James Julius

Pennsylvania has the authority to regulate healthcare commerce within our state, and we should use that authority to bring costs down and hold companies accountable. As a business owner who provides health insurance, I see these costs firsthand. Every increase affects a family’s budget and an employer’s ability to take care of its employees. We need to understand what is driving those increases and address the causes.

I would sponsor or support legislation requiring clear prices and reasonable estimates before scheduled care, stronger protections against undisclosed fees and deceptive billing, and meaningful enforcement. Patients should understand what they are being charged and have a clear way to challenge an incorrect bill. I would use and strengthen the state’s insurance oversight to reject unjustified premium increases. When coverage is denied, patients deserve an understandable explanation and a timely appeal.

Hospital acquisitions and contracts also deserve scrutiny. When a large system uses its position to shut out competitors or keep patients from accessing more affordable care, we need the tools to stop it. Drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers should explain their pricing, rebates, and fees so we can identify where savings are going and pursue changes that get those savings to patients and employers.

These requirements need consequences: penalties for violations, refunds for unlawful charges, and enforceable corrective action. Companies receiving taxpayer support should demonstrate what the public receives in return. Government needs the same scrutiny. I would examine state rules that unnecessarily increase costs or prevent qualified providers from delivering care.

I would measure results by what families actually pay and whether they can get the care they need. If a policy is not working, we need to understand why and change it.

Statement submitted by campaign or congressional office