PENNSYLVANIA - A bill is still pending at the state Senate could address Pennsylvania's most critical health care crisis for the hundreds who don't have health Insurance, a top Department of State official told nursing students. Joined by about 250 nursing students and professionals at an informational session at the Crowne Plaza, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Commissioner Basil Merenda said that the bill will provide uninsured Pennsylvanians access to better health care.

Merenda said "As professionals who care for us, you know better than most how critical health care is," he also added "PA ABC would help uninsured Pennsylvanians get access to the medical care which could keep various illnesses and injuries from escalating to emergencies and help alleviate the demands our nurses already face."

In Pennsylvania, nearly 767,000 adults are uninsured. According to an advocacy group Families USA, about 710 working age Pennsylvanians died due to lack of health care in 2006. Of those Pennsylvanians who lack insurance, 70% said cost is the main reason, a state Insurance Department study found.

Governor Rendell's Prescription for Pennsylvania health care reform plan, which was introduced in 2007, would ensure access to affordable health insurance for all Pennsylvanians, improve the quality of care, expand access to health care and help bring health care costs under control for workers and employers.