Smart Talk: doctor discipline, Zika, health insurance rates

 

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, May 27, 2016, with guest host Ben Allen.

Has your doctor ever received a disciplinary warning letter?

We don’t know. In fact, the information isn’t public.

If a doctor makes a mistake, like showing up to work intoxicated or failing to follow regulations, Pennsylvania sends them a warning letter.

But, the Department of State says state law prevents them from releasing the letters, and it recently rejected a Right to Know request from WITF. 

A special project by the Pittsbugh Post-Gazette looks at disciplinary procedures in Pennsylvania. Are they adequate?

Joining us Friday are Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania’s Physician General and Rich Lord, reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

We’ll also get an update from Dr. Loren Robinson, Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Pennsylvania Department of Health, on the current efforts to fight the Zika virus.

Also, health insurance companies recently submitted their requests for rates for next year – and some are sky high.

Highmark and Geisinger Health Plan recently requested premium hikes upwards of 40% for some plans sold on the Affordable Care Act’s online exchange.

State Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller visits the program to discuss the causes behind these requests, what kind of review she’ll be doing, and what changes you can expect next year.