Category Archives: Legislative

In case you missed last week’s PAHU Webinar – AHPs and STLD Plans with PA Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman… Below are the highlights from a webinar held on October 24, 2018 hosted by PA Insurance Commissioner, Jessica Altman, her chief of staff, Alison Bean, and her counsel, Sandy Yakima.  The webinar was moderated by Jessica Waltman, PAHU Legislative Chair.  The Insurance Commissioner was pulled from the webinar at the last minute due to an emergent issue, but her staff explained the State’s position on the issues of association health plans and short-term, limited duration plans.  This was an exclusive event for GPAHU and PAHU members.  If you missed the webinar, access the recorded session here Association Health Plans Background On June 19, 2018, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued the Final Rule on association health plans (AHPs), following a prior Executive Order, and proposed regulations. Although the Final Rule appears to lessen requirements for association groups to establish and operate an AHP in a compliant manner, the AHP must comply with a collection of laws including ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and state laws. The Final Rule specifically affirms that the state regulatory structures overseeing … Read More

PA SENATE CONFIRMS WOLF CABINET NOMINEES On March 20, the Pennsylvania Senate confirmed high-ranking nominations from Governor Tom Wolf.  They include: Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman by a 50-0 vote Department of Human Services Teresa Miller by a 49-1 vote The ‘no’ vote was cast by Senator Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill.) Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine by a 49-1 vote The ‘no’ vote was cast by Senator John Eichelberger (R-Blair). Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs Secretary Jennifer Smith by a 50-0 vote.  In her confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee, Insurance Commissioner Altman touched on a number of topics, three of which included: Drug Formularies for Workers’ Compensation as a means of reducing opioid abuse:  Altman stated her support for formularies as a care management tool but also cautioned that some individuals face special situations which warrant processes to curb unnecessary opioid use but which don’t discourage necessary use. Use of medical marijuana and insurance law:  Altman said that much of the answer to that question lies outside of the purview of the Insurance Department now but that there needs to be a better understanding of its implications for liability insurance. Health Insurance Surprise Billing:  She … Read More

BUDGET HEARINGS CONCLUDE THIS WEEK The annual House and Senate Appropriations Committee hearings on the State Budget conclude this week.   Tops on the list for many will be the Department of Education (March 5 for House; March 6 for Senate), Department of Human Services which runs the state’s Medicaid program (March 6 for House and March 7 for the Senate), and Department of Aging on March 6 in the Senate.  Topping off the hearings is the Governor’s Office and Office of the Budget on March 8 for both House and Senate Appropriations Committees where scrutiny may center on from where the revenue will come to fund the State Budget.  PA Cable Network (https://pcntv.com/schedule/ ) airs most of the hearings.   GOVERNORS PROPOSE HEALTH SYSTEM BLUEPRINT On February 23, 2018, a group of Governors – two Republican (Ohio and Nevada), two Democrats (Pennsylvania and Colorado) and one independent (Alaska), released a document outlining the approach that should be taken to “transform health care systems to produce better health outcomes at a lower cost to governments, employers, and individuals.”  One of its’ major goals is to stabilize the individual market, to provide “access to a healthy, stable, and competitive market of insurers … Read More

THE EXODUS LIST GROWS LONGER Two more PA House Committee Chairs have decided to call it quits.  Rep. Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny), Minority Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga), Majority Chair of the House Health Committee, announced their plans not to run in 2018.  This brings to nine Republican and one Democratic committee chair positions that will be vacant in the 2019-20 legislative session. Minority Chair, Appropriations Committee Majority Chair, Children & Youth Committee Majority Chair, Consumer Affairs Committee Majority Chair, Environmental Resources & Energy Committee Majority Chair, Health Committee Minority Chair, Health Committee Majority Chair, Judiciary Committee Majority Chair, Professional Licensure Majority Chair, Rules Committee Majority Chair, Transportation Committee There is also a 2/12/18 City & State e-newsletter speculating that the Minority Chair of the Transportation Committee is giving serious consideration of retiring. On the Senate side, there will also be committee chairmanship vacancies next year: Majority Chair, Education Committee Majority Chair, Judiciary Committee Majority Chair, Law & Justice Committee Majority Chair, Local Government Committee IN WHOSE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DO YOU LIVE?…who knows! As most know, the PA Supreme Court’s ruling that the congressional district boundaries were skewed to favor Republicans put election district boundaries … Read More

SPEAKER TURZAI SUSPENDS GOVERNOR EFFORT Shortly before the PA Republican State Committee formally endorsed Senator Scott Wagner (R-York), Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) suspended his candidacy for Governor.  This means that he will continue as a candidate for re-election to the PA House of Representatives.  Assuming Republicans maintain a majority in the November election, he would seek another term as Speaker.  The decision leaves two other candidates vying with Wagner for the GOP nomination, Paul Mango and Laura Ellsworth, both from western PA. DEMOCRATIC ENDORSEMENTS The PA Democratic Party also met and endorsed Governor Tom Wolf and Senator Bob Casey, Jr. for re-election.  There was no endorsement for the Lt. Governor contest where incumbent Lt. Governor Mike Stack is fighting for his political life against several opponents including Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery). AND NOW THE BUDGET GAUNTLET BEGINS! On February 6, Governor Tom Wolf presented his proposed State Budget for the Fiscal Year 2018-19 to the General Assembly.  He projects the spending to be $32.9 billion, an increase of $989.8 million (3.1% increase). If you are a policy wonk or have put on a new pot of coffee, feel free to delve into the 930 page Budget Book … Read More

WELCOME TO BUDGET WEEK On February 6, Governor Tom Wolf will present his proposal for the FY 2018-19 State Budget to the General Assembly.  Although there is expected to be a deficit as in recent years, the Governor is not expected to ask for an increase in the rate of the Personal Income Tax (PIT), now at 3.07%, and the Sales & Use Tax, now at 6%.  There is speculation that he will once again propose a severance tax of Marcellus Shale natural gas.  Spending increases being sought are not known but generally, there is an expectation of an increase for education funding and opioid treatment.  Republicans are expected to again push for monies to be taken from dedicated funds instead of a general tax increase.   Since it is also an election year, it is noteworthy that potential Republican opponent Senator Scott Wagner (R-York) has already staked out a position that property taxes should be eliminated and that lost revenues would be made up by increased rates for PIT and Sales Tax and expansion of the Sales Tax to areas not currently taxed.  He is a sponsor of Senate Bill 76 (Argall-R-Schuylkill).   BUDGET NUMBERS As always, it depends … Read More

