(a) Legislative finding.--The General Assembly finds that there exists in this Commonwealth a major crisis because of the continuing escalation of costs for health care services. Because of the continuing escalation of costs, an increasingly large number of Pennsylvania citizens have severely limited access to appropriate and timely health care. Senior citizens and the disabled are disadvantaged by the continuing escalation of costs for health care services. Increasing costs are also undermining the quality of health care services currently being provided. Further, the continuing escalation is negatively affecting the economy of this Commonwealth and is restricting new economic growth and impeding the creation of new job opportunities in this Commonwealth.

(b) Declaration of policy.--The General Assembly declares its policy to be that, in accordance with the provisions of this act, providers of health care services should not charge or collect from a beneficiary of health insurance under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Public Law 74-271, 42 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), known as the Medicare Program, an amount in excess of the reasonable charge for the service provided, as determined by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.