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By Jasmine Laws
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A new bill is set to be introduced that two Pennsylvania state representatives say would "guarantee affordable health insurance for all residents of Pennsylvania."
State Representatives Greg Scott, a Democrat who represents parts of Montgomery County, and Lindsay Powell, a Democrat from Allegheny County, circulated a co-sponsorship memo dated January 16 ahead of formal introduction during the current legislative session.
Powell told Newsweek the proposal would include a four-year transition and aims to provide "comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage for every resident, regardless of income or employment." Details of how the program would be funded have not yet been released.
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Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper told Newsweek: "These unrealistic proposals are the type of extreme programs that lead to the unchecked growth of government and putting Pennsylvanians on the hook for a tax bill they cannot afford. We remain concerned about the rising costs of health care in Pennsylvania. However, there are better ways to make health care services more affordable without the need for universal mandates."
Newsweek contacted Scott's office, as well as the offices of Republican State Representative Kathy Rapp and Republican State Senator Michele Brooks, via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expired January 1, raising questions about whether Congress will reinstate them, as premiums and out-of-pocket costs remain a major concern for many households. Some health policy analysts have warned that higher costs could lead more people to go uninsured.
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Lawmakers and President Donald Trump have come forward with various plans to help Americans afford their health coverage in recent weeks.
Republicans hold a 27-23 majority in the Pennsylvania Senate, which could make the Scott-Powell proposal a difficult lift.
What To Know
The two representatives hope to avoid Pennsylvanians facing "unnecessary health and financial risk—the kind that is experienced without health coverage" by putting forward their new bill, said a press release from Scott's office.
"The premium hikes that began in early 2026 have already driven many residents to drop health insurance coverage because it became unaffordable, putting the state’s already vulnerable, lowest-earning families at the most risk," added the release.
The bill text has not yet been released, and details including funding and eligibility mechanics are still forthcoming. But Powell told Newsweek that, in order to provide health insurance for all Pennsylvanians, the plan would "eliminate premiums and copays, giving working families real financial security without sacrificing the quality of their health care."
The bill would create a program similar to the "Medicare for All" programs proposed at the federal level and aim to get every resident insured, said the press release.
"Medicare for All" programs have been pushed over recent years, and there is now a major campaign behind it, sponsored by National Nurses United (NNU).
Proposals for the program outline that it would mean removing all premiums, copays and deductibles, and allow patients to choose their own providers, while all providers are assured a fair reimbursement.
It would require an increase in taxes, but campaigners argue Americans will still wind up paying less, as premiums, copays and deductibles are removed. Supporters argue a single-payer-style system could reduce administrative costs, meaning the money paid toward health care would go further.
What People Are Saying
Representative Greg Scott said in a statement: "Without health insurance, some families are one medical emergency away from financial ruin. The Affordable Care Act made health insurance more affordable to more families nationwide, but moves at the federal level have now made it impossible for many to take advantage of ACA plans. We can’t let Pennsylvanians lose their access to reliable health insurance or their access to necessary medical care, all because leaders at the federal level don’t believe in it. As state legislators, our responsibility is the well-being of our residents—and this bill would establish a system that ensures every PA resident has health insurance they can rely on."
Scott added: "When people have health insurance, they’re more likely to go to the doctor proactively and to go to preventive care visits. When people are proactive about their health, they’re able to address minor health concerns before they become major health emergencies. Insuring our residents is as much a part of stabilizing our health care systems as it is about ensuring our communities are happy and healthy."
Representative Powell, said in a statement: "Across Pennsylvania, skyrocketing costs of living are making access to health care increasingly inaccessible for far too many families. Whether it’s routine dental care, essential reproductive services, or lifesaving surgery, no one should ever be forced to choose between caring for their health and keeping the lights on at home. Health care is a fundamental right, not a luxury; our systems must reflect that reality.
"I am proud to join Representative Scott in co-sponsoring this legislation to stand up for working families and take meaningful steps toward lowering the soaring cost of health care across the commonwealth."
What Happens Next
The two representatives plan to introduce the bill this legislative session, and Powell told Newsweek she was "hopeful" about its prospects.
"We’ve already seen Republicans at the federal level recognize the affordability crisis by working across the aisle to extend ACA subsidies," she said.
"As the cost of health care continues to rise, I am hopeful we can see that same spirit of cooperation here in Pennsylvania. Skyrocketing insurance premiums are forcing too many Pennsylvanians to go without care."
Update 1/21/26, 12:01 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Jesse Topper.
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