State Rep. Greg Scott has introduced legislation that would establish a state-run, single-payer health care system in Pennsylvania.
House Bill 2763, known as the Pennsylvania Universal Health Care Act, was formally introduced in the Pennsylvania House and referred to the House Insurance Committee on Tuesday Sep. 8.
“This bill ensures the great people of Pennsylvania have access to high-quality health coverage without out-of-pocket costs,” Scott said in a recent news release. “Health and wellness are determining factors in quality of life, longevity, happiness, and family success.”
Under the bill, Pennsylvania would impose the equivalent of a 10% income tax across the board, generating approximately $68.3 billion annually, more than the state’s entire General Fund.
“Rising premium costs are forcing many hardworking families to drop their health insurance coverage, putting not only their health at risk, but also their financial stability,” Scott said.
The new bill would also give the state significant control over health care spending; including provider reimbursement rates, hospital budgets, capital investments, and prescription drug pricing.
Similar to single payer systems in other countries, along with Medicaid and Medicare, this could lead to longer wait times, denial of certain health care, and overall lower quality health care, according to the New York Post.
The bill must receive sufficient support from lawmakers and officials to secure a hearing.
HB 2763 is now before the House Insurance Committee for consideration.