Governor's decision not to expand Medicaid could affect thousands of injured Pennsylvanians

Governor Tom Corbett has decided not to expand the state's Medicaid program to include more than 300,000 additional recipients.

2013-04-06

April 06, 2013 (Press-News.org) Governor Tom Corbett has met with federal legislators and has - at least at this time - decided not to expand the state's Medicaid program under the federal Affordable Care Act. Corbett cites budget worries for the decision that could jeopardize medical coverage for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania residents. He estimates that an expansion that would offer Medicaid coverage to those making slightly above the federal poverty line could end up costing the state upwards of $500 million in the coming years.

So, what does this decision mean for injured low-income citizens of the state? It not only means that they will normally have to forego preventative care like check-ups, vaccinations and physicals, they could miss out on proper treatment if they are injured. Governor Corbett has publicly stated that he is looking to the private insurance sector as a way to get coverage for hundreds of thousands of people in the state instead of leveraging the federal Medicaid program.

How this impacts the injured

The most important thing that a victim needs after a serious injury - whether it is from a car accident, slip and fall, dog bite or any other cause - is to get medical treatment. Someone without insurance might settle for substandard care or not seek medical attention at all, assuming that they cannot afford it. That decision could mean that the effects of an injury linger for months, even years, down the road. Of course, it could even mean that a once treatable injury proves to be fatal.

There is help out there, though, even for those without health insurance. For example, emergency rooms are available to provide acute care regardless of ability to pay. If you have been injured due to the actions (or inaction) of another person or a business, getting some form of medical treatment is vital. It is critical not only to your physical recovery to seek care as soon as possible following an injury, it is also vital to adequately document the extent of the harm for the purpose of preserving the ability to bring a civil claim to recover costs in the future.

If you have been injured in any kind of Pennsylvania motor vehicle accident, trucking accident, premises liability incident, medical malpractice or other negligence, seek treatment as soon as possible, and then consider seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Article provided by Caroselli Beachler McTiernan & Conboy, L.L.C.
Visit us at www.cbmclaw.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Minnesota laws help compensate dog bite victims for their injuries

2013-04-06

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 5 million people in the U.S. suffer from dog bites each year. More than 1,000 of those bit seek treatment in an emergency room each day and an average of 16 people die from their dog bite injuries every year. National Dog Bite Prevention Week is the third full week in May and the CDC, the U.S. Postal Service and the American Veterinary Medical Association are combining their efforts to educate people about preventing dog bites. Most importantly, avoid situations that may prompt a dog attack, such ...

Springsteen sax player malpractice suit set for trial over fatal stroke

2013-04-06

New Jersey is rightly proud of Bruce Springsteen's legendary E Street Band. Fans remember fondly "Big Man" Clarence Clemons, the iconic saxophonist whose soulful tracks were an integral part of the band's success. Unfortunately, Clemons died in 2011 from a stroke he suffered after carpel tunnel surgery. Until his surgery, the 69-year-old Clemons had continued to perform publicly despite health problems and had recently appeared on American Idol. In February 2013, a Florida state trial court in Palm Beach allowed the medical malpractice and wrongful death ...

Prescription painkillers responsible for high number of drug overdoses

2013-04-06

Most people are probably aware that prescription drug addiction has increased in recent years, but many would be surprised by just how much. A recently released report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that drug overdose deaths rose for the 11th year in a row. And in some cases, the use of these painkillers can lead to criminal penalties for people who are struggling with an addiction. Reasons for the increase in fatalities include over-prescription and lack of knowledge Most drug overdose deaths are from prescription painkillers, which are ...

Woman and Family Receive $3.7 Million for Delayed Cancer Diagnosis

2013-04-06

When it comes to cancer, early detection is key. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between a curable cancer and a fatal one. In a recent medical malpractice case, a Maricopa County woman sued after doctors told her that a cancerous lesion was actually a benign cyst. By the time it was diagnosed, the cancer had spread. The woman went to a colon and rectal surgeon for treatment of a rectovaginal lesion in 2007. She was referred to another doctor for additional treatment. In both cases, the medical providers told the woman she had a benign cyst. They ...

New treatment offers hope for those with spinal cord injuries

2013-04-06

For those who have suffered a spinal cord injury, regaining the ability to walk is the ultimate goal. Unfortunately, in most cases, this is simply not possible. A new study indicates, however, that a combination of stem cell and physical therapy can help SCI patients regain both sensation and continence control. Researchers at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School recently published findings from a clinical trial in the journal Cell Transplantation. The trial included 70 patients who had suffered spinal cord injuries and had been treated for at least six months without ...

Determining child custody during a Florida divorce

2013-04-06

Divorces where children are involved are tough for everyone. The goal once the divorce is finalized is for the children to have been as unaffected by the transition as possible. Unfortunately, parents sometimes are blinded by their anger or hurt at their spouse, leaving important considerations for the children undecided. In those cases, Florida family court judges have the knowledge, ability and discretion to decide child custody matters. Family court judges in Florida are guided by statutory factors when making child custody determinations in conjunction with a divorce. ...

California company: Trading on our good name is trademark infringement

2013-04-06

A trademark is an important part of growing a company's market presence. For companies that have cultivated a strong brand reputation among consumers, it is hard to understate the value of a trademark's integrity. When a company fears that some other business or individual is damaging their trademark, a trademark infringement lawsuit can be a viable solution to the problem. A recent high profile case out of California is a good example of what a potential trademark infringement claim can look like. California footwear company wants to stop Under Armour from using ...

Recent fatalities highlight teen driving risks

2013-04-06

A string of fatal traffic accidents around the country claimed 15 young lives in the space of just a few days recently. The most recent of these tragedies took place in Illinois, where four Chicago-area teens died after their car plunged into a creek. The bodies of two boys and two girls, ages 15-19, were found in the overturned vehicle on March 19, 2013. Law enforcement believes the crash may have been weather-related, NBC News reported. The creek was swollen by rain and runoff, and authorities say there may have been standing water on the road near the creek. The ...

Negligent acts that should never occur in a hospital

2013-04-06

Many of us have a family doctor, or a group of health care professionals that we rely upon when we are having health issues. Generally, these are people that we have consulted several times over the years, and we trust the decisions that they make. When they are unable to address our issues, we know that they are recommending the right people to attend to our health care needs. However, not every medical facility has the same procedures in place. Breakdowns in communication can lead to serious issues for patients at these locations. This may result in hospitals and doctors ...

During pregnancy, seatbelts help protect babies

2013-04-06

Expectant mothers sometimes worry that wearing a seatbelt could cause injury to an unborn child, but a recent study may help put their minds at ease. In a study conducted at the Duke University Medical Center, researchers found that pregnant women involved in traffic accidents are more likely to lose their pregnancies if they are not buckled in. The findings reinforce previous research suggesting that seat belts help keep mothers and babies safe in the event of a crash, Reuters reported. Thousands of expectant mothers are treated in U.S. hospitals each year for injuries ...