(File Photo)

Governor Tom Wolf issued a statement  Thursday on the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

The Governor said “I extend my deepest condolences to the Trumka family. Our commonwealth and our nation have lost a good man and a great leader, and we grieve his loss with you.

“Rich came from a coal mining family here in Pennsylvania. He knew the value – and the cost – of hard work. In his life and career, he was an indefatigable advocate for American workers. As the head of one of our nation’s leading labor organizations, Rich was a strong supporter of the rights of workers, and a proponent of laws and policies that safeguard those rights.

“Rich stood up for the working class people who built our nation, and for the democracy that keeps our nation strong. He will be missed.”

Richard Trumka, longtime president of AFL-CIO, dies at 72
By BRIAN SLODYSKO and THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The longtime president of the AFL-CIO labor organization has died at age 72. Richard Trumka had been AFL-CIO president since 2009, after serving as the organization’s secretary-treasurer for 14 years. President Joe Biden eulogized Trumka from the White House on Thursday and said the labor leader had died of a heart attack while on a camping trip. Trumka led a federation with more than 12.5 million members and ushered in a more aggressive style of leadership. Larry Cohen, a former president of the Communications Workers of America, who had known Trumka for decades, said Trumka’s death was a “devastating” loss for labor, in part because of his long-standing relationship with Biden.

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.