INQUISITION NEWS: PA Opts Out of Key Portion of ObamaCare

The Weekly Roundup

Friday, December 14, 2012

The latest news from the State Capitol

PA Opts Out of Key Portion of ObamaCare

Gov. Tom Corbett announced this week that Pennsylvania will not participate in a state-based health insurance exchange at this time, as required by the federal Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as ObamaCare. Among the many concerns, the governor highlighted three major reasons why Pennsylvania will not participate in a state-based exchange:

•	Too many unknowns to make an informed decision – After requesting information in August from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about the operation and financing of a state-based exchange, the department failed to acknowledge those questions in a timely or comprehensive manner.
•	Not enough flexibility – Regulations reveal that states would actually have little authority to operate a state-based exchange.
•	Cost to Pennsylvania taxpayers – Other states have estimated the cost to operate an exchange to be anywhere from $30 million to more than $50 million per year, with all costs solely the responsibility of the states and their taxpayers beginning in 2015.

Pennsylvania is one of 28 states that have declined to set up state-run health insurance exchanges. However, by opting out, the federal government may come into these states and set up and operate such an exchange if the federal government has the resources and chooses to do so. For more information on the Affordable Care Act and how it relates to Pennsylvania, click here.

2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show Coming Soon

The 2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show will be held Jan. 5-12 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

The largest indoor agricultural exhibition in the United States, the eight-day show will feature 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. Admission is free, but there is a $10 charge for parking and shuttle service. New attractions for this year’s show include cow patty bingo, with proceeds supporting the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation, the Great Grape Stomp and a polo demonstration. Interactive online tools can help visitors to the 2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show navigate the show’s more than 24 acres and nearly 250 events and activities. An interactive map and scheduling tool as well as a mobile app are now available at www.farmshow.state.pa.us.

The free mobile app can be used on any mobile device or smart phone and includes all the capabilities of the online tool. For more information on the 2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show, visit www.RepSaylor.com website.

State Department of Health Reports Increase in Flu

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported a recent significant increase in influenza activity across the state since Thanksgiving. Flu activity has risen from sporadic to widespread throughout the Commonwealth, meaning at least half of the state’s regions are experiencing outbreaks of influenza or increases in influenza-like illness. The flu made an appearance earlier this year than in most flu seasons, as widespread activity is usually not seen until January. To protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu, the department recommends the flu vaccine for everyone over the age of 6 months. The vaccine is especially important for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions that place them at increased risk of complications from the flu. For more information on seasonal influenza, visit the Department of Health’s website at www.health.state.pa.us.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Approaching

The deadline to apply for the state’s 2011 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is Dec. 31. Eligible participants can receive a rebate based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2011. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available by contacting my office at 717-244-9232, or by visiting my website at RepSaylor.com. Assistance is available at no cost to residents at my Red Lion office on the second floor of 15 South Main St. Rebate checks are scheduled to be mailed out starting July 1 to those who have already submitted applications.

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