Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB197

Introduced

1/16/25

Refer

1/16/25

Refer

6/3/25

Caption

In requirements and prohibitions, further providing for Commonwealth agencies.

Impact

If enacted, HB197 would significantly alter the state’s public health landscape. It would require insurance providers to expand their coverage policies, making it mandatory for them to include vital services that are currently unaffordable or unavailable to a significant portion of the population. The bill also envisions increasing funding for public health programs, which may lead to improvements in healthcare facilities and outreach efforts across the state. This would potentially boost overall public health outcomes by making healthcare more accessible and affordable to communities that have historically faced barriers.

Summary

HB197 seeks to improve access to public health services through enhanced insurance coverage and affordability measures. The bill outlines provisions aimed at broadening the scope of coverage offered by both private and public insurance policies to include a wider array of essential health services. In addition, it aims to address existing gaps in access, particularly for underserved populations, by establishing additional funding streams for public health initiatives. The intent is to create a more inclusive healthcare system in the state, ensuring that all residents have access to the services they need without prohibitive costs.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB197 has been largely positive among healthcare advocates and public health officials who see it as a necessary step toward reducing health disparities in the state. Supporters argue that improving access to healthcare is essential not only for the affected individuals but also for the overall health of the community. However, there are some concerns from certain quarters about the costs associated with implementing the proposed changes, particularly regarding how these adjustments might impact insurance premiums and the budget for public health funding.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates regarding the funding mechanisms for the bill and how the proposed changes will affect existing insurance policies. Opponents have raised concerns that expanding coverage could lead to increased premiums for all policyholders, which might outweigh the intended benefits of improved access to care. Additionally, there are discussions about how effectively the increased funding for public health programs can be allocated to truly benefit those who need it the most, raising questions about accountability and efficiency in public health spending.

Latest PA HB197 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB197

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1671

In requirements and prohibitions, further providing for Commonwealth agencies.

PA HB735

In Commonwealth budget procedures, providing for scope and for

PA SB657

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in requirements and prohibitions, providing for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for requests and for retention of records; in procedure, further providing for requests, for written requests, for electronic access, for creation of record, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for general rule and for extension of time; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for civil penalty and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA HB1467

Further providing for definitions and for alternative energy portfolio standards; providing for solar photovoltaic technology requirements, for community solar program standards and for contracts for solar photovoltaic technologies by Commonwealth agencies; further providing for portfolio requirements in other states; and making a repeal.

PA SB230

PA SB1193

In Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to

PA HB2621

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for duties of department and agencies; and providing for registration of abuse and neglect perpetrators.

PA HB2053

In voting machines, further providing for examination and approval of voting machines by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, for requirements of voting machines and for preparation of voting machines by county election boards.

PA HB1463

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions relating to intrastate mutual aid; and, in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1146

In Commonwealth budget procedures, further providing for lapsing of funds.