The Basics
- 8 different companies comprise 50% of the market.
- Number of licensed physicians: 52,127
- Number of claims filed in 2013: 1,546
- Total payout 2012: $316,167,500
Tort Reform
In 2002, the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Act (Mcare) was signed into law establishing a compensation fund for victims of medical negligence. The act requires that physicians carry individual medical professional liability insurance with liability limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,500,000 aggregate through a private insurance company and excess limits of $500,000/$1,500,000 through Mcare. In the years following the passing of Mcare the medical malpractice climate in Pennsylvania has become more stable and more insurance carriers have entered the market.
For example, in 2000 there were 2,632 medical malpractice lawsuits filed in Pennsylvania. In 2008, there were only 1,602 and by 2013 only 1,546. While the number of suits filed has decreased, according to national statistics, Pennsylvania is still has higher total payouts than any other state except for New York. In an attempt to lower the severity of payouts lawmakers have introduced legislation that would put a limit on non-economic damages in malpractice cases, but so far no bill has been passed.
Pennsylvania’s Continuous Coverage Law
Pennsylvania’s laws require doctors to have a consistent line of coverage with not only their private medical liability insurance company but also the Mcare fund.
Statute of Limitations
The amount of time a patient has to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Pennsylvania is 2 years. There are exceptions to this rule such as in the case of a minor, which gives 2 years after the child reaches 18 years old. Also, in some cases the Discovery Rule may apply if the person is unable to learn that they’ve been injured and the 2 years may begin at the date of discovery.
Summary of the Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Insurance Market
Like many states Pennsylvania’s medical malpractice insurance market has had its ups and downs. There were 2 crisis points where rates were unaffordable and coverage was extremely limited which prompted lawmakers to initiate reforms. The most difficult challenges came in the mid-1970s and then again in the late 1990s. Although Mcare and other reforms have had a positive impact, Pennsylvania is still among the top 5 states for highest medical malpractice payouts. If damage caps are put in place someday the severity of awards may begin to drop as the market stabilizes even further.