MCARE EXTENSION SHOULD BE THE START OF THE CONVERSATION

 HARRISBURG, NOV. 19 – State Sen. Connie Williams called legislation that would help doctors reduce the cost of their annual malpractice insurance, which passed the Senate this week, a good beginning, but certainly not the final solution to the medical malpractice insurance crisis in Pennsylvania.

 “I am pleased that Senate members unanimously supported the extension of the MCARE Abatement and added a new group of doctors (podiatrists),” Williams said. “Not only does this illustrate that the General Assembly is aware of the ongoing crisis, but also that we have not closed the chapter on the issue in Harrisburg.”

 “Realistically, MCARE Abatement is just a stop-gap measure designed to help doctors while the state works on a permanent solution to the crisis,” Williams said. “I am hopeful the issue will be a top priority as we move into the 2005-06 Legislative Session. I will certainly continue to use my voice and my vote to fight to alleviate the crisis and keep doctors in Pennsylvania.”

 The measure (HB 1211) unanimously passed the Senate early Friday morning and was expected to receive favorable consideration in the House less than 24 hours later.

 The bill would use state revenues to help doctors afford medical malpractice insurance premiums.