Free Clinic Association of PA Annual Conference
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Transcript of Free Clinic Association of PA Annual Conference
Free Clinic Association of PA Annual Conference
What’s Happening in Harrisburg—Budget, MA Expansion, SB 5
May 3, 2013
Harrisburg, PA
Contact Information
Anne Hart
20 North Market Square, Suite 800
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-214-2200
Healthcare Reform in PA
What’s Been Done
• PA Fair Care – ACA Based Plan for Uninsured with Pre-
Existing Conditions– Premise was Bridge to 2014– About 6,845 enrollees (estimated 7,500
enrollees)– PPO - $283 a month– CMS suspended all new enrollment
What’s Been Done
• ACA Provides for limited HHS review of individual and small group market segments (Act 134 amends Title 40)
• Coverage and Policy Changes– Annual and lifetime limit prohibition– Dependency Age 26
What’s in the Works
• PA E-Health Partnership Authority– Created through legislation approved in July
2012. – The purpose of PEPA is to enable the secure
exchange of health information– PA awarded 17.1 million under ARRA to
establish a health information exchange.– Currently working with stakeholders– http://paehealthcollab.com/index.html
What’s In the Works
• Insurance Exchange– PA has deferred to the feds to establish an
exchange (marketplace)
MA Expansion
• Governor Corbett has not said “no,” but funding not included in proposed budget.
• Corbett met with CMS officials– CMS will consider PA a non-expansion state so that
the state would receive 100% reimbursement for the first three years
– Governor wants more flexibility for the newly eligibles– Specifically, co-pays, deductibles, work requirements
MA Expansion (Con’t)
• Reports supporting expansion: Rand (HAP), PA Economy League (PA Health Funders Collaborative), PA IFO
• Rely on Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) to make numbers work
• Feds to issue national guidance on revenue enhancements (assessments/GRT)
SB 5• Creates Community Based Health Care Program
• Hospital clinics administered thru DPW
• Grants require a 25% matching commitment.
• No more that 15% awarded to one city, town, township in PA, and FQHCs limited to 25%
• DoH to distribute funding as follows:– Up to 50% for expansion of existing clinic or new clinic– Up to 25% for improvements in prenatal, OB and newborn care– Up to 20% for improved services to reduce unnecessary
emergency room utilization– Up to 5% for collaborative relationships among providers
How to Speak to Legislators
“When you need a friend,
it’s too late”
~ Mark Twain
“Politicians work just as hard at
survival as any business.”
~ Chris Bravacos
Lobbying Legislators
Know thy legislator
• Biography (look at their website)
• Voting record on topics
• Mutual friends
• Visit in office in district
• Attend local fundraisers
Know Thyself
• You are a constituent
• You are a taxpayer
• You are a voter
• Your are an employer
• You are a caregiver
Be Clear About Your Request
• Assume legislators/staff know little or nothing about free clinics—don’t be jargony and use simple language
• Your job is to inform, educate and ASK
• Their job is to REPRESENT
Explain issue in terms they can understand
• Why is it their interest to support our position?
• Idea is popular
• It fulfills a campaign pledge—health care reform
• They can make their mark with this issue
Always tell the truth
Two responses to a question…
• The answer.
• I’ll find out.
Listen close to answer
“Yes” sounds like:“I agree, and will support that.”
“No” sounds like:“I’m with you but hope it doesn’t come up for a vote.”“I don’t want the committee to consider this legislation.”“You make some good points.”“I don’t see you enough…at my fundraisers.”“Send me more information.”“Your son/daughter was great in that game yesterday.”“I do not support…but might not oppose.”
Thank You