The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from January 19 – January 23 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Hospital SustainabilityPennsylvania State Keystone

The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania released a commissioned report on the sustainability of PA hospitals over the next five years which details challenges faced by hospitals and opportunities to preserve healthcare access. The report and a fact sheet are available online 

General Assembly

The House and Senate will both convene next week in session for an abbreviated time due to the impending snowstorm. The House cancelled Monday and Tuesday session and will convene for one day on Wednesday the 28th. As of this writing, the Senate is still planning on a full session week but that is subject to weather cancellations or delays.

The House plans to vote on HB 348, sponsored by Rep. Tim Bonner, which would require nursing facilities to make residents aware of the option to have legal counsel assist residents with their eligibility for Medical Assistance.

The following are healthcare-related bills or cosponsor memos released by legislators this past week:

  • Senators Chris Gebhard and Cris Dush released a co-sponsor memo to prohibit state funds going to entities providing gender affirming care to children.
  • Sen. Doug Mastriano, Sen. Michele Brooks, and Sen. Lisa Baker introduced SB 1147 which allows for Medicaid reimbursement of EMS treatment without transport
  • Sen. Pennycuick, Sen. Bartolotta, and Sen. Devlin Robinson introduced a co-sponsor memo for legislation to allow veterans the “right-to-try” psilocybin-assisted therapies and SB 1149, which would automatically align Pennsylvania’s drug scheduling with Federal scheduling of psilocybin if any change is made.

Department of Human Services

Check out DHS’ 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.

DHS released its Managed Care Enrollment information for December 2025.

The Department shared its remittance guidance for February 2026. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH’s WIC State Advisory Board meeting will be held on Tues. Jan. 27th from 1-2pm.

The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefit Program Advisory Council will meet on Thurs. Jan. 29 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.

DOH’s Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Fri. Feb. 6th from 10am to 3pm.

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a public board meeting on Tues. Feb. 10th at 1pm. 

Federal Update

Click here for a review of this week’s federal activities.