Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker signed two pieces of healthcare-related legislation into law at St. Christopher’s Hospital on Thursday, July 25th.
The two bills, 240467 and 240426, adjust an index related to federal Medicaid funding, and change the zoning on a plot of land that will allow for a new health center to be built in the 7th Council District, respectively.
The first, 240467, allows the Department of Human Services to “add a separate assessment rating for high volume Medicaid hospitals without changing assessment percentages for other hospitals,” according to Interim Health Commissioner Frank Franklin.
Essentially, by adjusting the index, Philadelphia hospitals could see more federal funding.
The second bill, 240426, changing zoning laws to allow for the building of a new community health center on the grounds of the old Friend’s Hospital in Lozada’s seventh District.
The building of the needed center has drawn opposition from those who want to preserve what they consider a historic site, and others who have concerns regarding traffic and the influx of health center patients. Meanwhile, wait times to see a doctor at the closest center to the proposed site can be more than a year.
The feeling in the room was ebullient, as Mayor Parker, adept at public engagements, worked the room, speaking with caregivers, stakeholders, and patients.
“I see you and I appreciate and am impressed with all that you’re doing for the entire city of Philadelphia,” Parker said those sitting in the filed atrium and those watching from above floors. “So now I get a chance to lift this up. I’m grateful every day for all of you and the team who has (made this legislation) happen.”
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