For Immediate Release
September 25, 2008
Contact: Lisa Reisteter
717-787-4420
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Senator Brubaker Healthcare Access Bill Passed by Committee

HARRISBURG – Senate Bill 1564, sponsored by Senator Mike Brubaker, was passed by the Senate Public Health & Welfare Committee on September 24, 2008.  The Bill known as the Keystone Care Program Act would provide grants to an approved health care resource network.

The Keystone Care Program would be modeled after the Project Access program, which began in Asheville, North Carolina, in 1996 and is in use in Lancaster County today, to treat low-income uninsured individuals on a volunteer basis. 

"The Project Access program has been successful because it promotes continuity of care and preventative services by allowing patients to establish relationships with their doctors and reducing usage of more expensive emergency room services for non-emergencies," stated Brubaker.

Under Keystone Care, physicians, hospitals and their ancillary partners (nurses, physician assistants, etc.) would be encouraged to volunteer to donate their services as part of a health resource network offering expanded health care capacity and access to specialty services for those with a demonstrated need.

To be eligible for the program, patients must be between the ages of 19 and 65 whose income does not exceed 200% of the Federal poverty income guidelines and who are not eligible for Medicare, Medicaid and other state or federal medical benefits.

"Access and affordability are two of the many healthcare challenges facing people today," said Brubaker. "Senate Bill 1564 will provide those individuals struggling economically a more affordable healthcare access option."