State Sen. Don White, R-41st, has been reappointed as chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee for the 2013-14 legislative session.

White, in a news release, discussed some keys matters likely to come before the committee.

“We have closely monitored the upcoming implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and will continue to do so,” he said.

“It is our job as legislators to ensure the basic rights of Pennsylvanians are not trampled by the federal law.”

White also cited Highmark’s potential acquisition of West Penn Allegheny Health System as a topic that may merit committee consideration.

“There is a sense of short-term stability in the Western Pennsylvania marketplace, but the long-term resolution of Highmark’s acquisition of West Penn are yet to be reached,” White said.

“From the consumers’ standpoint there is some stability now, but as we have seen, the status of West Penn is in flux and the dynamics could dramatically change.”

The committee may also study the financial position of the state’s MCARE fund and consider its long-term future, he noted.

“Considering the current status of the MCARE fund, we may look at the coverage levels currently required to be held by health care providers,” White said. “Additionally, we may consider whether it’s now appropriate to shift more coverage from MCARE to the private sector with the hope of getting the commonwealth out of the insurance business.”

White has chaired the Banking and Insurance Committee since 2007. He will be sworn in to his fifth term in the Senate on Tuesday.