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PA Health Policy Update for September 29

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 25 – 29.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro announced the launch of a new economic development strategy this week that aims to make Pennsylvania a leader in job creation and innovation. Tuesday’s announcement was the first step in creating the state’s first comprehensive economic growth strategy in almost two decades.  The strategy will be an assessment of the areas of strength, an analysis of barriers to growth, and concrete goals and initiatives to guide policymaking and investment decisions moving forward. 

General Assembly 

  • The state House of Representatives convened in Harrisburg this week. The following is an overview of selected health care focused legislative activity.
    • The Health Committee met on Wednesday, September 27 and favorably reported, among other bills and resolutions, House Resolution 143, which directs the Joint State Government Commission to study Pennsylvania’s response to COVID-19. Find a recording of the hearing here.
    • The Aging & Older Adult Services Committee met on Wednesday, September 27 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1527, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medical Assistance-eligible residents living in nursing facilities, and House Resolution 165, which directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to examine the effect of workforce shortages on state-supported Medicaid home and community-based services waiver programs. Find a recording of the hearing here.
  • The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene in Harrisburg next Monday, October 2 through Wednesday, October 4 for voting session.
  • The House Health Subcommittee on Health Facilities will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, October 4 at 9:00 a.m. to examine hospital closures and consolidation.
  • The House Human Services Committee and Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold a joint informational meeting on Wednesday, October 4 at 9:00 a.m. on personal care homes and assisted living facilities.  

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing the addition of new procedures codes to the Medical Assistance (MA) program for vaccine administration.

DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to notify dental providers of updates to the 2023 Pediatric Dental Periodicity Schedule.

Insurance Department 

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has announced the 2024 individual and small group Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance rates. The open enrollment period for Pennsylvania’s state-based insurance exchange, Pennie, will be November 1 to December 15.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has published its annual list of 35 diseases, procedures, and medical conditions for which data shall be required. Find the comprehensive list in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events 

Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board – October 2

The Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, October 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Find information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators – October 17

The Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators will host a free webinar on October 17 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. to discuss the nurse licensure compact and new rules taking effect in 2024, answer questions nurse employers often have, and explain Nursys.com and Nursys e-Notify. Find additional details and instructions on how to participate here.

DOH – Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board Meeting – November 3

The Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, November 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA in the Cambria conference room. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-09-29T19:55:37+00:00September 29th, 2023|long-term care, Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for September 29
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PA Health Policy Update for September 22

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 18 – 22.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

General AssemblyHarrisburg, PA capital building 

  • The state Senate convened for voting session this week. The following bills were passed on third and final consideration.
    • House Bill 1209 and House Bill 1407 make various changes to ensure Pennsylvania remains in compliance with the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and isn’t exposed to litigation that would jeopardize tobacco settlement funding. Both bills will now be sent to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
    • Senate Bill 712 allows clinical laboratories certified by the federal government to directly or indirectly advertise or solicit business for diagnostic laboratory testing under certain terms and conditions. Following passage, the bill was received in the House of Representatives and referred to the Health Committee.
    • Senate Bill 773 makes various changes to the Medical Marijuana Act. Following passage, the bill was received in the House of Representatives and referred to the Health Committee.
  • The House Health Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, September 20 on House Bill 1657, which amends the Clean Indoor Air Act. A recording of the hearing may be viewed here.
  • Democrat Lindsay Powell won a special election Tuesday, September 19 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Representative Sara Innamorato (D – Allegheny), who’s running for Allegheny County Executive. Powell’s victory will preserve the Democrat’s one-seat majority in the House of Representatives.
  • The state House of Representatives will convene next Monday, September 26 and Tuesday, September 27 for voting session. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with updates to electronic visit verification requirements for pediatric home health aide services in the fee-for-service and managed care delivery systems.
  • DHS has announced its intent to allocate $258 million for FY 2023-2024 inpatient disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through October. Find the updated calendar here.

