Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) has said he will not approve medical malpractice subsidies for physicians until state lawmakers agree to fund the Cover All Pennsylvanians program, his medical coverage plan designed to offer Pennsylvania health insurance to more state citizens who cannot afford it.

Kaiser Daily Health Reports that Rendell is refusing to approve the funding designed to lower medical malpractice suits in his state, a move which could cost doctors "hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars more for medical malpractice insurance."

If, however, legislature approves the funding for his Pennsylvania health insurance plan Rendell has proposed extending the subsidies for medical malpractice insurance for 10 years.

Rendell, who is clearly playing hardball, has received a lot of criticism over this. State Sen. Don White (R) said Rendell is "holding doctors and hospitals hostage" while he tries to force the Legislature to approve funding for the plan.

The balance Rendell needs to strike is one between funding Pennsylvania health insurance for its most needy citizens, and doing so without draining state taxes. Whether he can pull it off will soon be seen, but in the mean time Pennsylvanians should continue shopping online for the best coverage they can afford. It could be quite awhile before the Cover All Pennsylvanians program can make it out of legislature with a decent budget.