Buying time for doctors, uninsured
Gov. Ed Rendell wants 90 more days to try to work out a "win-win" compromise that would help doctors pay for medical malpractice insurance and fund coverage for the nearly 800,000 Pennsylvanians who don't have any health insurance.
He ordered the state Insurance Department yesterday to postpone collection of "med mal" insurance payments from doctors, midwives and other health professionals until March 31, instead of Jan. 1. He is hoping that extension will provide enough additional time to work out a compromise with the Legislature on a funding plan that will benefit both the physicians and the uninsured. Full article click Pittsburgh post-gazette.