Department of Health 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this week that a team of epidemiologists from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) was the first to identify the transmission of Legionella from an organ directly to a transplant patient. This finding will help protect transplant recipients from serious lung infections. The published research can be viewed in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

DOH has released a Health Advisory (PAHAN – 719) with recommendations regarding the updated (2023-2024) Monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events 

DHS – Consumer Subcommittee of the MAAC – September 27

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a meeting on Wednesday, September 27 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda may be viewed here. The meeting will be held in person at the Keystone Building in the Forrest Room (400 North St., Harrisburg, PA). To participate virtually, register here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) – September 28

The MAAC will hold a meeting on Thursday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m. The agenda may be viewed here. The meeting will be held in person at the Keystone Building in the Forrest Room (400 North St., Harrisburg, PA). To participate virtually, register here. 

Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board – October 2

The Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, October 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Find information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators – October 17

The Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators will host a free webinar on October 17 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. to discuss the nurse licensure compact and new rules taking effect in 2024, answer questions nurse employers often have, and explain Nursys.com and Nursys e-Notify. Find additional details and instructions on how to participate here.

2023-09-22T18:52:13+00:00September 22nd, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medicaid supplemental payments, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for September 22
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PA Health Policy Update for September 15

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 11 – 15.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

Governor Shapiro 

The Shapiro administration announced on Monday, September 11 that the Department of Human Services will begin reviewing and updating the data used to set rates for home and community-based services for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism. Find additional information in the administration’s press release here. 

General Assembly 

  • The House Health Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 20 at 9:30am on House Bill 1657, which amends the Clean Indoor Air Act. The legislation clarifies the definition of a workplace, expands the definition of smoking to include e-cigarettes, and gives all localities the ability to enact smoke-free ordinances that exceed minimum state standards. The hearing will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building and will be livestreamed here.
  • The state Senate will convene for voting session Monday, September 18 through Wednesday, September 20. The state House of Representatives will remain in recess next week. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers of the expansion of childhood nutrition and weight management services for Medical Assistance (MA) beneficiaries under 21 years of age. The expansion includes pharmacotherapy as a result of changes to coverage of obesity drugs and updated guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as coding changes stemming from the 2023 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System updates.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin advising providers of procedure code updates to the MA program fee schedule for the provision of pediatric shift care services provided by home health aides through home health agencies to MA beneficiaries under 21 years of age. The changes are effective with dates of service on and after October 1, 2023.
  • DHS has published Provider Quick Tip #269 to remind providers that they may bill for, and prescribers may order, certain incontinence products.
  • DHS has issued a Remittance Advice (RA) Alert notifying community support service providers of the Federal Financial Participation rate change for the new federal fiscal year, which begins on October 1, 2023.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PAHAN – 717) with important information for providers regarding severe Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) infections in the United States associated with exposure to coastal waters. Since May 2023, there have been three Pennsylvania residents with V. vulnificus infections, all of whom were exposed to coastal water in the days leading up to disease onset.

Department of Aging 

The Department of Aging has released a Master Plan for Older Adults White Paper, which is intended to serve as a reference guide for aging stakeholders and interested individuals as they formulate and submit comments for the state’s master plan for older adults. Additional information about the development of the state’s master plan for older adults and how to comment may be found here. 

Board of Nursing 

The State Board of Nursing has published proposed rulemaking regarding opioid prescribing and organ donation education for certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs). Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events  

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – September 20

The state-wide Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 20 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Participants can also access the meeting virtually. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – September 21

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a board meeting on Thursday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m. Find additional details and instructions on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators – October 17

The Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators will host a free webinar on October 17 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. to discuss the nurse licensure compact and new rules taking effect in 2024, answer questions nurse employers often have, and explain Nursys.com and Nursys e-Notify. Find additional details and instructions on how to participate here.

