Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf was in Pittsburgh to celebrate the anniversaries of Pennie and Medicaid, and to discuss affordable health care coverage.
The Ceo of the center, Rodney B. Jones, said it means a lot the governor chose the center to spread the message of affordable health care.
Jones said it’s a place where people with or without insurance can get quality health care.
He said, “It’s important that everyone has the ability to get quality affordable healthcare regardless of his or her insurance status.”
Jones said the federal and state-funded health care center’s mission is to help under-served families in urban and rural communities in 69 zip codes in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.
Wolf said, “Access to quality health care is really important. It’s the right thing to do and I’ve been fighting to expand access to health care since I took office. That’s why one of the first things I did was to expand Medicaid.”
Two programs were the focus of the celebration, Pennie and Medicaid. Pennie is the official health insurance marketplace for Pennsylvania where people can apply for financial help to lower the cost of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for health insurance. Pennie also helps people find out what savings they qualify for from the American Rescue Plan.
“Now with Pennie, we are evolving to a point where we are casting a broader net to ensure that everyone gets affordable health care,” said Jones.
Medicaid is a federal and state program to help with healthcare costs. Lauren Stuparitz, who is a recipient, said without these programs, her family couldn’t afford care and it’s very important to take care of yourself, especially during a pandemic.
She said, “Assurance of having health care helps me feel more stable, secure and confident that I can take care of my family, that I can do things that are meaningful in life.”
The governor said he wants all people to understand what their options are when it comes to health care and to make the best choice for their families.
Source: Pa. Gov. Wolf visiting Pittsburgh Friday
