MCARE EXTENSION MOVES TO STATE HOUSE

 HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Sen. Connie Williams worked this week to improve and advance legislation that would extend the MCARE abatement program through December 2008.

 The program provides financial assistance to medical professionals to cover their medical malpractice insurance costs. The abatement program began as part of the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Act of 2002 and must be reauthorized annually. It is set to expire at the end of December 2007.

 "While it is an encouraging sign that malpractice claims have dropped within the last four years, there continues to be a need for the abatement program," Williams said. "I've said all along that this is a stop-gap measure designed to help the medical community while the state works on a permanent solution to the crisis. Today, I am confident that we are moving the right direction and that eventually the abatement program can be phased out.

 A few years ago, midwives were added to the list of providers receiving 100 percent abatement. Thanks to advocacy by Williams, Pennsylvania's five birth centers have now been included. Williams worked with her colleagues to amend the bill when it was before the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this week. The amendment that added the centers was offered by Republican Appropriations Chairman Sen. Gib Armstrong at the behest of Williams.

 One of the five birth centers is located in Bryn Mawr.

 "It is a unique setting that offers a variety of education and support programs," Williams said. "The Licensed Nurse Midwives that practice in Pennsylvania's birth centers have a strong record of providing safe care and support for mothers and babies.

 "For many of these centers, malpractice premiums represent a growing part of their budget. By including them in the abatement, we ensure that moms continue to have the option of utilizing the services of these centers."

 State licensed birth centers are located in:

• Allegheny County – Midwife Center, Pittsburgh

• Berks County – Reading Birth Center and Women's Center, Reading

• Delaware County – The Birth Center, Bryn Mawr

• Lancaster County – Birth Care and Family Health Services, Lancaster

• Montgomery County – Valley Birthplace, Huntingdon Valley

 Senate members approved the legislation (SB 1137) extending the MCARE program by a vote of 44 to 2. The legislation now moves to the House for its consideration.

 "This program is critical to ensuring that medical providers remain in Pennsylvania and continue their practices," Williams said. "In turn, this ensures access to quality care for all Pennsylvanians."

 Some facts on MCARE claims:

·    In 2007 claim payments for MCARE are 50 percent less than was paid in 2003

• In 2007 MCARE will pay approximately $191 million in claims

• Health care providers in Pennsylvania must carry $1 million in medical malpractice insurance, the first $500,000 from a commercial insurance company and the second $500,000 from MCARE

 Williams has been a vocal advocate for addressing the medical malpractice crisis and has worked legislatively and through advocacy to help address the issue. Currently, Williams has introduced two bills to provide further reforms:

• S.B. 52 – Would allow health care professionals to jointly negotiate contracts with insurers. This addresses the issue of providers' inability as individuals or in small group practices to reject unfair contracts that could affect their ability to deliver quality health care to their patients.

• S.B. 294 – Would create a separate court system to resolve medical liability cases, which continue to place a burden on the current court system. Under the bill, the Medical Malpractice Court would be added to the judicial system.