2023-09-15T20:01:07+00:00September 15th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for September 15
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PA Health Policy Update for September 8

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 4 – 8.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

General Assembly

  • The House Commerce Committee held an informational hearing Wednesday, September 6 at 11:00am on HB 1201, which addresses consumer rights for the sharing of personal data by certain businesses and provides the Attorney General with enforcement authority. The legislation includes several exemptions from the provisions of the act including several health-related exclusions in compliance with HIPAA standards. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Republican Policy Committee held a public hearing Thursday, September 7 at 10:00am on “Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Rural Communities.” More information on the hearing can be found here.
  • The House Health Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 20 at 9:30am on HB 1657, which amends the Clean Indoor Air Act. The legislation would clarify the definition of a workplace, expand the definition of smoking to include e-cigarettes, and give all localities the ability to enact smoke-free ordinances that exceed minimum state standards. The hearing will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building and will be livestreamed here. 

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced changes to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule for the provision of pediatric home health aide services by family members employed by home health agencies. Learn more in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has published Provider Quick Tip #207 advising health care providers of updates to the procedure codes that are subject to the MA cost avoidance process under Act 62. The purpose of the updates is to bring procedure code descriptions in alignment with national procedure code descriptions. The changes became effective September 5, 2023.
  • The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has announced that Public Partnerships, LLC, has been selected as the new statewide Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) for financial management services for Fee-for-Service OLTL-administered programs related. The new contract became effective September 1, 2023.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced the start of its state-wide stakeholder engagement tour. The kick-off event was held in northeastern Pennsylvania in partnership with the Columbia, Montour, and Snyder Drug and Alcohol Program. DDAP’s goal is to gather feedback that will help craft the agency’s plan for increased community and treatment provider engagement while also gaining stakeholder insight to assist the agency’s work on regulation reform.

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue has announced Pennsylvania collected $2.9 billion in General Fund revenue in August, which was $27.1 million, or 0.9 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date collections total $5.8 billion, which is $27.2 million, or 0.5 percent, below estimate.

Stakeholder Events 

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – September 20

The state-wide Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 20 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Participants can also access the meeting virtually. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – September 21

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a board meeting on Thursday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m. Find additional details and instructions on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-09-08T20:37:35+00:00September 8th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for September 8
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PA Health Policy Update for September 1

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from August 28 – September 1.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget Update 

The state Senate convened for voting session Wednesday, August 30 and passed the remaining legislative piece of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 budget – the Fiscal Code. House Bill 1300, which passed by a vote of 29-18, will now be sent to the House of Representative for consideration. A Fiscal Note outlining the provisions contained in the legislation can be found here. The Fiscal Code advanced by the Senate is not agreed to by House Democratic leaders and the House is currently not scheduled to return to Harrisburg until September 26. 

General Assembly

The House Commerce Committee will hold an informational hearing Wednesday, September 6 at 11:00am on HB 1201, which addresses consumer rights for the sharing of personal data by certain businesses and provides the Attorney General with enforcement authority. The legislation includes several exemptions from the provisions of the act including several health-related exclusions in compliance with HIPAA standards. The informational hearing will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building and will be livestreamed here.

The House Republican Policy Committee will hold a public hearing Thursday, September 7 at 10:00am on “Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Rural Communities.” The hearing will be held at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport and will be live streamed here. 

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin advising providers of updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule as a result of the 2023 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) updates. DHS is also adding other procedure codes and making changes to procedure codes currently on the MA program fee schedule. These changes are effective for dates of service on and after September 5, 2023.
  • DHS has published Provider Quick Tip #268 to remind prescribers and providers that certain procedure codes and modifier combinations require prior authorization.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with updates to the Family Planning Services program fee schedule, which are a result of the 2023 HCPCS updates.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PAHAN – 716) regarding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The advisory provides important information about recommended monoclonal antibodies and recently approved vaccines for RSV. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

DHS is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council – September 7

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) will hold a meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023. The public is invited to participate. Contact rgreenawalt@phc4.org for participation instructions. 

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – September 20

The state-wide Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 20 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Participants can also access the meeting virtually. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – September 21

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a board meeting on Thursday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m. Find additional details and instructions on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-09-05T13:44:35+00:00September 1st, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for September 1
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  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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