PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB2564

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2564

Introduced
9/11/24  
Refer
9/11/24  
Refer
10/8/24  
Report Pass
10/9/24  
Engrossed
10/9/24  

Caption

Providing for health insurance access protections; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Insurance Commissioner; and imposing penalties.

Impact

This legislation is poised to significantly impact existing insurance practices and regulations within Pennsylvania. By enforcing provisions that prohibit discrimination based on health factors, it ensures that those with preexisting conditions are not unfairly marginalized or charged higher premiums. Furthermore, the bill dictates that any changes in federal health policy that may influence these protections must be addressed through formal notice and regulatory adjustments. This aspect aligns state insurance laws with federal standards, ensuring consistency and safeguarding consumers.

Summary

House Bill 2564, known as the Health Insurance Access Protection Act, is designed to enhance access to health insurance for individuals in Pennsylvania by establishing essential protections against discrimination based on preexisting conditions or health factors. The bill prohibits insurers from denying coverage or imposing unfavorable premium rates related to an individual's health condition or history. It aims to solidify assuredness that health insurance remains accessible and fair, regardless of an individual's past health problems.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2564 appears largely supportive among legislators and health advocacy groups, emphasizing the need for comprehensive consumer protections in health insurance. Proponents of the bill assert that it reflects a strong commitment to equality in healthcare access and supports the health rights of individuals regardless of their medical history. However, some insurance groups have expressed concerns about the potential implications for premium rates and the administrative burden of adhering to the regulations set forth by the act, indicating a nuanced discourse within the insurance community.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns raised by insurers regarding the enforcement measures and potential penalties outlined in the bill for non-compliance. The act allows for substantial fines that could affect business operations for insurers who violate these provisions. While supporters argue that these measures are necessary for accountability, some critics worry that they might lead to disproportionate burdens on insurance companies, potentially resulting in higher rates for consumers as insurers adjust to cover these costs.

Latest HB2564 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB618

Providing for health insurance access protections; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Insurance Commissioner; and imposing penalties.

PA HB535

Providing for health care insurance coverage protections; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Insurance Commissioner; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1140

Providing for access to contraceptives; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services; and imposing penalties.

PA SB50

Providing for health care insurance coverage protections, for duties of the Insurance Department and the Insurance Commissioner, for regulations, for enforcement and for penalties.

PA SB50

Providing for health care insurance coverage protections, for duties of the Insurance Department and the Insurance Commissioner, for regulations, for enforcement and for penalties.

PA HB1140

Providing for access to contraceptives; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services; providing for severability; and imposing penalties.

PA SB52

Providing for health care insurance coverage protections, for duties of the Insurance Department and the Insurance Commissioner, for regulations, for enforcement and for penalties.

PA HB2562

Providing for health care insurance coverage protections, for duties of the Insurance Department and the Insurance Commissioner, for regulations, for enforcement and for penalties.

PA SB52

Providing for health care insurance coverage protections, for duties of the Insurance Department and the Insurance Commissioner, for regulations, for enforcement and for penalties.

PA HB183

Providing for complex wheelchair quality assurance; and imposing duties on the Department of Human Services and the Insurance Department.

Similar Bills

PA SB719

Further providing for definitions, for general powers of the board, for examination and for requirements for issuance of certificate; repealing provisions relating to practice in this Commonwealth by individuals under substantial equivalency; further providing for practice outside this Commonwealth under substantial equivalency and for practice by firms and unlicensed entities under substantial equivalency; providing for practice in this Commonwealth by individuals under automatic mobility; and further providing for licenses to practice, for licensing of firms, for grounds for discipline, for reinstatement and for unlawful acts.

PA HB1410

Further providing for definitions, for general powers of the board, for examination and for requirements for issuance of certificate; repealing provisions relating to practice in this Commonwealth by individuals under substantial equivalency; further providing for practice outside this Commonwealth under substantial equivalency and for practice by firms and unlicensed entities under substantial equivalency; providing for practice in this Commonwealth by individuals under automatic mobility; and further providing for licenses to practice, for licensing of firms, for grounds for discipline, for reinstatement and for unlawful acts.

PA HB1937

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PA HB956

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PA SB326

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PA SB189

Providing for the use of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identifier in all Commonwealth agency or entity blanks, forms, documents and applications; and imposing penalties.

PA SB152

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PA SB437

Providing for the study of intergenerational poverty; establishing the Intergenerational Poverty Tracking System, the Interagency Workgroup on Poverty and Economic Insecurity and the Pennsylvania Commission on Poverty Elimination and Economic Security; providing for a strategic plan and for reports; and imposing duties on the Department of Human Services and the Secretary of the Budget.