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Pennsylvania Lt. Governor's Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 05, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2015
Wolf Administration Announces Consumer Protection as Top Priority in Enforcement of Highmark/UPMC Consent Decree
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Acting Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller and Acting Health Secretary Karen Murphy outlined their departments’ intent to enforce key consumer protection provisions in the consent decrees signed last year by Highmark and UPMC.
“My administration will take steps to protect consumers and ensure care and coverage,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “I have directed my Insurance Commissioner and my Health Secretary to take action to protect consumers.”
“As soon as he took office, Governor Wolf directed us to ensure patients covered by Highmark plans can continue to be able to receive care from their UPMC providers under the conditions outlined in the consent decrees,” Miller said. “I am making it clear today that I intend to enforce these provisions, as agreed to by both parties, for the protection of Pennsylvania citizens.”
Following the 2013 acquisition of West Penn Allegheny Health System by Highmark, provider contract talks between the two parties broke down. In an attempt to provide protection for consumers during the transition, Highmark and UPMC signed consent decrees in June 2014 with the Insurance Department, Department of Health, and Office of Attorney General, spelling out how Highmark customers would get care from UPMC providers.
“Unfortunately, statements by both Highmark and UPMC have led to confusion among patients and their providers about both health care coverage and cost,” Murphy said. “We will do everything in our power to enforce the consumer protections promised to patients by both Highmark and UPMC.”
“The Wolf Administration is adamant that seniors, vulnerable citizens, and others currently receiving treatment have continuing care from the doctors they know and trust,” Miller continued. “We are hoping for cooperation from all parties to make sure this happens.”
The Wolf Administration’s positions on key consumer protection provisions of the Highmark/UPMC consent decrees include:
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All Highmark members in a “continuing course of treatment” with a UPMC provider can continue to receive care on an in-network basis, at in-network rates, through June 30, 2019.
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The decision on whether a Highmark member who has received care prior to January 1, 2015, can continue to receive care from a UPMC provider for an ongoing medical condition is made by the patient, in consultation with his or her treating physician, whether independent or UPMC employed.
Specific protections for cancer patients in the agreement include:
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Highmark members will have in-network access to all UPMC services, facilities, doctors, and joint ventures for oncology and related illnesses or complications resulting from cancer treatment.
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This care includes, but is not limited to, endocrinology, orthopedics, and cardiology when a doctor determines an individual should be treated at UPMC and the patient agrees.
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Highmark members who are cancer patients can work with their physicians to determine the best provider for treatment.
Provisions concerning seniors and other more vulnerable citizens include:
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Seniors 65 or older who are eligible for or covered by Medicare, Medigap, or a Highmark Medicare Advantage plan, except Community Blue Medicare HMO, will have access to UPMC providers on an in-network basis.
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Other individuals covered under Medicaid and CHIP will also continue to have access to UPMC providers on an in-network basis.
Consumers who have concerns about their coverage, need assistance, or wish to file a complaint with the Insurance Department should contact the Pennsylvania Insurance Department at 1-877-881-6388 or www.insurance@pa.gov">www.insurance@pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Ron Ruman, Insurance Department, 717-787-3289
Holli Senior, Department of Health, 717-787-1783
Pennsylvania Department of State
12/16/2014
Department of State Announces Disciplinary Actions Taken Against 81 Licensed, Commissioned Professionals, Organizations
News for Immediate Release
Dec. 16, 2014
Harrisburg – The Department of State took disciplinary actions against 81 licensed or commissioned professionals and organizations during the month of November, Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele announced today.
A comprehensive list of sanctions imposed by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs is available online at www.dos.state.pa.us ; click on “Licensing” and then “Disciplinary Actions” from the left-hand side of the page.
Each entry includes the name of the respondent, address, sanction imposed, a brief description of the basis for the disciplinary or corrective measure and the effective date.
Anyone who suspects unlicensed activity by an individual or facility, or who has been a victim of unethical treatment, can file a complaint either online or through the bureau’s hotline at 1-800-822-2113.
The bureau’s 29 boards and commissions license and oversee more than 900,000 active professionals and businesses, including a range of occupations in health and business-related fields.
Violations of the law or state regulations may result in disciplinary actions of civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of a license.
