Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys and Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley this week discussed the importance of Medicaid in providing health care coverage to millions of Pennsylvanians amid proposed federal cuts to the program — which would kick more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians off their health insurance.

More than three million Pennsylvanians – or 1 in 4 people – get their health care coverage through Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania. With this coverage, Pennsylvanians can see a doctor, fill prescriptions and access preventive services like health screenings. This coverage is vital to helping people stay healthy, take care of their families and contribute to our economy.

“All of us know someone — whether its ourselves, a friend, loved one, or a neighbor — who Medicaid has helped,” Arkoosh said. “But no matter how you personally get your health care coverage, Medicaid is vital to protecting the health of your community. Congressional Republicans’ proposed cuts to Medicaid would be devastating not only for those who would lose their health coverage, but for all of us who would face the real life consequences of crowded emergency departments, increases in the cost of health insurance, and the catastrophic effects on economies and health systems in rural areas.”

More than 300,000 Pennsylvanians will lose access to Medicaid due to:

• New eligibility requirements.

• Increased bureaucratic paperwork because of proposed six-month re-determinations, whether eligibility is determined every six months instead of every year.

• New work reporting requirements, which will require more staff and new IT infrastructure.

The bill also proposes other federal cuts that will further destabilize our health care infrastructure and threaten the closure of hospitals, especially in our rural communities. Half of Pennsylvania’s 65 hospitals serving rural communities operate at a deficit, struggling to survive, and relying significantly on Medicaid to cover the cost of providing care.

“The Congressional Republicans’ bill would have devastating consequences for Pennsylvanians. From unaffordable health care costs to a higher number of uninsured individuals seeking uncompensated care through our hospital systems, this bill should concern every one of us.” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys.

As of today, Congressional Republicans’ bill needs to pass the U.S. Senate and be signed into law. There are no changes to Medicaid.

Lawrence confirmed as Pa.’s Consumer Advocate

Attorney General Dave Sunday this week announced that the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Darryl Lawrence to serve as Pennsylvania’s Consumer Advocate.

Lawrence has been serving as interim Consumer Advocate since Feb. 4, where he has been representing Commonwealth consumers in public utility service quality and pricing matters. Lawrence has been with the Office of Consumer Advocate since June 2005 and previously held the position of Senior Assistant Consumer Advocate for the office.

“I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed my appointment of Darryl Lawrence as Pennsylvania’s Consumer Advocate, and am confident that Darryl will serve Pennsylvanians well in that capacity,” Sunday said. “Darryl dedicated his career to advocating on behalf of Pennsylvanians who may not have a voice in the regulatory, judicial, and legislative processes attached to public utilities. He has proven himself as an experienced, tough, fair, and honest advocate.”

The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate was established by the General Assembly in 1976 to serve as the legal representative for all utility ratepayers in the Commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate is housed in the Office of Attorney General, but functions independently. The Office of Consumer Advocate has discretion and authority to intervene in litigation on its own behalf, and has actively participated in matters before the Pennsylvania Utility Commission and in state and federal courts.

Public utilities include electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecom companies under either Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction.

PUC Chairman confirmed for second term

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission this week thanked the State Senate for unanimously confirming the reappointment of Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank to a second term as Commissioner and expressed appreciation to Governor Josh Shapiro for submitting the nomination.

Chairman DeFrank was confirmed on June 4, by the Senate and will continue serving as chairman of the commission. His new term extends through April 1, 2030.

“I’m honored by the confidence shown by Governor Shapiro and the Senate,” DeFrank said. “At a time of fast-moving change across our energy and utility systems — from rising demand and extreme weather to cyber-security and infrastructure modernization — the Commission’s mission remains clear: ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable service for every Pennsylvanian.”

DeFrank was sworn in immediately following his confirmation.

NIL legislation to protect student athletes to be introduced

Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford/Fulton, and Rep. Perry Stambaugh, R-Perry/Juniata, this week announced they will soon introduce legislation to provide protections for student-athletes receiving compensation for the use their name, image and likeness (NIL).

While a case wending through federal courts will likely expand the NIL universe, no state legal structure exists. This leaves compensated student-athletes vulnerable to poor financial decisions and without recourse if they should become injured during their career.

“NIL is one of the most dynamic and evolving spaces in the national sports market that has become a life-changing positive for many student-athletes and families,” Topper said. “As the NIL landscape continues to advance at the federal level, it is appropriate for state legal supplements to ensure student-athletes are protected at a vulnerable time in their lives.”

“Our legislation will ensure that students have the financial education and protection available to safeguard their NIL assets while giving them the opportunity to save NIL earnings should they become injured or otherwise incapable of pursuing their athletic career.”

According to the recently filed co-sponsorship memo in advance of the introduction of formal legislation, the Topper-Stambaugh NIL proposal would require institutions of higher education to offer all student-athletes the option to place a portion of their revenue sharing or NIL earnings into trust accounts. The institutions may partner with established financial firms experienced in educational trust management to minimize administrative overhead. The accounts would have the following features:

• Funds become fully accessible upon graduation or departure from the university.

• Limited hardship withdrawals permitted with appropriate oversight.

• Professional investment management with transparent reporting.

• Opt-in structure that preserves athlete autonomy while encouraging responsible financial planning.

In addition, colleges and universities would be mandated to provide financial literacy education and resources to their student-athletes.

“In the new ‘Wild, Wild West’ of collegiate athletics that NIL has spawned, helping protect student-athletes from financial harm or exploitation is a solid first step states should take,” Stambaugh said. “As the landscape surrounding NIL evolves, Pennsylvania will be studying changes and enacting policies to ensure our colleges and universities can remain competitive.”

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.