Governor’s proposal falls far short of need

Governor Rendell's plan to expand the adultBasic program to 90,000 individuals is drawing mixed reactions from consumer advocates.

Foremost is distress over the fact that while the adultBasic waiting list is approaching 200,000 people, only an additional 45,000 individuals would be covered by the Governor's plan. 

Mitigating the disappointment is recognition the Commonwealth faces a severe fiscal crisis and appreciation for the Governor's persistent advocacy for the uninsured. 

"Let's cover as many people as we can, given fiscal realities," said John Dodds, executive director of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project.  " We can use federal dollars to double the number insured.  And by adding prescription drug coverage, we will hep people avoid severe illnesses and expensive medical prodecures.  It's unconscionable the General Assembly hasn't taken this step long ago."

Marissa Harris, advocacy developer for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, also acknowledged the difficult fiscal environment.  "We recognize vital programs are going to be cut.  Given all the pain those cuts will cause, we're prepared to adjust our expectations for health care.  But we strongly support using federal funds to cover more of the uninsured."

For more perspective, see PHAN’s February 4 media release.