Question 1

How does the Pennsylvania MCARE Fund work?

Accepted Answer

The MCARE Fund is Pennsylvania's excess malpractice fund. Physicians and most healthcare providers purchase primary malpractice coverage (typically $500K/$1.5M) and then pay a separate MCARE assessment that funds an excess layer sitting above the primary. MCARE responds to awards that exceed the primary limits, up to the statutory excess. Annual assessments vary by specialty and can change year to year — RISKX tracks MCARE rate changes so clients aren't surprised at renewal.

Question 2

How much does malpractice insurance cost in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

PA malpractice costs vary sharply by specialty and venue. Family practice: $7,000–$15,000/year. Internal medicine: $9,000–$18,000/year. General surgery: $25,000–$55,000/year. OB/GYN: $45,000–$90,000/year. Philadelphia rates run 20-40% higher than central and western PA. MCARE Fund assessments are paid separately from primary premiums. Claims-made vs. occurrence form, tail coverage, and prior acts dates all materially affect pricing.

Question 3

Do PA medical practices need cyber insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — cyber liability is essential for any Pennsylvania healthcare provider. HIPAA requires breach notification, and PA's own Breach of Personal Information Notification Act imposes state-level notice obligations. A breach affecting 2,000 patient records can easily generate $300,000+ in notification, credit monitoring, forensics, and legal fees before you reach defense costs. Cyber policies also respond to ransomware extortion, business interruption, and regulatory defense — typical premiums run $2,500–$7,000/year.

Pennsylvania Healthcare Insurance | RISKX