Saving lives and money
Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s first law is a big one, something that will save lives.
As our Jan Murphy writes, he yesterday signed Senate Bill 8, which will require medical insurers to cover the cost of MRIs and ultrasounds for people at a high risk of breast cancer. (Men can get it, too!)
It’ll also require insurers to pay for genetic testing and counseling for people at high risk of certain gene mutations, which predispose them to breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.
The law takes effect starting in 2025. Let’s hope that until then, women will find a way to fund those copays and deductibles. Breast cancer screenings and early diagnoses save lives – not to mention provide better quality of life and peace of mind.
Now, let’s take a look at this morning’s headlines.
RJ Shirey, a Penn State Ability Athlete, throws shot put at a meet at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., Apr. 22, 2023. (Mark Pynes | pennlive.com)Mark Pynes | [email protected]
Disabled athletes’ league: A Penn State sports program for 20 years consistently sent athletes with disabilities to national and world competitions, including the Paralympics. It was nearly lost.
Summer break plans: As the Jersey Shore welcomes tourists this summer, some areas will have refreshed beaches, a waterpark, a large food hall – and new rules, including a curfew.
Prison investigator on leave: The internal affairs investigator at the Dauphin County Prison, hired in February, has been placed on paid leave. County officials wouldn’t say why.
Helping the homeless: Dauphin County and Harrisburg have received a $2.3 million federal HUD grant to combat homelessness. It “won’t suddenly end homelessness in our region, but it’s a tremendous start,” Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams said.
Whiskey lottery: The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s latest limited-release lottery includes 3,919 bottles of rare whiskeys. People can opt in until Friday. Those chosen can buy one bottle.
Voters guide: The Pennsylvania primary election is just over two weeks away. To prepare, we have a voters guide on the contested candidates.
Unwanted mall casino: Despite State College-area residents saying they didn’t want a casino, College Township had to OK the possibility of one before a license was even available because of a 2017 law. A casino is slated to move into the Nittany Mall.
Breast cancer care: Gov. Josh Shapiro on Monday signed his first bill into a law. It eliminates all costs for preventative screenings in women with high lifetime risk of breast cancer. It’s the first of its kind nationally.
- See also: Bill seeks to fill Pa. teacher shortage
High school proms: We were at several high school proms over the weekend, including Trinity (with video), Bishop McDevitt, Carlisle (with video), Camp Hill (with video), Donegal, Dover, Lower Dauphin, James Buchanan, West York, Manheim Township and CASA.
Downloading photos: PennLive is expanding its prom coverage in 2023, sending photographers to more than 50 proms in seven counties. Subscribers can download the images for free.
Out of business: Tuesday Morning is going out of business. Hilco Global said liquidation sales are underway at all locations, including two in central Pennsylvania.
No fly time: Pilots at American Airlines have voted to authorize a strike, and Southwest Airlines pilots are preparing to join them.
Pa. horse in Kentucky Derby: Angel of Empire, the thoroughbred horse born and raised in Schuylkill County, drew post position 14 for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
Harper to return: Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper is expected to be back in the lineup today, 160 days after surgery on his elbow.
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