This week, I sent a letter to Governor-elect Corbett and my fellow legislative leaders to meet immediately to discuss a solution to fund Pennsylvania's adultBasic program which provides exceptional low-cost health insurance to Pennsylvanians who don't qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. Funding for the program is on track to run out at the end of February if a solution isn't put into place.

January 13, 2011

Dear Gentlemen:

As you know, the adultBasic program, which provides affordable health insurance for more than 40,000 Pennsylvanians, will expire on February 28, 2011 if we fail to act. I write to request a meeting of all four caucus leaders at your earliest convenience with Governor-Elect Corbett to discuss all potential alternatives to maintain adequate insurance coverage for these families.

The program shortfall is estimated at $55 million. The loss of this coverage would have a devastating impact on these low income working families who rely on the program’s health care coverage.

The health insurance program was created by the Ridge Administration and has been supported over the years by all four legislative caucuses. It would be unconscionable to allow adultBasic to falter without making an extraordinary effort to preserve the program and protect those who desperately rely on its benefits.

We realize efforts have been made to fashion the extension of health care insurance for participants through Highmark’s Special Care program. This suggestion, while well-intentioned, comes with a premium cost that may be too expensive for many adultBasic enrollees.

We believe there are other options and would like to discuss these suggestions with the four caucus leaders. At this meeting, we would be able to exchange thoughts and ideas on ways to solve this funding problem.

In order to share ideas and find an alternative that would provide low cost, high quality health care without jeopardizing health care insurance for tens of thousands of Pennsylvania families, I am requesting a four-caucus meeting of leaders with Governor-Elect Corbett as soon as it can be arranged.

Please advise me of your interest in this discussion at your earliest possible convenience.


Sincerely,

Senator Jay Costa

cc: Senator Vincent Hughes
      Senator Jake Corman
      Representative William Adolph
      Representative Joseph Markosek
      Senator Michael Stack
      Senator Donald White
      Representative Nicholas Micozzie
      Representative Anthony DeLuca

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The late civil rights leader fought to bridge cultural and political differences and moved an entire nation to embrace a culture where everyone's voice was important and equal. His legacy should be reflected upon now more than ever, as the voice of political division seem to grow louder and louder in our national dialogue.

In 1994, Congress also designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday as a National Day of Service when people from all across the country can come together to serve their neighbors and communities and provide solutions to our most pressing problems. You can find a way to serve your community on your own, or visit www.mlkday.gov and enter your zipcode to find projects that are planned for your area. No matter how you celebrate the day, remember that by working together, we can move closer to becoming a unified community.

Senate Offices Closed Monday

In observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, all Senate offices will be closed Monday, January 17th, but will be open on Tuesday, January 18th as scheduled.

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