Pennsylvania House Bill HB755

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/25
• Refer: 3/3/25
• Refer: 3/24/25
• Report Pass: 3/25/25
• Engrossed: 3/25/25
• Refer: 3/25/25

Caption

Providing for health care insurance preventive services coverage protections; conferring authority on the Insurance Department and the Insurance Commissioner; and providing for regulations, for enforcement and for penalties.

Impact

The bill aims to strengthen protections for consumers by ensuring that health insurance plans cover preventive services without additional costs to enrollees. This aligns with ongoing public health initiatives that prioritize preventive care to mitigate long-term healthcare costs and improve health outcomes. The implementation of this act could lead to increased utilization of preventive services, which may contribute positively to the overall health statistics of the state.

Summary

House Bill 755, known as the Health Insurance Preventive Services Coverage Act, seeks to establish comprehensive coverage requirements for preventive health services provided by health insurance policies in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates that insurers must cover and not impose cost-sharing for services included in a defined preventive services list, aligning with federal standards. This legislation represents a significant shift towards enhancing preventive care access across the state by reducing the financial barriers that individuals face when seeking these essential services.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 755 appears to be supportive among health advocates and public health policy makers who see the value in expanding access to preventive care. However, there may be concerns from insurers regarding the potential financial implications of enforcing such coverage requirements, particularly related to the costs associated with additional services for out-of-network providers. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on the balance between consumer benefits and industry regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 755 revolve around the definitions of preventive services and the stipulations for cost-sharing exemptions, especially when it comes to services provided by out-of-network providers. Insurers may argue against constraints imposed by the bill that dictate network requirements, fearing it could lead to increased premiums or reduced choices for consumers. There are also concerns regarding how this legislation might affect the underwriting process and the long-term sustainability of health insurance providers in Pennsylvania.