The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from December 22 – December 31 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).
Rural Health Transformation Program
The Shapiro Administration announced Pennsylvania’s $193 million portion of federal Rural Health Transformation Program funds. As previously shared in other updates, the Administration’s plan focuses on several initiative areas to drive federal investment:
- Technology & Infrastructure
- Workforce
- Maternal Health
- Behavioral Health
- Aging & Access
- EMS & Transportation
Investments will be coordinated through Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) organizations, already existing regional economic collaboratives, and coordination with locally created Rural Care Collaboratives steered by regional stakeholders and healthcare leaders. Updates on these investments will be shared as more information becomes available.
Reorganizations
The Shapiro Administration released departmental reorganizations for both the Office of Administration and the Department of General Services.
General Assembly
The House and Senate will briefly convene Session on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. House Session will be non-voting. The House shared scheduled Session days through 2026 and Senate Session days are released through June.
Department of Human Services
DHS launched Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.
The Department issued proposed notice for Disproportionate Share and Supplemental Payments to Qualifying Hospitals for 2025-2026.
DHS issued updated Emergency Medical Services Rates for Publicly Owned Providers which will be effective 1/1/2026.
The Department released a Bulletin notice regarding the Medical Assistance Program Compensable Service Change: GLP-1 Drugs to Treat Overweight and Obesity and issued an MA Bulletin notice revising Prior Authorization Requirements for GLP-1 medications.
DHS issued an MA Bulletin updating the EPSDT Periodicity Schedule to reflect vaccine schedule changes.
The Department released an MA Bulletin with guidelines for Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps.
DHS shared an MA Bulletin with updates to Limited English Proficiency Requirements.
Department of Health
The Department published final-form Sexual Assault Victim Emergency Services Regulations listing hospitals that do not provide emergency contraception due to a stated moral or religious belief.
Stakeholder Meetings
The Department of Health’s Renal Disease Advisory Committee will meet for its quarterly public meeting on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefit Program Advisory Council will meet on Thursday Jan. 29, 2026, from 10a.m. to 12p.m. The Council will offer guidance and recommendations to the Department on the program’s drug formulary, covered lab services, drug utilization review, clinical programs, eligibility and program management.
Federal Update
Click here for a review of this week’s federal activities.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026.