Pennsylvania Healthcare Challenges
Even as state lawmakers work to make Pennsylvania’s healthcare better for all by protecting maternal care, improving health outcomes for moms and babies, defending rural hospitals, and reducing costs for families, rulings by a politicized judiciary are chipping away at policies meant to protect patients. The results of these rulings are clear…
Higher Costs For Patients
Even as state lawmakers work to make Pennsylvania’s healthcare better for all by protecting maternal care, improving health outcomes for moms and babies, defending rural hospitals, and reducing costs for families, rulings by a politicized judiciary are chipping away at policies meant to protect patients. The results of these rulings are clear…
Higher Costs For Patients
After the state Supreme Court reversed the legislature’s venue shopping reforms that had successfully controlled excessive malpractice awards for 20 years, malpractice payouts skyrocketed.
Since 2021…
- Malpractice payouts increased by 131%
- 11 health organizations paid out more than $5 million
In 2025…
- 4 health organizations paid out $100 million
- Legal defense fees surpassed $165 million for PA hospitals and health providers
Additionally, 69% of health organizations now provide insurance coverage for community physicians who otherwise might not be able to practice in addition to their own employees.
Whether it is malpractice awards, legal costs, or providing insurance, increased costs are passed on to patient consumers.
Reduced Access For Patients
The Supreme Court’s ruling on venue shopping has had a massive impact on hospitals’ and health providers’ ability to provide healthcare services or re-invest in communities.
- Providers are now forced to hold $2 billion in reserves to meet legal needs as more than four malpractice insurance carriers have left the state. That is $2 billion that could be utilized to maintain or expand services, or invest in new technologies.
- The greatest impact has been on OB-GYN and surgical services, with many hospitals and health providers no longer offering these healthcare services
- 41% of providers report the inability to hire additional healthcare staff and limit expansion in other communities
- More than 50% of hospitals report physicians are now more hesitant to practice in certain areas of the state where communities need it most
The results of all this are increased strains on EMS and emergency departments, longer wait times, limited behavioral health access, cuts in OB-GYN and cancer services, and the actual closing of health providers.
Solutions
There are legislative initiatives are aimed at addressing the current challenges that can improve patient power, access, and overall affordability. These include…
- The Fair Share Act
Restores protections under the Fair Share Act to limit damages for multiple liable defendants to an amount that corresponds to their proportion of liability. [HB 1958, Sponsor: Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin)] - Remittitur Reform
Amends the MCARE ACT to strengthen provisions requiring justices to consider the impact of verdicts on the community. - Peer Review
Broaden, simplify, and clarify the confidentiality provisions of the Pennsylvania Peer Review Protection Act (PRPA) to provided healthcare providers and facilities with clear guidance regarding confidentiality.
CONTACT
Get in Touch.
Questions about our priorities, a hospital or provider in your community, or how to get involved? Send us a message and our team will follow up.
CONTACT
717 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Pennsylvania Coalition for Patients Inc. · 717 Market Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043