism for affordable housing programs.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly mentions 'public transportation vehicles' and 'advanced air mobility sites' in title, directly supporting transportation infrastructure expansion.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

passed · Pennsylvania · House Nov 5, 2025

HB 1828: An Act amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for immunization coverage; and imposing penalties.

HB 1828 requires health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover all recommended vaccines without requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket costs like copays or deductibles. It directly affects insurance companies by mandating this coverage and patients who rely on insurance for routine immunizations (e.g., childhood vaccines, flu shots). The bill adds penalties for insurers that fail to comply with the coverage requirement. This policy change ensures broader access to vaccines by removing financial barriers under insurance plans.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates no-cost vaccine coverage in insurance plans, removing financial barriers to access. Directly expands coverage and improves patient access to immunizations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Oct 29, 2025

HB 157: An Act providing for grant awards to entities in rural counties and designated medically underserved areas to pay for the education debt of practitioners employed at the entity.

HB 157 creates state grants to help healthcare entities in rural counties or designated medically underserved areas cover the student loan debt of their employed healthcare practitioners. The grants would be paid directly to the healthcare facilities (like clinics or hospitals), not to individual providers, to offset the cost of practitioners' education debt. This aims to support recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in areas with limited access to medical services. The program would be funded through state appropriations, targeting facilities serving communities with significant healthcare access challenges.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new state grant program funding healthcare workforce retention in underserved areas, directly increasing government spending on essential public services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds debt relief for rural healthcare practitioners to improve workforce retention in underserved areas, directly enhancing access to medical services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill provides state grants to healthcare facilities to cover practitioners' education debt, directly supporting recruitment/retention in underserved areas - advancing employment standards for healthcare workers.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Sep 10, 2025

HB 425: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, providing for J-1 Visa Waiver Physician Grant Program.

HB 425 updates Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to establish a grant program for physicians participating in the J-1 visa waiver program. It directly affects foreign-trained doctors who complete their J-1 visa requirements and wish to practice in Pennsylvania, particularly in underserved areas. The bill creates a mechanism for the state to provide financial grants to these physicians to support their relocation and practice within the state. This policy change aims to address healthcare workforce shortages by incentivizing qualified physicians to remain in Pennsylvania after completing their visa obligations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state grant program within Fiscal Code amendment, directly allocating funds for physician recruitment in underserved areas to address healthcare workforce shortages.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes grants for J-1 physicians in underserved areas to address healthcare workforce shortages, directly funding medical professionals to improve access.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationCreates grant program for J-1 physicians to practice in underserved areas, funding immigrant healthcare workers.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jul 8, 2025

HB 1234: 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 coverage for blood pressure monitors.

HB 1234 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require public assistance programs to cover the cost of blood pressure monitors for eligible recipients. This change directly affects individuals enrolled in state public assistance programs who need blood pressure monitoring for health management. The bill adds blood pressure monitors to the list of covered medical equipment under the public assistance program, ensuring these devices are provided without cost to recipients. It does not change eligibility requirements but expands existing coverage to include this specific monitoring tool. The bill passed final passage on July 1, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdds blood pressure monitors to covered medical equipment under public assistance, expanding access to essential health devices without cost to recipients.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 7, 2025

SB 95: An Act amending the act of September 27, 1961 (P.L.1700, No.699), known as the Pharmacy Act, further providing for definitions, for licensing of pharmacists and for unlawful acts; and providing for price disclosure.

SB 95 amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to create a 180-day provisional license for pharmacists moving from other states, allowing them to practice without demonstrating competency under Pennsylvania's requirements. It also permits emergency medical services providers to distribute naloxone dose packages for opioid overdose reversal under specific conditions, including a Department of Health standing order and voluntary distribution without liability. Additionally, the bill requires pharmacies to disclose prescription drug prices (brand vs. generic), cost-sharing amounts, and health insurance options upon customer request. These changes aim to improve pharmacist mobility, expand naloxone access, and increase price transparency for consumers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates provisional pharmacist licenses to improve access and enables naloxone distribution for opioid overdose reversal, directly advancing public health and patient access.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 30, 2025

HB 1100: 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 waiver to purchase diapers or menstrual hygiene products.

HB 1100 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to allow public assistance recipients to use their benefits to purchase diapers and menstrual hygiene products through a new waiver program. This directly affects low-income individuals and families enrolled in public assistance programs who currently cannot use their benefits for these essential items. The key provision adds diapers and menstrual hygiene products to the list of eligible purchases under an administrative waiver, changing the existing code to expand access to basic necessities. The bill does not change benefit amounts or eligibility criteria but creates a new pathway for purchasing specific hygiene products. It passed the legislature in June 2025 and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee for implementation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands essential hygiene access under public assistance, directly supporting health outcomes for low-income individuals by covering menstrual/diaper products via benefit waiver.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 30, 2025

HB 640: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in powers and duties of the Department of Public Welfare and its departmental administrative and advisory boards and commissions, providing for managed care organization assessment, for intermediate care facilities for persons with an intellectual disability assessments, for hospital assessments, for Statewide quality care assessments and for nursing facility assessment; in powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for powers and duties; in judicial administration, further providing for surcharge and fee; and making repeals .

HB 640 creates new assessment fees for specific healthcare providers, including managed care organizations, intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities, hospitals, and nursing facilities. These fees fund state oversight programs under the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The law amends the 1929 Administrative Code to establish these funding mechanisms and adjust related administrative duties. It directly affects healthcare providers that must pay these assessments and state agencies managing the funds. The bill became law on June 30, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new assessment fees on healthcare providers to fund state oversight programs under Public Welfare and Drug Programs, directly increasing state revenue for public services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates new assessments on healthcare providers to fund state oversight programs, strengthening regulatory quality and accountability in healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 27, 2025

HB 1334: An Act making appropriations from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide for the expenses of administering the Workers' Compensation Act, The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act and the Office of Small Business Advocate for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

HB 1334 allocates funding from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry, Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Office of Small Business Advocate. It covers expenses for administering the Workers' Compensation Act, Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act, and the Small Business Advocate program for fiscal year 2025-2026, including payments for unpaid bills from the prior fiscal year. The bill directly affects state agencies responsible for worker compensation, occupational disease claims, and small business support services. This is a routine appropriations measure to ensure ongoing operations of these programs, not a policy change. The bill was signed into law as Act No. 3A of 2025 on June 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates funds from Workmen's Compensation Fund to administer labor programs, directly supporting state budget execution and fiscal management for essential services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds administration of Workers' Compensation Act, which covers medical treatment for work-related injuries, supporting healthcare access for injured workers through existing coverage mechanisms.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds administration of Workers' Compensation Act and Occupational Disease Act, directly supporting worker injury protections and program operations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 25, 2025

HB 583: An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, further providing for reimbursement for certain medical assistance items and services; and abrogating regulations.

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to change how medical providers are reimbursed for specific services provided to public assistance recipients. It updates reimbursement rules for certain medical items and services while replacing outdated regulations that conflicted with these changes. The primary effect is on healthcare providers who bill state assistance programs, streamlining the process for claiming payments. The bill does not create new benefits but adjusts existing reimbursement procedures under public assistance programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStreamlines reimbursement for public assistance medical providers, improving access to care without expanding benefits.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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