INSURER EXAM BILL UP FOR COMMITTEE VOTE Senate Bill 1031 (Laughlin-R-Erie) is being taken up by the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee January 30.  It would require a written estimate of insurance company examination costs being given to the carrier along with an estimated timetable for exam completion.  In addition, there would have to be a meeting held before the formal examination starts to explain to the carrier the scope of what is to be examined and discuss alternatives to reduce the cost and time the exam takes.  This addresses a standing issue by both property/casualty companies (particularly Mutual Insurance Companies) and health insurers.  Also on January 30, the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee will consider Senate Bill 780 (Vogel-R-Beaver) regulating telemedicine, important to underserved rural areas, and requiring insurer coverage of telemedicine treatment. SENATE PASSED DENTAL BENEFITS ASSIGNMENT BILL On January 23, the PA Senate voted 35-15 for Senate Bill 373 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) which provides  that a patient may direct an insurer to pay a dentist directly if that dentist is out of network.  The vote was not purely partisan since three Republicans voted no and four Democrats voted yes. Link to text follows:  https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2017&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0373   MARYLAND ISSUES NOTICE RE … Read More

DEPARTMENT ADVANCES MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT RULES The PA Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) received a regulation from the PA Insurance Department January 9 updating minimum Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) to reflect changes in the Federal law and to allow PA’s compliance with National Association of Insurance Commissioners model rules.  IRRC will formally vote on the proposed regulation after March 22.   According to the Insurance Department, these changes are required per the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and per NAIC amendments to their model regulation. If adopted, these changes would be effective January 1, 2020.   Among other things, it: eliminates “ladle rating” where “for each year of age attained by an enrollee, the rate decreases until the insured reaches an age at which rates begin to increase significantly.” In addition: A standardized plan re-designated as a high deductible plan G may be offered to an individual eligible for Medicare before 1/1/2020. Medigap plans may NOT pay Medicare deductibles. However, the Medicare Part B deductible may be included as part of the out-of-pocket expenses in meeting the deductible of a high deductible Medigap Plan. Plan C is re-designated Plan D; Plan F is re-designated Plan G. Plans C, … Read More

INSURANCE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPMC-HIGHMARK ACCESS ON January 4, Governor Tom Wolf announced that UPMC and Highmark agreed to continue permitting some in-network access to the policyholders of both companies.  The two have been operating under a Consent Agreement since 2017 that is to expire in June 2019.  Provisions include in-network access to facilities providing one-of-a-kind specialty services. Specified were Western Psychiatric Institute, UPMC Center for Assistive Technology, UPMC Center of Excellence for Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis, certain transplant services only provided by UPMC, and selected UPMC joint ventures with community facilities, including oncology.  Highmark enrollees will still have continued access to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.   The new accord also guarantees access by Highmark enrollees to hospitals if the UPMC hospital is the only one in that community.  This addresses UPMC’s aggressive buying up of hospitals in northern, central and south central PA.  Specifically mentioned are UPMC hospitals in Altoona, Bedford, Kane, Carlisle Regional, Lancaster Regional, Heart of Lancaster, Memorial Hospital of York, Hanover, certain UPMC Susquehanna hospitals, and UPMC Northwest Hospital based in Seneca, Cranberry Township, above Pittsburgh.   It does not include Harrisburg-based Pinnacle Health Systems which UPMC bought last year since there is hospital competition in the … Read More

WHAT IS ON THE PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR FOR 2018? Although the General Assembly will not return to active session until January 23, there are several bills of interest to the Health Insurance Community on the voting calendars of the House and Senate.   SENATE: Prescription Drug Price Transparency, Senate Bill 637 (White-R-Indiana) is on second consideration. A bill needs to be on third consideration before finally being voted on – rules of the House and Senate.  Second consideration also presents the opportunity to be re-referred to another committee like Appropriations for a fiscal note or simply that the bill needs more work. Senate Bill 1003 (White-R-Indiana) requires insurance companies to reimburse emergency medical services in situations where the individual did not go to a hospital – second consideration.   HOUSE Municipal pension advisor changes will be made easier if House Bill 1142 (Briggs-D-Phila.) is passed.  It allows municipalities to dip into pension assets to pay for costs connected with issuing an RFP (Request for Proposals) and , according to Rep. Briggs, it addresses a problem with present law that locks “small municipal pension plans into their existing professional advisors even if they are unhappy with their advice or service.” – … Read More

CHIP RENEWAL SIGNED INTO LAW On December 15, Governor Wolf signed House Bill 1388 (Irvin-R-Mifflin/Centre/Huntington) into law.  CHIP was re-authorized through December 31, 2019 or 90 days after Federal funding for CHIP ceases.  The amendment allows for an extension if the Federal Government authorizes funding beyond December 31, 2019.   SENATE BANKING & INSURANCE COMMITTEE MOVES TWO BILLS The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee approved two bills sponsored by its Chair Don White (R-Indiana) on December 13.  Senate Bill 637 was amended to eliminate wording that would have established a Pharmaceutical Transparency Commission.  The bill retains language to review drug prices in Pennsylvania and requires pharmaceutical companies to disclose information about their pricing.  It also requires disclosure of rebates paid by pharmaceutical companies to prescription drug managers and insurers. The vote to report the bill was 10 to 4 with Republicans Tom Killion (Delaware), John Eichelberger (Blair), Kim Ward (Westmoreland), and Gene Yaw (Lycoming) voting no. The second bill was Senate Bill 1003 which would require insurance companies and Medicaid to reimburse emergency medical services agencies for services provided even when transport to a hospital does not take place.  This seeks to address a long-standing concern of the EMS community … Read More

