PA gov proposes universal health coverage

In January, Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell is planning to release a healthcare plan designed to pull off a really nice trick. Rendell claims it will expand healthcare for the uninsured while simultaneously cutting back costs. The governor hasn't revealed much detail on the plan, other than that it was intended to provide coverage to the state's roughly one million uninsured, while cutting provider costs. Cost-cutting measures he has in mind include infection control measures, changing rules to allow nurse practitioners to handle more duties without doctor supervisions, and making space for primary care treatment within emergency departments. He also disclosed that his plan differs from the Massachusetts proposal, which combines government funding with pooled employer contributions. Rather, he plans to work along the lines of his previous effort to expand the state's Children's Health Insurance Program, with consumer payments based on income.

To learn more about Rendell's plans:
- read this article from The Philadelphia Inquirer

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