Wagner Calls for Contraceptives to be Covered

State Representatives Lisa Bennington and Chelsa Wagner, both Democrats from Allegheny County, haves introduced legislation that would force all health plans in the state that include prescription drug benefits to cover contraceptives. She says it is a matter of empowering women and it should be seen as a public health issue. She says people also need to realize that contraceptives have uses beyond preventing pregnancy including treatment for acne and sever bleeding and cramping. Wagner admits that the measure was introduced late in the session and has little chance of passing but she says it will serve as an introduction to some members of the house and she plans to reintroduce it in January. Several other states have similar legislation.

Smoking Ban Modifications to be Introduced

When the smoking ban goes into effect Thursday it will carry exemptions for bars that derive less than 20-percent of revenue from food, casinos and a list of other establishments. At the same time the law prohibits counties and municipalities other than Philadelphia from enacting tougher bans. State Representative Chelsa Wagner says she will introduce legislation to give Allegheny County 90 days to pass a tighter ban and Representative Dan Frankel says he will introduce a bill that would allow any local government to enforce tighter laws. He says he knows some bar owners will complain but the health of workers and residents outweighs the business interests. This summer the house did pass a law with fewer exemptions but it was scaled back in conference committee. Wagner and Frankel say they feel there is now the political will in both chambers to tighten some of those loopholes. Frankel says since the state failed in its duty to protect the health of Pennsylvanians local governments should be given the ability to do it right.