The goal of health coverage should be to ensure that all individuals can access the health services they need without facing financial hardship. This requires a strong, efficient, and well-managed health system; effective financing for health services; access to essential medicines and technologies; and a sufficient number of well-trained, motivated health workers.

While other developed nations have achieved universal healthcare coverage, we still have millions of underinsured or uninsured individuals who cannot afford the care they need. This will only be exacerbated by the looming federal cuts that will leave 310,000 Pennsylvanians without insurance. The resulting strain will be felt throughout the health system, increasing wait times in emergency rooms, driving up uncompensated care and medical debt, and delaying patient care.

To address these pressing issues, I am proposing legislation to establish a diverse 24-member commission tasked with evaluating the feasibility of creating a comprehensive health coverage system for the state by 2029. This commission will include legislators; state agency representatives; labor union representatives; healthcare professionals; and members from various community organizations.

The primary objective of the commission will be to study how to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare coverage to all Pennsylvanians regardless of income or existing insurance. The commission will also explore strategies to improve healthcare equity, reduce disparities, contain costs, integrate existing healthcare programs, and develop a structure for comprehensive health coverage for everyone. Additionally, the commission will explore coverage of benefits that cover primary, preventive, mental health, reproductive, and hospital services.

Please join me in taking this vital first step to ensure that residents of our great Commonwealth have access to the healthcare they deserve.