The Senate Republican Policy Committee heard testimony today from two panels, consisting of representatives from community health centers and hospitals and also from a representative of Independence Blue Cross. The panels spoke on the issue of under insured and uninsured Pennsylvanians and the necessity for quality health care centers.

Currently, the panels said, emergency rooms have become the destination for primary care when individuals lack insurance and have nowhere else to turn. Cheri Rinehart, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers said “insurance is not equivalent to access,” and added that what is needed to address reduced health care access and higher costs, which drive individuals to utilize the emergency room as a primary care facility, are high quality community health centers.  Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

The Senate Republican Policy Committee held a public hearing today on the local impacts of Marcellus Shale drilling. A host of stakeholders testified before the committee including industry representatives, county commissioners, and emergency responders to discuss road concerns, emergency services and environmental impacts. Check out the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story.