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In this update:
New law I authored will make significant improvements to health care delivery in PA
Under Act 146 of 2022, health care providers and insurers have to adhere to standards and timely feedback for prior authorization approval for medical treatment and procedures. The law applies to all commercial health insurance carriers and Medicaid plans. The bill also provides a path for appeals to step therapy prescription drug treatment plans to best address provider-recommended option for patients. Delays in the prior authorization process have often been cited as reasons for patients abandoning treatment plans or negative clinical outcomes, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Medical Association. Prior authorization is the process in which health care providers obtain advance approval from insurers for payment or reimbursement before a specific treatment plan or procedure is delivered to the patient. Step therapy is a form of prior authorization, but it applies to prescription drug treatment plans. Insurers may recommend different drug treatment option(s) to patients in an effort to control costs. This law will expedite health care treatment plans and delivery to the majority of Pennsylvanians. Act 146 will improve health care outcomes and strengthen the relationship between patients and their providers. This law marks one of the most significant reforms to health care in our Commonwealth in decades due to the willingness of all stakeholders working through a process that found compromise. You can learn more about this new law that I authored here. Student government seminar allows high school students to become “senators”
More than 150 students from 9 different schools attended my inaugural “Senator for a Day” program held at the state Capitol last week. The event involved students being sworn in to serve as “senators” where they debated legislation in a committee setting and then before the full “Senate” later in the day. Students were selected to sponsor legislation and serve as committee majority and minority chairs. Thank you to the students for their participation and for making the day such a success. I also want to give a special thank you to the school districts that participated and saw it worthwhile to send students to the Capitol to see how state government operates and experience the legislative process first-hand. You can view photos from the event here and here. Watch a special recap of the day below.
Local veterans visit Washington, D.C. to see monuments and memorials paying tribute to their service
Thank you to the Bailey Family of Companies for hosting the All Vets to DC trip for the fifth year in a row. This annual event brings our veterans together for comradery and to share stories of their service. Most importantly, it allows local veterans to see memorials and monuments up close in Washington, D.C. commemorating their service to our nation.
As we look to Veterans Day next week, let us remember the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in our Armed Forces made to defend our nation.
Voting to provide critical aid to fire & EMS companies
In the latest effort to help Pennsylvania’s fire and emergency medical services, the Senate passed a comprehensive measure that would provide essential funding and support for these critical first responders. The assistance is especially vital for volunteer fire companies struggling to recruit members and cover rising costs. As amended by the Senate, the measure would:
The measure was sent to the governor for enactment. How are invasive species affecting you?
The impact of invasive species on Pennsylvania citizens, local governments, businesses and others is the focus of a survey being conducted by the Governor’s Invasive Species Council. The Invasive Species Impacts Survey will be used to chronicle the effects invasive plants, insects, animals and pathogens are having on land and waterways. Invasive species include more than 140 invasive plant types, 25 plant diseases, 18 insects, 60 aquatic animals, five bird and mammal species and more. The survey takes a few minutes to complete and is open through Nov. 13. ICYMI: My latest podcast episode looks at industry contributing to nearly 20% of employment in York County
The latest episode of Kristin’s Corner features a conversation with MANTEC President and CEO, Bruce Newell, where we discuss the past, present and future of manufacturing in York County. You can listen to our conversation on Apple, Spotify, Google and more. Below are remarks I delivered before the Senate adjourned last week highlighting this important industry. “Fall Back” on Saturday night
Daylight saving time ends Sunday at 2 a.m., so don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour Saturday night. It is also a great reminder to change out the batteries in your home’s smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms! Risk of hitting a deer increases in fall
With deer becoming more active during the fall breeding season, and the end of daylight saving time putting more vehicles on the road during dusk and dawn when deer move most, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking motorists to stay alert. According to insurance statistics, Pennsylvania drivers have a 1-in-58 chance of a vehicular accident involving a big game animal – one of the highest rates nationwide. Drivers can reduce their chances of collisions with deer by staying alert and better understanding deer behavior. Just paying attention while driving on stretches marked with “Deer Crossing” signs can make a difference. You can find out more about avoiding collisions with deer and how to report a collision here. Local job postings
PA CareerLink shared with me its latest list of local job openings, which you can view here. You can also find job postings shared with the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) here. |
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