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HB 839

An Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, in quality health care accountability and protection, further providing for continuity of care.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Missy Cerrato and 8 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill expands insurance continuity-of-care requirements to strengthen healthcare accountability and protect patient access during coverage transitions.

Referred to Insurance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 839

Legislative bill overview

HB 839 amends Pennsylvania's 1921 Insurance Company Law to strengthen quality health care accountability and protection provisions, specifically expanding requirements for continuity of care. The bill modifies existing insurance regulations to address how insurers must handle patient care transitions and maintain service continuity.

Why is this important

Continuity of care provisions directly affect patients experiencing coverage changes, provider network disruptions, or treatment transitions. Strong continuity requirements can prevent gaps in critical medical services, medication access, and ongoing treatments that might otherwise be interrupted during insurance changes or plan modifications.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurer compliance costs: Insurers may argue that expanded continuity requirements increase administrative burdens and operational costs, which could be passed to consumers through higher premiums
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's specific language on what constitutes "continuity of care" and which services must be covered during transitions could create disputes between insurers and patients about coverage obligations
  • Duration and scope limits: Disagreement may emerge over how long continuity protections extend and whether they apply uniformly to all plan types or contain exemptions for certain coverage categories

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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