SESSION DAYS ANNOUNCED FOR 2018 House                         Senate January                       2,22,23,24                   2,22,23,24,29,30,31 February                      5,6,7                            5,6,7 March                          12,13,14                      19,20,21,26,27,28 April                           9,10,11,16,17,18,30    16,17,18,23,24,25,30 May                             1,2,22,23                     1,2,21,22,23 June:  Both in session 4,5,6,11,12,13,18,19,20,21,25,26,27,28,29  The House is in session June 30.   CHIP RENEWAL RETURNS TO NON-TRANSGENDER LANGUAGE House Bill 1388 (Irvin-R-Huntington/Centre/Mifflin) started out as a simple reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through 2019.  In the Senate, the bill became ensnarled in a feisty controversy on reversing Governor Wolf’s decision allowing CHIP monies to be spent for transgender transition.  This was rebuffed by the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee but was partially restored when the Senate changed language to only cover transgender counseling services.  The House has now reverted to a prior Printer’s Number.  This means that all the Senate language was stripped so that it is now again a simple bill.  There was a House amendment which gives the bill some flexibility.  Original language said that CHIP was re-authorized through December 31, 2019 or 90 days after Federal funding for CHIP ceases.  The amendment allows for an extension if the Federal Government authorizes funding beyond December 31, 2019.  Without HB 1388, CHIP would have  ‘sunset’ by the end of 2017. … Read More

CHIP RENEWAL ONE STEP CLOSER On November 20, the House voted 194-0 to send House Bill 1388 (Irvin-R-Mifflin/Centre/Huntingdon) back to the Senate for concurrence.  The measure would extend the life of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) until December 31, 2019, or ninety days after Federal funding for CHIP is no longer available.  What makes the issue more complicated is that the Senate added language partially reversing Governor Wolf’s addition of transgender transition to eligible CHIP coverage.  The House used a maneuver to revert to a prior Printer’s Number.  What this means is that HB 1388 went back to its original language without the transgender benefit restriction.  When the Senate returns to Harrisburg, it will have to decide which version it really wants since, without reauthorization, the CHIP will lose its ability to function after December 31, 2017.   LEGISLATIVE NOTES The focus of the House this past week was on whether or not there should be a tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction.  By week’s end, the PA House had only gone through slightly over a tenth of the 200-plus amendments.  Nonetheless, in addition to HB 1388 described above, there were still other legislative items of possible interest. … Read More

Dear Reader: Of all the holidays, I am especially drawn to Thanksgiving.  It is unheralded but sincere.  It is a statement of giving rather than receiving.  It is a time to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us and also a time to think about the most important things – our family, our friends, and our faith.  I am writing to simply tell you that I appreciate you as subscribers who share an interest in knowing what’s going on and also as friends.  Thank you sincerely and Happy Thanksgiving. Vince Phillips **********************  INSURANCE INCENTIVE LEGISLATION MOVES THROUGH SENATE On November 13, the PA Senate passed two bills which change Pennsylvania insurance law to allow insurance companies and insurance producers to offer inducements and rebates to consumers.  Sponsored by Senate Banking & Insurance Committee Chair Don White (R-Indiana), Senate Bills 877 and 878 reflect a change from long-standing PA laws such as the Unfair Insurance Practices Act (Act 205) which expressly prohibited the practice although the Insurance Department allows for minor gifts (“de minimus”).   A concern expressed over time has been the lack of clarity as to what “de minimus” means.  The limit to rebates and inducements in SB 877 and … Read More

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS BY GOVERNOR WOLF On October 30, Governor Wolf signed several budget bills into law.  This update was sent out to GPAHU members last week.  That information is available on the GPAHU website.  Look for LEG REG Review 2017, 34th issue for particulars. Of particular concern is a provision in Act 44 (House Bill 674) where the General Assembly relinquished its authority in allowing the Governor to decide out of which dedicated funds $300 million could come.  One of these funds supplies general government operations for the PA Insurance Department. The Governor’s pen was also busy in signing Senate Bill 181 (Mensch-R-Montgomery/Berks/Bucks) into law as Act 48 of 2017.  It forces agencies to change their budgeting requests from incrementally adding to existing budgets to performance-based budgeting where there is no safe haven for existing budget questions and possible cuts. Vetoed was House Bill 59 which would have added a work search requirement for able-bodied Medicaid recipients.   WC PREMIUM INCREASE DELAYED A 6.06%increase in Workers’ Compensation premiums that would have taken effect November 1 is delayed according to the October 30 Central Penn Business Journal because of a challenge from the PA Association for Justice (trial lawyers). Details were … Read More

  SENATE BANKING & INSURANCE COMMITTEE HOLDS Rx PRICE HEARING On October 23, the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee convened a prescription drug price transparency hearing relative to Senate Bill 637 (White-R-Indiana).  It presented starkly contrasting views between the pharmaceutical industry which maintained that manufacturing price increases are quite reasonable versus insurers and prescription benefit managers (PBMs) which pointed accusing fingers at the drug industry for unwarranted increases.  The insurer panel included representatives from Independence Blue Cross, Highmark, and Capital Blue Cross as well as the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania.   PA’s Independence Blue Cross cited examples of dramatic increases in recent drug pricing from 2012 to 2016: The average wholesale price per patient prescription has increased 24%. Total costs of prescription claims paid out by Independence Blue Cross jumped 40% from $806 million in 2012 to $1.1 billion in 2016. Average cost of brand-name specialty drugs are sixty times the amount spent on generic drugs accounting for 60% of drug claim costs for Independent even though these specialty drugs only accounted for 2.1% of utilization.   Also testifying was PA State Grange lobbyist and former PAHU lobbyist Vince Phillips who said that transparency in pricing could give insurance companies the … Read More