Media contact: Ron Ruman, 717-783-1621
Pennsylvania State Police
02/23/2015
State Police Graduate 106 New Troopers
Harrisburg, PA -
Acting Commissioner Marcus Brown announced that 106 men and women graduated from the State Police Academy today and were assigned to troops across the commonwealth.
Brown spoke at the ceremony, which was held in Founders Hall at Milton Hershey School, along with Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack. Cadet Christopher M. Rooney, of Schuylkill County, spoke on behalf of the cadet class.
Cadet Jacob P. Fackler was named the outstanding cadet by his classmates and instructors, receiving the American Legion Award. Also receiving awards were: Cadet William A. Sanger, the Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award and the Charles B. Gesford High Pistol Award; Cadet Michael D. Greiner, the Col. Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award; and Cadet James A. Stefancic, Jr., the John K. Schafer Memorial Physical Fitness Award.
Major Adam Kisthardt, director of the state police Bureau of Training and Education, supervised the training of the class, which was the 140th class to graduate from the State Police Academy in Hershey since its opening in 1960.
The graduates have been assigned to stations within thirteen troop areas across the state, including:
Troop A, Greensburg, Westmoreland County
∙ Patrick C. Carlson of Butler County
∙ Michael S. Dunlap of Butler County
∙ Jacob M. Feryus of Westmoreland County
∙ Gregory B. Hays of Butler County
∙ Jesse K. Newhouse of Westmoreland County
∙ Aaron P. Peterson of Cambria County
∙ Daniel L. Smith of Beaver County
∙ Eric G. Smith of Armstrong County
∙ Jonathan R. Thompson of Lycoming County
∙ Joseph R. Volpe of Allegheny County
∙ Jennifer M. Wills of Blair County
Troop B, Washington, Washington County
∙ Michael M. Carcella of Fayette County
∙ Michael D. Greiner of Greene County
∙ Kevin C. Kara of Fayette County
∙ Bryan McKee of Washington County
∙ Annabel E. Mosco of Fayette County
∙ Richard M. Nagy III of Washington County
∙ Samuel A. Patton of Greene County
∙ Justin L. Prejsnar of Lawrence County
∙ Matthew T. Shaffer of Beaver County
∙ James A. Stefancic, Jr. of Westmoreland County
∙ Zachary C. Webb of Butler County
∙ Kristen M. Zelechowski of Allegheny County
Troop C, Punxsutawney, Jefferson County
∙ Matthew A. Borden of Clearfield County
∙ Jacob A. Knight of Clarion County
∙ Cody J. Northcott of Mercer County
∙ Shawn J. Owens of Venango County
∙ Nicholas M. Rickerson of Chautauqua
∙ Tyler J. Thompson of Clearfield County
∙ Matthew P. Thurner of Butler County
∙ Alex C. Wissman of Warren County
Troop D, Butler, Butler County
∙ Jennifer M. Cantella of Beaver County
∙ Sherry L. Hogue of Beaver County
∙ Eric M. Young of Lawrence County
Troop E, Erie, Erie County
∙ Joshua M. Byers of Erie County
∙ Andrew J. Hacke of Butler County
∙ Nicholas J. Kaschalk of Erie County
∙ Cody R. Krahe of Erie County
Troop F, Montoursville, Lycoming County
∙ Ronald E. Bardo of Bradford County
∙ Jacob L. Fultz of Snyder County
∙ Katherine E. Pettis of Elk County
Troop G, Hollidaysburg, Blair County
∙ Lance W. Howell of Clearfield County
∙ Ryan J. Maggs of Clinton County
∙ Jeremy M. Pollick of Clearfield County
∙ Matthew A. Rounsley of Clinton County
Troop H, Harrisburg, Dauphin County
∙ Shawn D. Barry of Chautauqua County
∙ Cory R. Blowers of Wayne County
∙ Daniel J. Cherry of Mifflin County
∙ Jacob P. Fackler of Cumberland County
∙ Hilary A. Faust of Berks County
∙ Joseph F. Fay of Blair County
∙ Dylan O. Gelvin of Bedford County
∙ Seth E. Gilbert of Franklin County
∙ David J. Husar of Centre County
∙ Anson J. Lauermann, Jr. of Dauphin County
∙ Catherine M. Long of Cumberland County
∙ Erich R. G. Majors of Dauphin County
∙ Robert E. Minnick, Jr. of Luzerne County
∙ Michael T. Nicholas of Luzerne County
∙ Scott E. O’Donohue of Centre County
