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First in series of public health hearings held in DuBois Tuesday
By GRETCHEN ROKOSKY
Era Correspondent
DUBOIS — State Rep. Dan Surra, D-Kersey, and the House Majority Policy Committee held the first in a series of public hearings Tuesday in DuBois on a plan to extend health insurance to uninsured adults in the state.
The members heard testimony from several doctors, a free-clinic administrator and a constituent who has dealt with not being able to get insurance.
One of the items discussed was the fact that a state indoor smoking ban as been passed and takes effect Sept. 11. Dr. Mark Piaso, orthopedic surgeon at DuBois Regional Medical Center and former president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, felt that cigarette taxes should be raised. That will work more effectively than keeping smoking out of bars, he explained.
“Every other state has higher taxes,” Piaso said. “When you get above a buck (in taxes), you cut down on teen smoking. Make it unaffordable for kids.”
Calvin Johnson, M.D., secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, gave the following statistics for Elk County: 2,041 adults are uninsured; 10.8 percent of the county is uninsured; 266 people were on the adult Basic waiting list in January prior to an enrollment offering; 244 people were still on the waiting list as of July; and nine new people have been added to the waiting list each month in 2008.
Sister Rita Kartavich, founder and board member of Free Medical Clinic of DuBois, explained the clinic is run exclusively by volunteer labor, with the exception of a few administrators who are paid. They have asked some of the volunteer doctors to see their diabetic patients in their offices. All tests and prescriptions are taken care of by the free clinic.
“It has helped us tremendously,” she said. “It also lets us know they are being taken care of.”
The clinic serves residents of Elk, Jefferson and Clearfield counties.
Crystal Karenchak said she has Type-two diabetes, takes medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol and has a history of heart disease and strokes in her family. She has been unable to get insurance because her job is with a non-profit agency that has only a few employees. She was also told by insurance companies that she was denied coverage because of the medications she has to take.
Rep. Todd Eachus, 116th District and chair of the Majority Policy Committee, said they are working to make that illegal. Pre-existing conditions may soon not be a reason to deny a person insurance.
“You have your choice between taking care of your health or paying your bills,” Karenchak said. “I don’t think I am alone in that.”
She began to tear up when she explained that her son is in college and she would like to see him graduate, but without access to proper health care, that might not be possible. The Chronic Care program saved her life, she believes.
“It was a terrible past two years,” she said. “I would not want anyone to go through that.”
“Our health care system is a train wreck,” Surra said, summing it up.
The hearing focused on a proposal known as Pennsylvania Access to Basic Care — or PA ABC — that was drafted by House Democrats and passed by the House of Representatives earlier this year. The state Senate has not yet acted on it.
With the PA ABC program, the cost to provide the benefit is approximately $322 per person each month. Employers that meet the eligibility requirements and choose to participate will pay approximately $161 per enrolled employee each month in the first year.
Employees will pay the following premiums: nothing for those with income no greater than 150 percent of the poverty level; $40 for those with income between 150 percent to 175 percent of the poverty level; $50 for those with income between 175 percent and 200 percent; and adult with incomes greater than 200 percent may purchase the benefits at the per-member month rate negotiated by the state.
Enrollment is limited by available funding. Waiting lists will be created if all funds are committed. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Programs will permit changes in eligibility if needed to manage funding.
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