PathWays PA Policy Blog

We published our first blog post on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on August 17, 2009 . Now, almost eight years later, the House of Representatives is set to vote on legislation that would repeal and replace the ACA with a new law - the American Health Care Act (AHCA). Here's what we know about the AHCA: It would make comprehensive changes to Medicaid : Additional money to states (such as Pennsylvania) that accepted Medicaid Expansion, which allows more people to get their insurance through Medicaid, would end. The entire funding mechanism for Medicaid would change, with states receiving a capped amount of funding regardless of how many people qualify for the program. Recent reports indicate that states may be able to impose a work requirement on "able-bodied individuals" applying for or using Medicaid. Under the AHCA, Medicaid could no longer be used at Planned Parenthood clinics. These clinics provide birth control, mammograms, and other types of reproductive care ...

From the NY Times  http://nyti.ms/2nIUEtp President Trump's budget plan released this morning shows sharp changes in spending compared to previous federal budgets, including the elimination of many programs for low-income people such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) , the Legal Services Corporation , and Community Services Block Grants . Other programs to be eliminated include the Corporation for National and Community Service , which runs AmeriCorps and other community service programs, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting ,  and more than 50 programs in the EPA . You can read a full list via  The Washington Post . Meanwhile, the  Department of Veterans Affairs , the  Department of Homeland Security , and the  Department of Defense  are all seeing increases in their budgets under the new plan. The full budget blueprint is available here . So what's next? Congress will begin holding hearings on the President's budg...

CityHealth has published a national report offering the first-ever assessment of how our nation’s 40 largest cities fare when it comes to policies that can make real, lasting impacts in people’s everyday quality of life. All recommendations are based in evidence, backed by experts, and have a track record of bipartisan support. Philadelphia received an overall silver medal for its health policy decisions including paid sick days and universal pre-k. You can see the full list of cities here and look to see where Philadelphia can improve to earn a gold medal.

As in most years, we've put together a graphic highlighting programs of special interest to PathWays PA and our clients. Please take a look and let us know what you think of the Governor's proposed funding methods.

Election Day is November 8, and as many of us prepare to go to the polls, the Harvard Kennedy School is reporting that making a plan (and asking others to do so) is the best way to increase turnout. "Research by Harvard Kennedy School Associate Professor Todd Rogers demonstrates that nudging voters to formulate a voting plan a few days in advance of an election will indeed increase turnout. In fact, it doubled the impact of the next best “typical” get out the vote tactic." So, what's your plan? The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition suggests these steps (you can download them here): Make sure you are registered to vote. If you are not registered, you can register here (although depending on the state you live in, you may be too late for this election). You can verify your voter registration here . Know when and where you are voting. You can find your polling place here  (or by googling "polling place") and find out when the polls are...

Whether you're obsessed with the election or ready for it to be over, your vote still matters on Election Day. As we approach November 8, here's some information to help you prepare for casting your ballot. *** If you have any issues on Election Day, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.  Issues may include (but are not limited to): being told the wrong date/time to vote; not being allowed to cast a provisional ballot ; being intimidated or challenged at the polls.  Be sure to bring this number with you when you vote! *** The following information is for people who are registered to vote in Pennsylvania. If you live in another state, or have questions that are not answered in this post, please visit http://www.vote411.org  or  https://g.co/kgs/OdzMlN . Who is Running for Office? On November 8, you can vote for President, US Senator, State Attorney General, and several other races. Pennsylvania will also have at least one ballot question regarding the ret...

Pay discrimination is an ongoing issue for Pennsylvania’s women . At the current rate of wage growth, it will take another 40 years ( at least ) before women and men earn the same amount. One step in addressing wage inequality is ensuring that a history of low salaries does not follow a woman into a new workplace. Women’s wages are lower than men’s from the first year out of college . At that point, women working full time earn an average of $35,296 while men earn $42,918. These lower wages are compounded when women (or men of color) apply for new jobs and are asked to share their pay history. Instead of starting the new job on an equal footing, they enter with a lower salary because it was based on their previous employment. Then, after another year of work, their wages are unlikely to grow at the same rate as men’s wages. As women get older, the wage gap continues to grow . If employers stop asking for salary histories, workers will gain the ability to earn what their work is a...