DISPUTED CHIP BILL MOVES THROUGH SENATE BANKING & INSURANCE COMMITTEE On October 18, the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee reported out House Bill 1388 (Irvin-R-Huntington) with one dissenting vote, that of Senator Larry Farnese (D-Phila.).  The sparks occurred earlier in the meeting when a party line vote (Republicans voting yes), approved an amendment to prohibit CHIP monies to go for transgender services was adopted.  Democrats and especially Senator Farnese contended that the amendment was discriminatory and suggested that recent legal action in Texas did not suspend the anti-discriminations of the Affordable Care Act.  The bill’s main focus was reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through 2019.   The committee also approved two bills allowing for rebates and inducements not to exceed $100.  This is a major change in insurance law which traditionally prohibited rebates and inducements except for those with minimal value.  Senate Bills 877 and 878 are sponsored by Majority Chair Don White (R-Indiana).   HOUSE INSURANCE COMMITTEE MOVES INSURANCE DEPARTMENT EXAM BILL On October 16, the House Insurance Committee approved a bill requiring that the PA Insurance Department disclose the identities and costs of third-party vendors which perform financial exams and market conduct exams for insurance … Read More

IS THE BUDGET RESOLVED, OR NOT? On October 4, Governor Tom Wolf convened a press conference where he chided the House Republican Caucus for not concurring with revenue plans advanced by Senate Republicans and supported by House and Senate Democratic Caucuses.  He said, “I’ve had enough of the games. House Republicans again failed to deliver on a budget agreement. Over the past several months, I have been flexible and patient as they have repeatedly failed to agree amongst themselves on how to approach the budget.”   As such, he said, he was taking matters into his own hands by stating that he intended to tap into $1.25 billion of future profits from the PA Liquor Control Board in order to “manage the finances of the Commonwealth until the House sees fit to do what it is supposed to do.” He projected that this action would cost PA $86 million a year in interest, assuming a 4% rate of interest.   DEBT LIMITS BILL PASSES HOUSE House Bill 785 (Saylor-R-York) passed the House by a 117-81 vote on October 4 and goes back to the Senate for concurrence.  The bill seeks to address future borrowing by the state.  It decreases the debt … Read More

SENATE SAYS NO: BUDGET ISSUES STILL UNRESOLVED On Wednesday, September 20, the PA Senate rejected a House-passed revenue bill by a vote of 43-7, thus paving the way for a Conference Committee where three House members and three Senators try to thrash out differences.  At issue was the Senate approach which included new taxes and the House version which had no new taxes but instead tapped about 50 dedicated funds to balance the State Budget.   Backdrop on the Senate Vote Technically, the Senate vote was on a motion to non-concur with House amendments to House Bill 453.  The vote showed that the more conservative wing of the Republican Party has less influence in the more moderate Senate than it does in the House where conservatives were able to convince all but 15 Republicans to go for the no-tax option.  The seven Senators voting for the House approach were John DiSanto (Perry/Dauphin), John Eichelberger (Blair), Scott Hutchinson (Venango), Mike Regan (Cumberland), Pat Stefano (Westmoreland/Somerset/Fayette), Scott Martin (Lancaster), and Scott Wagner (York).  Stalwart Senate conservatives Michelle Brooks (Erie/Warren/Crawford/Mercer) and Mike Folmer (Lebanon/Dauphin) did vote with the majority to oppose the House idea.   What Happens Next The PA House is  in … Read More

SANDERS INTRODUCES MEDICARE FOR ALL SINGLE PAYER On September 13, Socialist/Democrat Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) introduced S. 1804 to convert the U.S. insurance system to a single payer system.  He was joined by 16 Democratic co-sponsors including potential contenders for the 2018 Democratic presidential nomination, Senators Elizabeth Warren (MA) and Cory Booker (NJ).  Called “Medicare for All”, the advantage of the plan per Sanders is that “Under this legislation, Americans will no longer have to pay premiums, co-payments, or deductibles to private health insurance companies that put profits over the needs of the American people. Instead of writing a big check to private health insurance companies, most Americans and businesses would be paying a much smaller percentage of their income to fund Medicare-for-all.”  It envisions a four-year phase-in.  A resource for this legislation is found at the Library of Congress web site, https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/1804/all-info.   Senator Sanders’ website offers a summary of provisions: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/download/medicare-for-all-act-of-2017-executive-summary?id=943E7DB5-FCCA-4EA4-B215-A92F6642BA2C&download=1&inline=file   A September 19 New York Times opinion editorial by Lanhee J. Chen, Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution and former Policy Director for the Romney-Ryan presidential campaign and Micah Weinberg, President, the Economic Institute at the Bay Area Council, an employer-backed policy advocacy group in San … Read More

SENATE SAYS NO: BUDGET ISSUES STILL UNRESOLVED On Wednesday, September 20, the PA Senate rejected a House-passed revenue bill by a vote of 43-7, thus paving the way for a Conference Committee where three House members and three Senators try to thrash out differences.  At issue was the Senate approach which included new taxes and the House version which had no new taxes but instead tapped about 50 dedicated funds to balance the State Budget.   Backdrop on the Senate Vote Technically, the Senate vote was on a motion to non-concur with House amendments to House Bill 453.  The vote showed that the more conservative wing of the Republican Party has less influence in the more moderate Senate than it does in the House where conservatives were able to convince all but 15 Republicans to go for the no-tax option.  The seven Senators voting for the House approach were John DiSanto (Perry/Dauphin), John Eichelberger (Blair), Scott Hutchinson (Venango), Mike Regan (Cumberland), Pat Stefano (Westmoreland/Somerset/Fayette), Scott Martin (Lancaster), and Scott Wagner (York).  Stalwart Senate conservatives Michelle Brooks (Erie/Warren/Crawford/Mercer) and Mike Folmer (Lebanon/Dauphin) did vote with the majority to oppose the House idea. What Happens Next The PA House is  in session … Read More

