State House Approves Baker Bill to Amend Welfare Code Pertaining to Taxpayer-Funded Medical Assistance
HARRISBURG – In an effort to ensure taxpayer dollars are preserved for those individuals who truly are in need of assistance, Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) has once again authored legislation approved by the House that would require parents with access to health benefits to enroll their children in their own health plan before seeking Medical Assistance (MA).
“I firmly believe the taxpayers of Pennsylvania should not have to foot the bill for medical benefits for children if one of their parents – even if it is the non-custodial parent – has access to health benefits through his or her employment,” said Baker. “All children should have health care coverage; however, we want to make sure their parents are taking responsibility for that coverage before relying on the state. As of right now, we don’t know how many children taxpayers may be paying medical coverage for even though one of their parents has health benefits.”
The bill’s provisions would not apply if the custodial parent is a victim of domestic violence perpetrated by the noncustodial parent, or if the child’s continuity of medical care would be interrupted. Baker also noted that this requirement is already included under the Domestic Relations Code that addresses cooperation requirements for support matters.
Similar legislation authored by Baker passed the House last session, but was not taken up by the Senate.
House Bill 875 was unanimously approved by the House this week and now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
Representative Matthew Baker
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepBaker.com / Facebook.com/RepBaker