HARRISBURG, JAN. 17, 2007: State Sen. Mike Stack applauded Gov. Ed Rendell’s announcement today of a “Prescription for Pennsylvania” initiative, which promises to increase access to affordable health care coverage for all Pennsylvanians, improve the quality of care, and bring health care costs under control for employers and employees.

“This bold program is the solid foundation we need to improve our healthcare system,” Stack said. “I’m pleased that the administration wants to emphasize healthcare availability and affordability.”

Prescription for Pennsylvania calls for numerous healthcare improvements that will reduce hospital acquired infections; reduce emergency room use for non-emergency patients while improving access to primary care health centers; and create the Cover All Pennsylvanians health insurance program, which will improve coverage for everyone.

“The Rendell administration has already demonstrated its commitment to improving healthcare in Pennsylvania by improving prescription drug coverage for seniors with the PACE and PACENET Expansion, PACE Plus Medicare, and expanding the Children’s Health Insurance Program with Cover All Kids,” Stack said. “Now, Prescription for Pennsylvania will take the issue further by improving healthcare and containing costs for everyone.”

Healthcare costs take a large toll on the Commonwealth. Every year, Pennsylvania businesses, consumers and taxpayers pay at least $7.6 billion for unnecessary and avoidable health care costs, like covering the cost of treating patients who are either uninsured or underinsured.

“This costly issue can be mitigated with the right actions,” Stack said. “I look forward to hearing more about this proposal and learning more about it during the governor’s Budget Address.”

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