AN IMPORTANT MEMO TO PAHU MEMBERS Since 2003, PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES has provided LEG REG Review to PAHU as a value-added member benefit.  This arrangement has ended for HEALTH UNDERWRITERS who are not members of GPAHU. Ordinarily, this publication subscription is $100.00 per year.  What this means is that PAHU members wishing to receive LEG REG Review will need to subscribe UNLESS THEY ARE MEMBERS OF GPAHU.  By special arrangement, GPAHU members continue to receive LEG REG Review at no cost.  If you find this newsletter to be of help in keeping you abreast of legislative and regulatory developments that affect insurance brokers and their clients, I ask that you subscribe.  I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Vince Phillips ************************************* BUDGET, BUDGET, WHO’S GOT THE BUDGET? This week the House returns to Harrisburg to continue its efforts to finalize a revenue budget (Fiscal Code) after a summer recess which included numbers of internal meetings of Republican lawmakers.  Right now, there are several options being considered.  First is the Senate option which generated controversy because of its tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas production and other tax increases.  This was a non-starter for the House Republican leadership.  Two other major … Read More

AN IMPORTANT MEMO TO PAHU MEMBERS As you know, I chose not to renew my contract with the PA Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU) effective July 1 as I begin scaling back my lobbying activities toward eventual retirement.  Part of my contract since 2003 has been to provide LEG REG Review to PAHU as a value-added member benefit.  Ordinarily, this publication subscription is $100.00 per year.  What this means is that PAHU members wishing to receive LEG REG Review will need to subscribe UNLESS THEY ARE MEMBERS OF GPAHU.  By special arrangement, GPAHU members will still continue to receive LEG REG Review at least through December 2017 at no cost to them.  If you find this newsletter to be of help in keeping you abreast of legislative and regulatory developments that affect insurance brokers and their clients, I ask that you subscribe.  I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Vince Phillips ************************************* PA ACTING COMMISSIONER TO TESTIFY On September 6, PA Acting Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman and commissioners from Tennessee, Washington, Alaska, and Oklahoma will testify before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee in Washington, DC on ways to stabilize Affordable Care Act exchanges.  Their focus … Read More

PA BUDGET SAGA CONTINUES On July 27, the PA Senate voted narrowly to approve a series of tax increases that lined up with Wolf Administration proposals such as taxing the extraction of Marcellus natural gas, something Senate Republicans had previously opposed. The 26-24 vote on House Bill 542 showed an interesting party split with four Democrats joining 20 Republicans in saying no. This goes to the House for concurrence, something that will eventually invoke a test of wills between Senate Republican leadership, Senate and House Democrats versus House Republican leadership. HOWEVER…when looking at the State Budget and really trying to understand what is happening in Harrisburg, one needs to look at the fine print and to recognize that there is more than one Budget bill. First are the free standing bills. Some of these were mentioned in the last LEG REG Review — Senate Bill 680 provides for expenses of the State Employees’ Retirement Board. Senate Bill 681 provides for expenses of the Public School Employees’ Retirement Board. Senate Bill 683 provides Fiscal Year 2017-18 funding to the Department of Labor & Industry and the Department of Community & Economic Development to cover the expenses of administering the Workers’ Compensation … Read More

LEG REG REVIEW 2017, 25th Issue *** July 17, 2017  LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on Pennsylvania legislation and regulations impacting the Insurance and Business Communities.  Subscriptions are $100 per year and further information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/232-7005 or e-mail at xenobun@aol.com.  Please email jtrout2792@aol.com supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from or added to this list. Whether you need help meeting your CE or have a particular problem/question, please go to our web site to explore how PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES may be of service to you, your employees, and your clients.  www.vphillipsassoc.com PA HAS A BUDGET (SORT OF) On July 10, the FY 2017-18 State Budget became law without Governor Tom Wolf’s signature.  House Bill 218 (Act 1A of 2017) is a spending plan for Pennsylvania for the current fiscal year, which began July 1.  The $32 billion in spending authorized by the law is not the same as actually being able to spend the money.  That takes a separate piece of legislation in the state’s … Read More

IN ADDITION TO THE BUDGET DRAMA… the General Assembly acted on a number of insurance-related pieces of legislation: Medicaid Oversight:House Bill 1354 (Grove-R-York) seeks to rein in Medicaid expenditures by creating the Office of Independent Medicaid Director.  The July 7 vote was 111-79 with Democrats voting no.  Democrats argued that the selection process (Governor appoints from a list of three nominees from the General Assembly) would not result in a person with the best qualifications. Prescription Drugs: House Bill 1532 (Phillips-Hill – R-York) amends the Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescription Program (ABC-MAP).  On July, it passed the House 112-78 with all Democrats except for Rep. Bryan Barbin (D-Cambria) voting no.  The bill’s purpose is to give access to ABC-MAP prescription data to Medicaid managed care organizations to hopefully identify patterns of patient abuse re opioids. Travel Insurance without a license: House Bill 1576 (Pickett-R-Bradford) allowing unlicensed employees of travel agencies to discuss travel insurance options without a license requires that there must be one licensed insurance producer at each location to review policy applications was reported out by the House Insurance Committee June 21 and is on the House calendar.  Senate Bill 630 (Reschenthaler-R-Allegheny) does not have this … Read More

AGENT FEE BILL INTRODUCED On June 21, Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill) introduced legislation designed to allow insurance agents’ re-entry into the individual health insurance market.  House Bill 1605 states that insurance producers may charge a fee for helping consumers evaluate coverage options, networks and formulary issues, etc. and assist with the application itself when no commissions are paid.  Currently, Act 147 says that no fees may be paid to an insurance producer for completing an application.  The PA Insurance Department has interpreted the law to say that working with clients before reaching the actual application stage is part of “completing the application.”  The PA Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU) met with the Insurance Department repeatedly on this issue before finally resorting to legislation.  PAHU had originally asked the Department to issue a Notice in the PA Bulletin spelling out when fees could and could not be paid.  The Insurance Department rebuffed this approach, saying that Act 147 did not allow any fee for completing an application (with their expanded definition of completing an application) and that the law would have to be changed in the General Assembly. Background:  For the most part, carriers stopped paying commissions for individual health insurance … Read More

