State Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, announced the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed his legislation, known as House Bill 1445, to ensure that children can receive medically necessary care in school without the risk of their health insurance denying coverage based solely on the location of that care.
“Healthy children learn better and miss fewer days of school,” Warren said. “H.B. 1445 helps ensure kids can get the care they need—whether that’s speech therapy, mental and behavioral health services, or telemedicine—without having to leave school or miss appointments. That’s good for students, families, and schools.”
The bill passed the House by one vote majority with no Republicans voting in support of the measure.
House Bill 1445 would close a possible loophole in Pennsylvania insurance law by prohibiting insurers from denying coverage for services provided by a qualified, in-network health care provider solely because the service is delivered in a school setting. The bill specifically protects coverage for in-person speech therapy, behavioral and mental health services, and telehealth appointments.
“Our schools are more than just places of learning. For many children, they are the most accessible setting for health services,” Warren said. “Whether a child is in a public school, charter school, private school, or career and technical school, they would be able to access care without unnecessary red tape or coverage denials.”
Currently, health insurance companies may exclude coverage for services delivered in school—even if the same service would be covered in a doctor’s office. This practice creates barriers to care, especially for students in rural areas or low-income families who may lack transportation, reliable internet for telehealth, or flexibility to leave work for off-site appointments.
Key facts supporting HB 1445:
- 46 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties lack even one practicing child or adolescent psychiatrist.
- Families without reliable internet service often rely on schools as the only setting where telehealth is possible.
- Allowing in-school services helps working parents avoid lost wages or using sick time due to transportation burdens.
“This bill doesn’t expand coverage—it simply ensures kids can access covered services in the setting that works best for them,” Warren said. “Care that’s covered at the doctor’s office would be covered at school, too.”
House Bill 1445 would apply to all K-12 schools, including public, charter, cyber charter, private, nonpublic, intermediate units, and career and technical schools. The bill also would include safeguards to ensure that services are provided by qualified, in-network professionals and are medically necessary.
“This is about making it easier—not harder—for families to access the health care their children need,” Warren said. “I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this step forward for children’s health and educational success.”
House Bill 1445 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Recent Comments