Pennsylvania Democratic lawmakers have formally introduced legislation aimed at establishing a state-funded, single-payer healthcare system, proposing to guarantee medical coverage for every resident in the commonwealth.
House Bill 2763, introduced in the state House by Representative Greg Scott (D-Montgomery) with companion efforts led by Senator Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) and Representative Lindsay Powell (D-Allegheny), would create a “Medicare-for-All” style framework administered within the state government.
If enacted, the Pennsylvania Universal Health Care Act would establish a new Office of Health Care under the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The office would manage a central trust fund to pay medical providers directly, delivering comprehensive health coverage without out-of-pocket costs such as copays, deductibles, coinsurance, or annual lifetime caps.
Key Provisions of House Bill 2763
Universal Coverage: Eligibility extends to all Pennsylvania residents, as well as nonresidents working at least 20 hours per week within the commonwealth.
Funding Mechanism: The single-payer network would be financed through a combination of employer and employee contributions via a state payroll tax, which supporters argue would cost most families significantly less than traditional private insurance premiums.
Elimination of Deductibles: Patients would receive care from existing hospitals and health networks at cost, cutting out administrative overhead, shareholder margins, and private insurance claim denials.
Supporters point to mounting financial pressures on working families as the driving force behind the proposal. Highlighting the more than $1.8 billion in medical debt currently held by Pennsylvanians, proponents argue that healthcare costs are forcing households into severe financial distress.
“Health and wellness are determining factors in quality of life, longevity, happiness, and family success,” Representative Scott said during the bill’s introduction. “Rising premium costs are forcing many hardworking families to drop their health insurance coverage, putting not only their health at risk, but also their financial stability. Without insurance coverage, one unexpected health event can bankrupt a family.”
Despite the backing of progressive lawmakers and grassroots advocacy groups like Healthcare4AllPA, the bill faces an uphill battle in the General Assembly. Conservative lawmakers and industry groups representing private health insurers are expected to oppose the legislation, citing concerns over the mandatory payroll tax, the expanded role of state government, and potential impacts on private-sector jobs.
House Bill 2763 has been referred to the House Insurance Committee for initial review.
