Louise Westawski 
Nov. 24, 1992 
Louise T. Westawski, 55, Of Aleeda Boulevard, Bear Creek Township, Died 
Tuesday Morning In Community Medical Center, Scranton.

Elderly Driver Dies After Plowing Into Rig 
87-year-old Nanticoke Man's Car Ran Into Side Of Tractor-trailer As It Was 
Backing Into A Loading Dock On East 
Market Street

Wednesday, November 25, 1992 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 3A QUICK WORDS: HEALTH CARE 





HARRISBURG -- The proposed Health Care Partnership Act, co-sponsored by
state Rep. Tom Stish, D-Luzerne, is on its way to Gov. Casey for his expected
signature after the House today unanimously concurred with Senate amendments. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The bill (H.S. 20) would establish the state's first comprehensive health
care program to address the needs of uninsured children up to age 19. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; More than 40,000 children would benefit from the $20 million program, which
will be financed by two cents from the 13-cent cigarette sales tax increase
that took effect last year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Children whose families do not qualify for medical assistance and are not
covered by a health insurance plan would be covered by the act. It would
provide primary and preventative care through limited coverage for
hospitalization, hearing, vision, dental and prescription drugs. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The bill calls upon Pennsylvania Blue Cross/Blue Shield to develop a
program that will provide health mare coverage free or at a reduced rate based
on total family income. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 As amended by the state Senate, the legislation provides free coverage for
those up to age 6 whose family income is less than 185 percent of the federal
poverty level. Those children under 6 whose family income is between 185
percent and 235 percent of the poverty level are eligible for subsidized care. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Children between 6 and 12 receive free care if their family income~ is less
than 100 percent of the federal poverty level. These children are guaranteed
coverage up to age 18. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Under the bill, insurers could not discriminate against an individual with
a pro-existing medical condition. Insurers also would have to provide
continuous coverage to a person unless premiums are unpaid. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Another provision of the bill would increase outreach and accountability of
the children's Medicare program Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and
Treatment Program. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Further, the bill establishes a loan forgiveness program and a training
grant program to encourage more medical professionals to provide services in
urban and rural areas of the state. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "Beyond its humanitarian aspects, this program will prove significantly
cost-effective for Pennsylvania taxpayers," said Stish. "Through it, we will
be able to provide care at earlier stages before medical problems evolve into
more costly and medically critical situations. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "The unanimous, bipartisan support today is an indication that there is a
program that will prove cost-efficient and provide benefits to many children
who might otherwise suffer greatly without basic medical ware. It in a program
of which we will be very proud."

Bill For Kids' Health Care On Way To Governor 
Bill Co-sponsored By State 
Rep. Tom Stish, D-luzerne,is Designed To Benefit 40,000pennsylvania Children

Bill For Kids' Health Care On Way To Governor Bill Co-sponsored By State Rep. Tom Stish, D-luzerne,is Designed To Benefit 40,000pennsylvania Children