CONSOLIDATION UPDATE Reorganization of four Cabinet departments into one PA Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is drawing attention now that the General Assembly passed partial pension reform (Senate Bill 1 signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf June 12 as Act 5 of 2017).  The proposal would merge the Departments of Health, Aging, Human Services and Drug & Alcohol Programs into the new DHHS.  Along the way, language was modified in answer to critics who argued that a consolidation would mean less attention paid to special areas such as services to the aged.  The new version has a Secretary of DHHS and commissioners for specialty areas who would also have direct access to the Governor.  The bills are Senate Bill 746 (Schwank-D-Berks) and House Bill 1000 (Bloom-R-Cumberland). There is pushback however.  Three Republican Senators, Carmen Bartolotta (Beaver/Greene/Washington), Lisa Baker (Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna), and Michelle Brooks (Erie/Mercer/Warren/Crawford) circulated a sponsorship memo June 13 calling for a resolution to develop a process to determine how to proceed with possible unification.  The resolution delays implementation until a thorough assessment can be done regarding perceived cost savings and impacts on stakeholder groups.  The resolution has not yet been formally introduced.  Brooks is Majority Chair … Read More

MILLER WILL BE NOMINATED FOR HHS POST On May 23, Governor Wolf designated Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller as his nominee to be the new Secretary of the proposed PA Department of Health & Human Services.  If approved by the General Assembly, the consolidation will merge the existing Departments of Health, Human Services, Drug & Alcohol Programs and Aging.  There is a split within House Republican ranks with some supporting the proposal such as fiscal conservative Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) as a cost-saver.  Others like long-time Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) fear specific areas such as drug and alcohol abuse programs will lose a seat at the proverbial policy table by being absorbed into a larger agency.  NOTE:  If Governor Wolf is successful in getting the General Assembly to agree on the new Department, he has already said that the Acting Commissioner (replacing Miller) would be current Insurance Department Chief of Staff Jessica Altman. MORE CABINET NEWS Patrick McDonnell finally was confirmed by the PA Senate May 22 as Secretary of the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) after serving in an acting capacity for a year.   Before being nominated by Governor Tom Wolf, McDonnell served as DEP Director of Policy and … Read More

MILLER ANNOUNCES MINIMAL INCREASE FOR EXCHANGE PLANS On June 1, Commissioner Teresa Miller announced individual and small group premium requests for 2018.  She stated that all of the five carriers offering had decided to continue offering policies in the exchange.  The aggregate statewide rate requests for individual policies are 8.8 percent and 6.6 percent for small group policies.  The notice said that company and plan-specific rate increases will be available July 21 at www.insurance.pa.gov. PRESCRIPTION LIABILITY RESOLUTION INTRODUCED Former House Judiciary Committee Minority Chair and current Minority Chair of the House Consumer Affairs Committee Tom Caltagirone (D-Berks) introduced House Resolution 363 urging Governor Wolf and PA Attorney General Shapiro to file suit against drug manufacturing companies.  The suit would claim that drug companies have responsibility for the opioid crisis in the Commonwealth. The proposed lawsuit would be filed consistent with the legal arguments in Ohio’s May 31, 2017, suit against five major manufacturers.  Ohio charged drug companies with downplaying risks of addiction and encouraging use while knowing that long-term use of opioids can lead to heroin or worse.  HR 363 was referred to the House Health Committee June 1. BUDGET NEWS May collections were somewhat better but the current fiscal … Read More

Dear Readers, Tuesday May 16 is primary voting day.  Although this election is about local and school district races, keep in mind that these races also will give us many Senators and Representatives later on.  So, if you are thinking of not voting, please consider that these men and women may be representing you in Harrisburg one day.  Given that, your vote is an investment in how you want your state to be governed in the future.  Message: Please vote.  Sincerely, Vince Phillips ************************************** REAL ID PROGRESSING On May 10, Senate Bill 133 (Ward-R-Westmoreland) was referred to the House Appropriations Committee after a contentious session of the House State Government Committee which amended the bill along party lines May 8.  This legislation brings PA into compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005, a Federal law requiring an upgrade to state systems of personal identification.  If PA does not comply with legislation in June, the consequence is that a driver’s license will NOT be accepted as identification on boarding commercial flights or providing access to Federal offices (Social Security, Farm Services Agency, military bases, etc.) in 2018.  The issue was an amendment in the House State Government Committee creating a … Read More

CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS MOVE POST-ACA On May 4, U.S. House Republicans voted to forward a revised American Health Care Act (HR 1628) to the United States Senate.  The 217-213 vote showed a division in GOP ranks with 20 Republicans voting no along with all House Democrats.  All 18 PA Members of the U.S. House of Representatives were present and voted.  The breakdown was nine for passage and nine against the House Republicans’ Repeal & Replace bill.  Four Pennsylvania Republicans, Charlie Dent, Ryan Costello, Pat Meehan, and Brian Fitzpatrick voted no.  Groom Law Group has prepared a summary of the bill’s provisions: https://www.groom.com/media/publication/1829_SUMMARY_OF_KEY_PROVISIONS_OF_THE%20AMERICAN_HEALTH_CARE_ACT.pdf A link to the actual text follows:  https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1628/text Some provisions: Continued are ACA provisions dependant coverage up to age 26, first-dollar preventive care services, essential benefits (although states may ask for a waiver to change these) Rate band changes from 3:1 to 5:1.This means that insurers will have more options when pricing coverage per age.States would have the option of having ratios greater than 5:1. Coverage reporting requirements remain.Instead of an individual mandate, a person would have to document 12-months coverage or risk paying a 30% surcharge to the insurance company and not to the Federal Government. Tax subsidies … Read More

SENATE BANKING & INSURANCE COMMITTEES MOVES TWO, HOLDS ONE On April 25, the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee reported out two bills but a third bill was held back, at least for now.  Making it through the committee was Senate Bill 630 (Reschenthaler-R-Washington/Allegheny) which would exempt travel agents from producer licensing requirements in placing travel insurance.  Travel agents would “work under the license of the producer of the insurance product.”  Liability goes to the limited license insurance producer who is responsible for the acts of travel retailers operating under the producer’s license.  The second bill was Senate Bill 143 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) which removes the now defunct Middle Atlantic Truck Stop Operators from the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund (USTIF) Board and replaces them with the PA Food Merchants Association. The third bill was vigorously opposed by Pharma, lobbying entity for drug manufacturers. Senate Bill 637 (White-R-Indiana) would establish the Pharmaceutical Transparency Commission to better educate consumers and payers about the components of drug pricing (how much of that price is attributed to research, how much to profits, etc.) and a benchmark price that could not exceed 20% of the costs.  The Commission would be funded by an assessment on drug manufacturers.  … Read More

