Wolf Seeks Commission To Rein In Health Care Spending

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf is proposing a new government commission that would aim to slow the growth in health care spending and improve affordability by establishing an annual cost benchmark and holding large health providers and insurers accountable to it. The Health Value Commission would set a statewide target for the rate of growth in health spending, and require health care organizations that exceed the target to come up with a plan to bring costs under control. Officials say the commission would have the power to monitor compliance and levy fines. The proposal requires legislative approval. It’s unclear whether the Republican-controlled General Assembly will go along with it.