Resolution 241035
Calling on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish an Office of the Public Healthcare Advocate within the Office of the Attorney General.
Introduced by
From the floor
Passages in the official transcripts that cite this file number. Every quote links to its exact place in the record.
“Good morning. I'm Jenny Zhang and I'm speaking on Resolution 241035. Advocating for people's health is essential and that's why I'm so concerned that this week's hearings proved that the proposed Sixers arena is a bad deal for Philadelphia and threatens the economic health and vitality of our city and of Chinatown in particular. Chinatown relies on Jefferson University for our health care needs. Already Philadelphia'…”
Ms. Zhang · Stated Meeting, November 14, 2024 · Nov 14, 2024 · official transcript, this passage
“Hi. Good morning. My name is Emily Goddard and I'm speaking on Resolution 241035 from my perspective as a West Philly resident and with a Master's degree in Public Health. I support establishing a Public Health Care Advocate Office to prioritize public health and well-being, specifically as we face public health threats from the proposed Sixers Arena. My specialty is around climate change and health and how the clima…”
Ms. Goddard · Stated Meeting, November 14, 2024 · Nov 14, 2024 · official transcript, this passage
“The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 241035.”
Council President Johnson · Stated Meeting, November 14, 2024 · Nov 14, 2024 · official transcript, this passage
Status timeline
- Oct 31, 2024Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar · CITY COUNCIL
- Nov 14, 2024ADOPTED · CITY COUNCIL
Official documents
Documents open on the City of Philadelphia’s legislative site.
Full text
Read the full text as published
..Title Calling on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish an Office of the Public Healthcare Advocate within the Office of the Attorney General. ..Body WHEREAS, Philadelphia residents have a right to receive quality healthcare, but are sometimes prevented from receiving needed care due to wrongful denial of insurance claims; and WHEREAS, Overbilling by insurance can lead to medical debt and financial hardship for patients at a time that they are already suffering. Some residents receive inadequate care from nursing homes or medical providers. Poor care quality, delays in healthcare provision and denials of coverage are detrimental to the public health of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, Healthcare companies make decisions that impact people across Philadelphia, including access to care. The closing of Hahnemann hospital in recent years is a prime example of the lack of transparency, accessibility, or community-rooted decision-making in issues that greatly affect the public health; and WHEREAS, Challenging healthcare company decisions is a difficult, opaque, and inaccessible process that can drain patients of resources. The appeals processes frequently fail to adequately address patient concerns; and WHEREAS, A Public Healthcare Advocate placed within the Office of the Attorney General would be empowered to help people across the Commonwealth stand up for their healthcare rights and stand against big insurance companies that unfairly delay or deprive patients of healthcare coverage. Such an Advocate could help recover millions of dollars for patients while improving access to and quality of healthcare in Pennsylvania; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby calls on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish an Office of the Public Healthcare Advocate within the Office of the Attorney General. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Put People First! PA as an expression of the gratitude and admiration of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. ..End