INSURANCE PRODUCER FEE SPONSORSHIP MEMO CIRCULATED Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill) is circulating a sponsorship memo to members of the House of Representatives which would permit agents and brokers to charge a fee if no commission is paid for individual health insurance policies.  This is the number one priority of the PA Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU). Many insurance producers have been forced to stop helping consumers with individual coverage because carriers ceased paying commissions.  Rep. Tobash’s aim is to allow producers back into the business of helping individuals compare coverages and networks to help find the best policy for them to choose.  PAHU’s Day on the Hill is Tuesday, April 25.  Details on PAHU’s efforts: xenobun@aol.com, 717-232-0022.  Following is a link to Rep. Tobash’s sponsorship memo.  https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20170&cosponId=23684   INSURANCE BILLS TO BE CONSIDERED This coming week, there will be committee review/action on a number of bills relating to insurance. House Bill 324 (Kampf-R-Chester/Montgomery) would provide state protection for pensioners in non-ERISA “pension de-risking” where an employer transfers pension obligations to an insurer. (House Insurance Committee) Senate Labor & Industry Committee will consider Senate Bill 269 (Baker-R-Luzerne) which makes it easier for PA to adopt changes in the International Code Council … Read More

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AVOIDS REPEAL & REPLACE…FOR NOW Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan pulled the plug on voting for the GOP alternative to the Affordable Care Act Friday March 24 because not enough Republican votes were there to see the bill progress to the Senate.  The GOP proposal, H.R 1628, the American Health Care Act, had zero Democratic support and over 40 Republican Members indicated that they would be voting ‘no’.  In PA, Republican Representatives Scott Perry, ‘G.T.’ Thompson, Charlie Dent, and Brian Fitzpatrick either said they would vote no or were leaning no.  Speaker Ryan indicated that the House would now focus on tax reform legislation and that repealing and replacing Obamacare would wait.   There is more U.S. House health legislation that did go through although they were obscured by the larger news about H.R. 1628.  Legislation to remove the anti-trust exemption for health insurance companies was passed by a 416-7 vote.  H.R. 372 amends the 1940s McCarran-Ferguson Act.  The second bill, H.R. 1101 passed by a partisan vote of 236-175.  It would allow association health plans, something about which the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) has long raised concerns.  According to … Read More

INSURANCE COMMITTEE CONVENES PRESCRIPTION PRICE TRANSPARENCY HEARING On February 8, the House Insurance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 161 (DeLuca-D-Allegheny), mandating the drug manufacturers to supply data to the Insurance Department on drug prices and costs of production including research and development costs versus consumer marketing costs.  HB 161 would require reporting by drug companies if the price increase exceeded a certain level and would not be triggered if a price increase was in normal range. Testifiers included PA Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller, Pharma (manufacturers), insurance companies, pharmacists, AARP, and PA Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU).  Drug companies insisted that their prices were justified by the long expense trail of development costs.  Regarding a trademark where manufacturers has a de facto monopoly on a new drug, the testifier said that trademark protection is warranted given that 90% of the market is quickly grabbed by generics from the brand name drug when the trademark protection period ends. PAHU pointed out that however unpleasant insurance premiums are, they are a symptom of increasing health care costs, much of which are fueled by prescription drug price increases.   Rep. Eli Evankovich (R-Westmoreland/Allegheny) suggested that there needs to be transparency from manufacturer … Read More

SPECIAL BUDGET ISSUE THE STATE BUDGET Overall, the proposed State Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, sees General Fund spending at $32.3 billion.  To put in perspective, the General Fund is only one part of the state’s total operating budget which is $81 billion.  In addition to the General Fund, Federal funds account for an additional $28.7 billion, lottery $1.8 billion, Motor License Fund $2.9 billion, and fees, etc. $3.7 billion.  Following are general questions as a quick reference.   Where does General Fund money come from? Personal Income Tax 40.1% Sales Tax 31.8% Corporate Net Income Tax 8.4% “Gross Receipts” Tax 3.8% Cigarette Tax 3.7% Non-tax Revenue & Other Taxes 10.0%   Where does the money go? Medical Assistance (Medicaid) & Long-Term Care 22.8% Other Health & Human Services 17.1% Pre-K through 12 Education 36.7% Higher Education 5.0% Criminal Justice (incl. Corrections) 7.8% Interest paid on state debt (loan servicing) 3.0% Everything else 6%   What new taxes will there be? Given the state’s dismal fiscal situation, the big news generally – no broad-based increase in PA Personal Income Tax or Sales Tax – was greeted with relief.   The Governor seeks a Marcellus Shale extraction … Read More

WELCOME TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUDGET WEEK On February 7, Governor Tom Wolf will present his proposals for state spending. In his speech to the General Assembly, he will announce spending priorities and further tout his idea for consolidation of four separate Cabinet departments into one. Previously, he said that he would not propose broad-based tax increases but would like to tax natural extraction. Note: The PA Insurance Department budget will be unaffected by the upcoming budget debate since its general government operations budget comes from a 2013 law, Act 46, which created a dedicated fund, the Insurance Regulation & Oversight Fund. An upcoming LEG REG Review will describe key elements of the Governor’s State Budget proposal. Later in February, House and Senate Appropriations Committee hearings will take place. LEGISLATIVE HAPPENINGS • Senate Resolution 15 (White-R-Indiana) was adopted by the Senate January 30, declaring February 6 to be “Mutual Insurance Day” at the State Capitol. • Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee reported out two bills January 25 dealing with flood notifications. Senate Bill 50 and 51 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) require that the seller of a property disclose its location in a flood zone and whether or not any floods had actually occurred. … Read More

