The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA), representing more than 215,000 registered nurses in Pennsylvania, appreciates the Corbett administration’s effort with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement a Pennsylvania-specific plan to reform Medicaid, and increase access to quality, affordable health care.

The CMS accepted a portion of Governor Corbett’s Medicaid reform as a part of the Healthy PA initiative. This plan is scheduled to begin enrollment December 1, 2014. This waiver paves the way for more than 600,000 Pennsylvania citizens to be eligible for much needed health care. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s Healthy PA web page.

“Programs such as Healthy PA provide incentives for Pennsylvanians to develop healthy behaviors including early intervention, prevention, and wellness initiatives,” PSNA CEO Betsy M. Snook, MEd, BSN, RN. “PSNA will continue to support such programs that improve the quality, efficiency and outcomes of the healthcare delivery system. Healthy PA provides access to a full range of qualified health care providers, including registered nurses.”

The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) is the non-profit voice for nurses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Representing more than 215,000 nurses, the Association works to be essential in advancing, promoting and supporting the profession of nursing to improve health for all in the Commonwealth. PSNA is a constituent member of the American Nurses Association (www.psna.org).