Bill > SB740

This bill repeals existing provisions in Title 61 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes related to the Medical Services Program for inmates, which previously allowed the Department of Corrections to charge inmates copays and fees for medical services. The previous law established a program that required inmates to pay fees for certain medical treatments, with regulations specifying fee amounts, payment procedures, and exceptions. Under the new bill, the department is explicitly prohibited from requiring inmates to pay any copays or fees for medical services. The bill completely eliminates the previous framework that allowed medical service fees, ensuring that inmates cannot be charged for healthcare regardless of the type of service or circumstances. The legislation also abrogates any existing regulations that are inconsistent with this new prohibition, effectively ending the practice of charging inmates for medical care. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and it maintains the department's fundamental duty to provide medical services to inmates without financial barriers.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=740