HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said the House Democratic Policy Committee’s Healthcare Excellence and Accountability Response Team — HEART — will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Knights of Columbus, Sixth Street and Arnold Avenue, Clearfield.
“Too many families are being devastated by a lack of health insurance,” George said. “This hearing will explore not only the impact that the health-care dilemma has on citizens but the repercussions it has on all segments of our community, from individuals to health-care providers.”
HEART members will hear testimony from local and state experts in the insurance and health-care fields about health-care coverage for women and children. Discussions also will focus on adultBasic, the state’s health insurance programs for adults, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP.
“CHIP will be expanded under the Cover All Kids proposal funded in the current state budget,” George noted. “The hearing will provide valuable testimony on how best to implement the expanded program.”
George, who will serve as host, thanked the Clearfield Hospital for sponsoring the hearing. Rep. Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne, and chairman of HEART, will moderate the discussions.
Scheduled to testify are:
● Dr. Gregory Sheffo, pediatrician and president of the Clearfield Hospital medical staff;
● Dr. Jennifer Graham and Dr. Sherri Sortor-Thompson, pediatricians at Clearfield Hospital;
● George Hoover, deputy insurance commissioner for the Office of Children’s Health Insurance Program and adultBasic within the state Insurance Department;
● Hugh Daly, executive director, Central Pennsylvania Community Action Inc.;
● Michael Yantis, director, Office of Legislative Affairs, state Health Department;
● Joanne C. Grossi, deputy secretary for health promotion and disease prevention, state Health Department;
● Gregory C. Lezanic, executive director, and James Lemmo, supervisor, Clearfield County Assistance Office;
● Sister Karen Willenbring, MD, director, Susquehanna Rural Free Clinic.