FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Treasury Secretary John Snow will launch Pennsylvania’s registration process for the Health Coverage Tax Credit Program (HCTC) that will help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for many Pennsylvania residents.

WHAT:
Treasury Secretary Snow Launches Pennsylvania’s Health Insurance Registration

WHEN:
Monday, June 16, 2003 at 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Robert Morris University, Sewall Center, Center Suite
6001 University Blvd., Moon Township, PA 15108

INVITED PARTICIPANTS:
President Edward A. Nicholson, Ph.D., Robert Morris University
Secretary Stephen M. Schmerin, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Senator Rick Santorum, United States Senate
Senator Arlen Specter, United States Senate

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Act President Bush signed into law last year includes the new Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). This program provides an advanced payment of 65% of the premium cost for a qualified health plan for individuals who are eligible to receive Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) benefits or certain individuals who receive pension benefit payments from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).  Approximately 21,000 workers and their families in Pennsylvania are estimated to qualify for the program.

The registration period for eligible Pennsylvanians commences with this event and the HCTC advance payments will be begin August 2003. For more information on a particular state and the health insurance programs that qualify, please visit the HCTC website at www.irs.gov and enter IRS Keyword: HCTC.