∙ Joseph E. Phillips of Northampton County
∙ Erica L. Polcha of Franklin County
∙ Edward A. Prentice, Jr. of Northampton County
∙ Jacob Y. Roberts of Washington County
∙ Sean W. Simmers of Lancaster County
∙ Jeffrey A. Simmons of Chester County
∙ Bradley C. Smith of Berks County
∙ Jared R. Troutman of Schuylkill County
∙ Kyle G. Yeager of Warren County
Troop J, Lancaster, Lancaster County
∙ Austen B. Barnett of Lancaster County
∙ Keith J. Herbert, Jr. of Lancaster County
∙ Patrick T. Lilly, Jr. of Chester County
∙ Timothy J. Richartz of Lancaster County
Troop K, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County
∙ Andrew G. Baldwin of Philadelphia County
∙ Brandon M. Brown of Philadelphia County
∙ Timothy C. Dettra of Philadelphia County
∙ Kevin S. Gaffney of Lackawanna County
∙ Peter D. Onisick of Bucks County
∙ Michael A. Piccari of Bucks County
∙ Matthew B. Smith of Chester County
∙ Zachary J. Stern of Philadelphia County
Troop L, Reading, Berks County
∙ Michael T. Blase of Schuylkill County
∙ Ryan J. Farrell of Luzerne County
∙ Marshall J. Hummel of Schuylkill County
∙ Michael J. Kaminskas III of Berks County
∙ Ian P. Keck of Schuylkill County
∙ David J. Lebron of Berks County
∙ Robert C. Markowski, Jr. of Lackawanna County
∙ Christopher M. Rooney of Schuylkill County
∙ William A. Sanger of Lancaster County
∙ Michael A. Stramara of Schuylkill County
Troop M, Bethlehem, Northampton County
∙ Carlos J. Alvarez of Lehigh County
∙ Andrew E. Harris IV of Lehigh County
∙ Raphael M. Padilla of Northampton County
∙ Sean R. Quigney of Lehigh County
∙ Christopher P. Teetsel of Luzerne County
Troop N, Hazleton, Luzerne County
∙ Jonathan I. Bailey of Monroe County
∙ Brian R. Bird of Monroe County
∙ Sean M. Colley of Pike County
∙ Travis R. Graziano of Lackawanna County
∙ Jonathan D. Hontz of Luzerne County
∙ Justin R. Landsiedel of Wyoming County
∙ Jonathan M. Lazarchick of Luzerne County
∙ Jessica L. Naschke of Union County
∙ Patrick J. Quinn of Monroe County
∙ Ronald M. Ziobro III of Luzerne County
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit their website at www.psp.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Maria A. Finn or Tpr. Adam Reed - 717-783-5556
City of Philadelphia
News and Press
Contacts:
Paul Chrystie Tel: 215-686-9721, Paul.Chrystie@phila.gov
Jamila Davis Tel: 215-686-9727, Jamila.Davis@phila.gov
Press Releases from 2014,2012 to 2013, from2011, from2010, from2007 to 2009
Press Releases 2015
March 11, 2015
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Bigham Place, affordable housing near public transit, jobs, education and shops
Philadelphia, PA, March 11, 2015 – City and state officials joined People’s Emergency Center (PEC) to celebrate the opening of Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place (Bigham Leatherberry Wise) in West Philadelphia. Bigham Leatherberry Wise transformed a vacant lot and an existing structure into 11 new affordable homes, seven of which are for formerly homeless women with special needs and their children.
Bigham Leatherberry Wise includes six two-bedroom units and five three-bedroom units (for a total of eleven units). Two of the units will be fully accessible to people with disabilities and one will be accessible to individuals with sensory impairments. The project reflects community objectives laid down in the 2004 West Powelton/Saunders Park Neighborhood Plan and the more recent Lower Lancaster Revitalization Plan.
“As part of People's Emergency Center's mission to nurture families, strengthen neighborhoods and serve as a catalyst for positive change, Bigham Leatherberry Wise is important to this neighborhood because it provides affordable rentals in a changing neighborhood, and coincides with the homeownership projects in the pipeline in this neighborhood,” said Kathy Desmond, Interim President and CEO of PEC.
