Keystone State News Connection

August 6, 2021

Emily Scott

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania residents have until next week to enroll in a plan through the state’s health-insurance marketplace, Pennie.

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, the marketplace extended its COVID-19 special enrollment period for anyone who is uninsured or underinsured to August 15.

The federal stimulus package also eliminated the cap to get financial assistance for their insurance. Previously, under the Affordable Care Act, residents only were eligible for help if they made less than 400% of the federal poverty level.

Joanne Grossi, Pennsylvania state director for AARP, said because the financial support lasts through 2022, it will make affordable insurance much more accessible.

“The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is telling us right now that 72% of the people enrolled in the marketplace are paying $50 a month or less for their premiums, and 50% are only paying $1 a month or less for their premiums,” Grossi reported. “So this is a really important time to make sure you enroll in the marketplace.”

Nearly 700,000 people in Pennsylvania do not have health insurance.

Grossi pointed out so far, it appears the special enrollment period is a one-time offer. However, if at any point during the year an individual has a so-called “qualifying life event,” they would be able to get coverage through the marketplace, outside of open enrollment. These events include losing income, losing health coverage, getting married, having a child, getting divorced, and more.

Grossi emphasized trained counselors are available to help for people who may need assistance in finding a plan that’s right for them.

“This is free assistance for you, people on the other end of the phone or in person or on the other end of the computer who can give you free, neutral advice,” Grossi explained. “Because again, you want to know if your doctor is in network, what amount of money can you afford for a premium. It’s very complicated.”

Pennie’s open-enrollment period runs annually from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15.

Fitch Rating Service recently affirmed Heritage Valley Health System’s rating of “AA– with a Stable Outlook,” based on the organization‘s strong  financial profile, solid management team and Fitch‘s expectation that volumes will return to pre pandemic levels. Fitch also took into account the health system’s expanding market share, sizable employed physician group and growing outpatient service network. Heritage Valley was able to maintain its current rating despite competition in the greater Pittsburgh area healthcare market and increased operating expenses associated with the state-mandated response to the coronavirus pandemic. The system’s strong balance sheet provided a cushion against operating  volatilities experienced in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. 

“There‘s no doubt that this has been a difficult year,” states Norm Mitry, President and CEO of Heritage Valley Health System. “We are very proud of our medical staff, leadership team, nurses, ancillary staff and support personnel for their commitment to both our community and our health system. This level of dedication allowed our organization to maintain its strong Fitch  rating, even during a pandemic.” Mr. Mitry added that “We are also extremely grateful for the support shown by our community, from both an operational and philanthropic perspective.” 

Heritage Valley Health System operates 580 beds at three acute care hospitals located in Beaver, Sewickley and Kennedy Township, along with a significant number of outpatient facilities in the northwest tier of Allegheny County, Beaver County and eastern Ohio. The health system is in the process of expanding services at its recently acquired Kennedy location (formerly known as Ohio Valley Hospital), including outpatient surgeries, rehabilitation services and inpatient adult psych. 

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing a nightly ramp closure on Route 51 (University Boulevard, Stoops Ferry Road) in Moon Township, Allegheny County will begin Thursday night, August 5 weather permitting.

(Wayne Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in New Castle are reporting that they were advised yesterday afternoon at 3:30 PM that a 32-year-old female who was working for Nesbit Portable toilets was pumping out a porta john at 65 Portersville Road in Wayne Twp. on August 2, 2021 when an unknown person stole her purse out of her truck.
Troopers are asking anyone with information on who took the purse to contact Trooper McBride at the New Castle Barracks at 724-598-2211

Former Penn State President Graham Spanier was released from jail yesterday after serving nearly two months in jail for endangering the welfare of children by his response to a report that Jerry Sandusky had been seen physically abusing a boy on campus.
The 73-year-old Spanier served 58 days in jail and still faces two months of electronic monitoring at home.

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Library book returned after 50 years with $20 bill
PLYMOUTH, Pa. (AP) — Officials say a book checked out a half-century ago has been anonymously returned to a library in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice reports that the 1967 copy of “Coins You Can Collect” by Burton Hobson arrived last month at the Plymouth Public Library in Luzerne County along with a $20 bill. An accompanying unsigned letter saying it was checked out in 1971 by a little girl who wasn’t told they were moving. She said she often intended to send the book back but somehow never got around to it, and it became “a running joke” in her family.

Girl injured in suspected shark attack in Maryland
OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) — Family members of a 12-year-old Pennsylvania girl say she suffered injuries after a suspected shark attack in Maryland that left her with 42 stitches for 20 cuts. Jordan Prushinski and her family told WBRE-TV that they were on vacation Monday at the beach in Ocean City when Jordan went into knee-deep water. She was swimming with her family when she limped out of the water bleeding from the leg. Her mother says other beachgoers, including an EMT and a nurse, helped give Jordan first aid. With the help of a lifeguard, they cleaned and bandaged the wound, and Jordan’s family took her to a hospital.