LEG REG REVIEW 2017, 9th Issue *** February 20, 2017 BUDGET HEARINGS BEGIN House and Senate Appropriations Committees kick off the annual gauntlet of legislative hearings on the State Budget proposed by Governor Tom Wolf. Most hearings will be covered by PCN. PA Cable Network’s schedule may be found at https://pcntv.com/schedule/. A selected list of hearings follows. Note that PCN program times may differ depending on their broadcast schedule. Neither House nor Senate has scheduled a hearing for the PA Insurance Department. Department of Agriculture: Feb. 27. Senate – March 1. House Dept. of Environmental Protection: Feb. 27 House – March 9. Senate Labor & Industry (think Workers’ Compensation): Feb. 22 House – Feb. 28 Senate Transportation: Feb. 22 House – Feb. 27 Senate Education: March 6 House – March 7 Senate Dept. Conservation & Natural resources: Feb. 27 House – March 1 Senate Dept. Community & Economic Development: March 2 House – March 6 Senate Governor’s Budget Office: March 9 House – March 10 Senate Regarding the Governor’s proposal to combine four separate Cabinet departments into one to be called Dept. of Health & Human Services, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees are taking different approaches. The Senate Appropriations … Read More

LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on Pennsylvania legislation and regulations impacting the Insurance and Business Communities.  It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU).   PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 or e-mail to xenobun@aol.com.  www.vphillipsassoc.com  CONSOLIDATION ISSUE NOW ON TABLE Media reports over the weekend confirmed that Governor Tom Wolf is likely to try consolidating several cabinet departments as a way to reduce budget expenses this fiscal year as part of his effort to mitigate a HUGE budget deficit at the end of this fiscal year.  Presumably, this would mean consolidation of the PA Department of Aging, Department of Health and the PA Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs into a renamed PA Department of Health and Human Services (now the Dept. of Human Services).  What gives this added weight is the firing of PA Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs Secretary Gary Tennis.  Although no reason was given, Reading news media speculated that Tennis utilized a long-time lobbyist Deb Beck to vet potential employees, prompting his removal.  Former Secretary … Read More

LEG REG REVIEW 2017, 4th Issue *** January 23, 2017   LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on Pennsylvania legislation and regulations impacting the Insurance and Business Communities.  It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU).  Subscription information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/232-7005 or e-mail to xenobun@aol.com.  Please email jtrout2792@aol.com supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from or added to this list. Whether it means meeting your CE need or helping with a particular problem/question, please visit our web site to explore how PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES may be of service to you, your employees and your clients.  www.vphillipsassoc.com    SPECIAL ELECTION DATE SET Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) announced that a special election will be held March 21 to fill the vacant Philadelphia House seat formerly held by Rep. Leslie Acosta before her conviction.   HOUSE INSURANCE TO HOLD HEARING On February 8, the House Insurance Committee plans a hearing on prescription drug price transparency.  It … Read More

LEG REG REVIEW 2016, 18th Issue *** October 24, 2016   LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on Pennsylvania legislation and regulations impacting the Insurance and Business Communities.  It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU).  Subscription information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/232-7005 or e-mail to xenobun@aol.com.  Please email jtrout2792@aol.com supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from or added to this list. Whether it means meeting your CE need or helping with a particular problem/question, please visit our web site to explore how PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES may be of service to you, your employees and your clients.  www.vphillipsassoc.com    LATE SESSION INSURANCE BILLS ADVANCE Even though the legislative session is winding down, a number of insurance bills are seeing traction as they make their way through the legislative process. LYFT/UBER: The House approved Senate Bill 984 (Bartolotta-R-Washington) by a 188-0 vote on October 19 and sent it back to the Senate for concurrence, which, if done, puts the … Read More

LEG REG REVIEW 2016, 16th Issue *** September 21, 2016   LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on Pennsylvania legislation and regulations impacting the Insurance and Business Communities.  It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU).  Subscription information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/232-7005 or e-mail to xenobun@aol.com.  Please email jtrout2792@aol.com supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from or added to this list. Whether it means meeting your CE need or helping with a particular problem/question, please visit our web site to explore how PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES may be of service to you, your employees and your clients.  www.vphillipsassoc.com    GENERAL ASSEMBLY RETURNS TO HARRISBURG The PA House was in legislative session this week and the Senate returns September 26.  There are few session days left in 2016 and little inclination for a lame duck post-election session even though the House has two session days posted after the election.  Right now, here are the session days: September:      Both House … Read More

  LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on Pennsylvania legislation and regulations impacting the Insurance and Business Communities.  It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU).  Subscription information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/232-7005 or e-mail to xenobun@aol.com.  Please email jtrout2792@aol.com supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from or added to this list. Whether it means meeting your CE need or helping with a particular problem/question, please visit our web site to explore how PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES may be of service to you, your employees and your clients.  www.vphillipsassoc.com    NEW HOUSE MEMBER SWORN IN On August 17, Chris Quinn (R-Delaware) was sworn in as the newest member of the PA House of Representatives.  As this was a special election to fill a vacancy, he will have to succeed in the November general election in order to secure a full two-year term. Rep. Quinn has an insurance producer’s license.   POLITICAL UPDATES Two incumbent Democratic members of the General … Read More

LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on Pennsylvania legislation and regulations impacting the Insurance and Business Communities.  It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU).  Subscription information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/232-7005 or e-mail to xenobun@aol.com.  Please email jtrout2792@aol.com supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from or added to this list. Whether it means meeting your CE need or helping with a particular problem/question, please visit our web site to explore how PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES may be of service to you, your employees and your clients.  www.vphillipsassoc.com     INSURANCE DEPARTMENTS REDUCES LTCi MANDATORY INFLATION On July 30, the PA Insurance Department issued Notice 2016-09 along with a request for comments on the Long-Term Care Partnership insurance policy (also called a Qualified Partnership Policy).  The Notice reduced the mandated inflation protection from three-percent to one-percent for Partnership policies.  Similar to a regulatory action taken by Maryland in May, the 1% requirement would “give consumers more affordable Long-Term Care … Read More