HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh issued the following statement following the release of Governor Corbett's Healthy Pennsylvania initiative earlier today:

"We are pleased that Governor Corbett recognizes the need to expand affordable health care coverage for all Pennsylvanians.  We already know that more than 500,000 hard-working Pennsylvanians – including 90,000 residents age 50-64 – face falling into a coverage gap because they aren't eligible for Medicaid or subsidies through the Pennsylvania health exchange. These men and woman have lost their jobs due to the bad economy, are working in jobs that don't offer health coverage, or are Veterans. 

We agree with the Governor that Pennsylvania must act now to improve access to health coverage, ensure quality and improve affordability.  At AARP, we have advocated for a stronger Medicaid program by supporting language passed by the state Senate in June and legislation that will be introduced by Senator Pat Vance this fall. We will carefully review the details of the Governor's plan and will not waver from our commitment to ensuring hard-working Pennsylvanians without insurance receive the health services they need."

AARP has 1.8 million members in Pennsylvania. Follow AARP Pennsylvania on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AARPPA and on Twitter @AARPPA.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment security and retirement planning. We advocate for consumers in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www. aarp.org;  AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP VIVA, a bilingual news source.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

CONTACT: Steve Gardner, AARP PA (717) 237-6481 or sgardner@aarp.org OrAngela Foreshaw-Rouse, AARP PA (267) 825–9922 or aforeshaw@aarp.org

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania

RELATED LINKShttp://www.aarp.org