HARRISBURG, Oct.15, 2014 – Berks County residents and Pennsylvanians should expect improvements in the quality and cost-effectiveness of the Medicaid system with the approval today of a bill to create the Patient-Centered Medical Home Advisory Council, state Sen. Judy Schwank said.

The Senate voted 48-0 to create the new panel and send House Bill 1655 to the governor for final consideration.

“In Pennsylvania, 2.25 million residents currently receive Medicaid benefits,” Sen. Schwank said during floor debate today. “The spending on this program consumes 25 percent of the state General Fund.

“If we can do something that not only improves care for people but saves Pennsylvania taxpayers money, we’re doing a good thing.”

Should HB 1655 be signed into law by the governor, the advisory council would be charged with advising the Department of Human Services on how Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program can increase the quality of care while containing costs.

Specifically, the panel would, among other requirements:

  • Coordinate and provide access to evidence-based health care services, emphasizing primary care and including preventive and well-child health services.
  • Provide access to appropriate specialty care, mental health services, inpatient services and any evidence-based alternative therapies.
  • Provide access to medication and medication therapy management services according to the federal Affordable Care Act.
  • Promote the planning of treatment strategies, monitor health outcomes and use of resources, and share information and organize care to avoid duplication of services.
  • Provide comprehensive care management to patients to assist treatment strategies and health outcomes.
  • Emphasize patient and provider accountability. And,
  • Prioritize access to the continuum of health care services in the most appropriate setting and in the most cost-effective manner.

Twenty-six states have already adopted patient-centered medical home initiatives.

The House voted 197-0 to approve SB 1655 in January.

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More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.