The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 23 – 27.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The House Republican Policy Committee held an informational hearing on Monday, September 23 examining Pennsylvania’s drug crisis. Testimony offered at the hearing is viewable here and a video recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene for voting session next Monday, September 30 through Wednesday, October 2. Following is a selection of relevant health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled.

  • The House Labor & Industry Committee will meet on Monday, September 30 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 60 of the East Wing to consider, among other bills, House Bill 2548, which requires employers to provider paid sick leave.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will meet on Monday, September 30 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building for a public hearing on House Bill 2320, which addresses Medicaid dependency and timely reimbursement for long-term nursing home care.
  • The House Insurance Committee will meet on Monday, September 30 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 60 East Wing to consider, among other bills, House Bill 2562, which prohibits annual and lifetime health care coverage limits. The Insurance Committee will also meet on Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 60 of the East Wing for a public hearing on House Bill 1663 and the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in health insurance claims processes.
  • The House Health Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 2 at 9:00 a.m. in Room G50 of the Irvis Office Building to consider the following bills.
    • House Bill 2094, which establishes certain limitations on filial responsibility for outstanding medical bills.
    • House Bill 2549, which requires an autopsy to include an inquiry to determine whether the death was a direct result of a seizure or epilepsy.
    • Senate Bill 840, which creates an Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders division within the Department of Aging and establishes an Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders Advisory Committee.
    • Senate Bill 1080, which allows licensed practical nurses to make death pronouncements in the hospice setting.
  • The Human Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 2 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building for a public hearing on House Bill 2560, which makes statutory changes to ensure Pennsylvania is in compliance with CMS’ “four walls” requirement. Immediately following, the Human Services Committee will hold a voting meeting on House Bill 2560 and House Bill 2533, which creates a 988 public education campaign. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the continuation of the alternative payment methodology for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines administered during a COVID-19 vaccine-only visit. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DHS has published its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of August. 

Insurance Department 

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has announced it received approximately $635,000 from CMS to improve women’s access to health benefits. The funds will be used to launch a multi-faceted campaign focused on awareness and education about preventive care, including contraception. It will also be used to enhance benefit reviews and issuer education to reduce coverage barriers and improve compliance. Find additional information in this press release.

Around the State 

Spotlight PA has published an article about Auditory General Tim DeFoor’s report on pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs) and the politics surrounding the report in an election year. 

Stakeholder Events

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – October 1

The Statewide HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, October 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Find additional information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – October 10

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, October 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – October 18

The Renal Disease Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly public meeting on Friday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.