PHILADELPHIA, January 21, 2013 – The state Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee will hold a public discussion on the budgetary and economic impact of Medicaid expansion in Pennsylvania.

The round table discussion will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24 at noon in the Mayor’s Reception Room (Room 202) at City Hall in Philadelphia, PA.

“Pennsylvania has the chance to help hundreds of thousands of uninsured citizens and provide a much needed boost to our state economy with the expansion of the Medicaid program,” Democratic Appropriations Chair, Vincent Hughes (D-Phila./Montgomery) said. “This informational discussion will provide us an opportunity to gather all the facts on Medicaid expansion and what it will mean for Pennsylvania.”

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act allows individual state governors and state legislatures the decision to expand Medicaid to cover more uninsured individuals. Governor Tom Corbett has not yet decided if Pennsylvania will participate in Medicaid expansion.

“Medicaid expansion will have a far-reaching effect on Pennsylvania’s economy and health care delivery,” Hughes added. “I believe that it is important to examine the impact of Governor Corbett’s decision on Pennsylvania’s economy, as well as the health and well-being of Pennsylvania residents.”

Participants in the event include officials from local hospitals, health care providers, managed care organizations, labor organizations and various other stakeholders. The discussion will also feature a presentation from Robin Rubowitz, an Associate Director for the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured.

WHO: Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee

WHAT: Round Table Discussion on Medicaid Expansion in Pennsylvania

WHEN: January 24, from noon to 3 p.m.

WHERE: City Hall, Mayor’s Reception Room (Room 202) | Philadelphia, PA

Media Coverage is invited and encouraged.

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