HB 1688

The proposed legislation was last introduced in 2017 by Representative Pam DeLissio as HB 1688, and a companion bill into the Senate by Senator Art Haywood.

What does HB 1688 do?

• Covers all residents who file a Pennslyvania Income Tax Return

• Allows free choice of providers, including specialists, without pre-approvals or referral

• Eliminates co-payments, deductibles, point-of-service charges, and any other fees

• Does not exclude or limit coverage due to preexisting conditions

• Covers but is not limited to:

  • All medically necessary inpatient and outpatient care and treatment, both primary and secondary

  • Emergency services

  • Emergency and other medically necessary transportation to covered health services

  • Rehabilitation services, including speech, occupational, physical, and massage therapy

  • Inpatient and outpatient mental health services and substance abuse treatment

  • Hospice care

  • Prescription drugs and prescribed medical nutrition

  • Vision care, aids, and equipment

  • Hearing care, aids, and equipment

  • Diagnostic medical tests, including lab tests and imaging procedures

  • Medical supplies and prescribed medical equipment

  • Dental care

  • Home healthcare services

  • Immunizations, preventative care, health maintenance care, and screening

  • Chiropractic and massage therapy

  • Long-term care for those unable to care for themselves independently, including assisted and skilled care

For a more in-depth look, a pdf of the bill is linked below.