The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 29 – August 2.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly 

The House Republican Policy Committee held an informational hearing on Thursday, August 1 about health care options for small businesses. The agenda and written testimony are viewable here. Find a recording of the hearing here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate are recessed until Monday, September 23 and Monday, September 16, respectively. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of June. 

Department of Health 

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 762) with information, including treatment recommendations, about medetomidine, a potent non-opioid veterinary sedative, that has been detected in the illicit drug supply.
  • DOH has also issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 763) regarding an increasing number of emerging substances, including designer benzodiazepines, nitazines, tianeptine, and carfentanil, circulating in the illicit drug supply.
  • DOH has announced its annual long term care facility questionnaire will launch on September 1 and will seek to collect data for the state fiscal year timeframe of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. An email with the questionnaire and log-in information for each facility will be sent to the email contact on file. As a reminder, completion of the questionnaire is mandatory. If a facility doesn’t receive the email on September 1, please contact Aicha Hassane Noma via email at ahassaneno@pag.gov. 

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue has announced Pennsylvania collected $3 billion in General Fund revenue in July, the first month of the 2024-25 fiscal year. July collection data does not include a comparison against anticipated amounts because revenue estimates for each month are not yet finalized. 

Around the State   

  • WHYY has published an article about a recent Commonwealth Fund survey report that found fewer than half of people who experienced insurance denials fought them due to a lack of knowledge about their right to do so. The article also highlights the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s independent review program.
  • The Times-Tribune has written about Community Health Systems’ (CHS) plan to sell its three hospitals in Northeastern Pennsylvania to the newly formed non-profit health system Woodbridge Healthcare.
  • Harold Brubaker has written an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer about Thomas Jefferson University’s completed acquisition of Lehigh Valley Health Network.
  • Amid continued speculation about whether Governor Josh Shapiro will be the running mate of Vice President Kamala Harris, Newsweek has published an article about Shapiro’s last-minute schedule changes this coming weekend.