SB 908 — An Act amending the act of March 20, 2002 (P.L.154, No.13), known as the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare) Act, in insurance, further providing for medical professional liability insurance and for the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Fund; and, in miscellaneous provisions, establishing the Health Care Provider Rate Stabilization Fund.

Bill Text

• Printer's No. 1213 View text Current pdf

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Act to adjust insurance coverage limits and establish a new Health Care Provider Rate Stabilization Fund.

• Section 711(d)(3)

  [Unless the commissioner finds pursuant to section 745(a) that additional basic insurance coverage capacity is not available, for] → For

  This change clarifies the condition under which basic insurance coverage limits are applied for certain years.

• Section 711(d)(3)

  [year 2006 and each year thereafter] → years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020

  This update specifies the applicable years for the defined insurance coverage.

• Section 711(d)(4)

  [Unless the commissioner finds pursuant to section 745(b) that additional basic insurance coverage capacity is not available, for] → For

  This change modifies the condition under which increased policy limits apply.

• Section 711(d)(4)

  [three years after the increase in coverage limits required by paragraph (3)] → year 2021 and for each year thereafter

  This amendment updates the timeline for applying increased insurance coverage limits.

• Section 712(d)(4)

  all assessments shall cease and the fund shall be funded in accordance with section 5102.1.

  This change removes the requirement for assessments and establishes new funding mechanisms.

• Section 5102.1. Health Care Provider Rate Stabilization Fund.

  Establishes a new fund to stabilize rates for health care providers and outlines its purpose and funding.

• Section 5102.1(b)(1)

  Payment of any obligations as described under this chapter.

  Allows the fund to cover various obligations as defined within the act.

• Section 5102.1(b)(2)

  Payment of claims against any participating providers for losses or damages awarded in medical liability actions against them in accordance with section 712(c).

  Provides funding for claims against health care providers involved in medical liability actions.

• Section 5102.1(b)(3)

  Payment of premiums and assessments for insurance coverage as required under sections 711(d) and 712(c) in effect for calendar year 2017 and each year thereafter until all liabilities of the fund have been eliminated...

  Ensures funding for premiums and assessments for insurance coverage until liabilities are resolved.

• Section 5102.1(d)(2)

  A health care provider who has been subject to a disciplinary action or civil penalty by the practitioner's respective licensing board is not eligible for a subsidy from the fund.

  Establishes eligibility criteria for providers seeking subsidies from the new fund.

• Section 5102.1(e)

  The money in the Tobacco Settlement Fund is transferred to the fund beginning January 1, 2018.

  Designates the transfer of funds from the Tobacco Settlement Fund to support the new fund.

Action History

1. September 26, 2017

   PN 1213 Referred to BANKING AND INSURANCE

Sponsors

• Folmer · Primary
• Scott Martin · Cosponsor
• Mensch · Cosponsor
• Patrick J. Stefano · Cosponsor

Subjects