Residents of Bigham Leatherberry Wise have access to supportive services through PEC. Services include case management, children’s programs, affordable childcare, counseling and therapy, drug and alcohol out-patient treatment, and employment and training programs. A case management office is located on site for residents to access services and referrals. Bigham Place also features a courtyard containing a rain garden and seating area for residents, as well as a large rear yard to provide a space for children to play.
“Quality, safe, and affordable housing gives families the opportunity to focus on building a home,” said Deborah McColloch, Director, Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD). “Providing housing for women and their children gives the parents and the children the chance to thrive in our communities and schools.”
Over the past two decades, the area around the Bigham Leatherberry Wise project has been the focal point of more than $54 million in investments from PEC’s real estate developments and has leveraged many millions more from both the public and private sectors. Not far from Bigham Place, PEC alone has transformed 157 vacant properties into 241 units of affordable housing, including Jannie’s Place, Cloisters III, Homeownership Phase I, Bernice Elza Homes, and Fattah Homes.
Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place is named in honor of three local community organizers who have been important to either the needs of the community or championing the needs of homeless families. Helen Bigham was a PEC Board Member and volunteer crossing several decades of PEC’s history. John Leatherberry and Elsie Wise both hold leadership positions with the West Powelton Concerned Citizens Council, and are long-standing community organizers.
Seventy-one people were employed building Bigham Place. The development received funding from the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development and Office of Supportive Housing, as well as FHLBank Pittsburgh, TD Charitable Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and The Reinvestment Fund, for a total investment of $2,695,000.
The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA) provided financing assistance for the development.
City of Pittsburgh
OFFICE OF MAYOR WILLIAM PEDUTO
Department of Parks & Recreation Seeks Proposals for Cleaning and Custodial Services for Citiparks Facilities
PITTSBURGH, PA (April 1, 2015) - The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation (Citiparks) will be accepting proposals for a contract to perform custodial and cleaning services at the city’s twenty-two (22) Recreation and Healthy Active Living (Senior) centers beginning April 8, 2015.
This Request for Proposals specifically addresses the need to provide regular, efficient and effective custodial and cleaning services to the 22 Recreation and Healthy Active Living (Senior) centers.
Citiparks is seeking proposals that provide an hourly rate for reimbursement for providing the services above for as few as four (4) specific facilities and as many as all twenty two (22) facilities.
Citiparks has partnered with the Department of Innovation & Performance and the city’sCode for America Fellows to develop the RFP website where interested vendors can sign up to receive updates, responses to questions, submission details and deadline information regarding the Request for Proposals.
For questions please contact:
Ms. Louann Horan, Manager of Operations and Administration, Department of Parks & Recreation
(412) 255-2362, Louann.Horan@PittsburghPA.gov
About Citiparks
Citiparks is the department within the City of Pittsburgh that provides parks programming for children, adults and seniors. In addition to recreational instruction, Citiparks’ provides wellness, fitness, cultural, art and educational enrichment for city residents as well as conducting a wide variety of special events for families and communities throughout the city
City of Harrisburg
BOIL WATER ADVISORY ISSUED TO CUSTOMERS ON KELKER AND GREEN STREET IN HARRISBURG
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- BOIL WATER ADVISORY ISSUED TO CUSTOMERS ON KELKER AND GREEN STREET IN HARRISBURG
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01 APR 15
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BOIL WATER ADVISORY ISSUED TO CUSTOMERS ON KELKER AND GREEN STREET IN HARRISBURG
HARRISBURG (April 1, 2015) – Capital Region Water issued a Boil Water Advisory today to 13 properties on the 200 Block of Kelker Street and one property at 1732 Green Street.
The Boil Water Advisory was issued due to a loss of positive water pressure while repairing a 6” water main after a contractor caused damage to the line. The repair is now complete and service has been restored.
Customers in the affected area will be notified door to door and are advised to boil their water before using for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation. Capital Region Water will notify customers when the advisory is lifted.
More detailed information can be found on the attached Boil Water Advisory.
For questions or to report problems with your water or sewer service
call 1-888-510-0606 or find us online at capitalregionwater.com
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