The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from November 2 – November 6 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Election

The General Election was a considerable shift in Pennsylvania politics, with Governor Shapiro securing re-election, the Democratic House maintaining and expanding its majority, and Senate Democrats obtaining a majority for the first time since a brief hold of the process in 1993.

The final make ups of both chambers are 26 D -24 R in the Senate and will be anywhere from 111 D – 92 R to 114 D – 89 R in the House pending the results of uncalled races.

Moving forward with a new trifecta of Democratic control, the Governor and Legislative leaders outlined the policy proposals which will be prioritized within the first 100 days of the new year.

General Assembly

The House will return to session on Monday November 9^th and Tuesday November 10^th to close out their session activities. During this time, both Democratic & Republican Caucuses will meet internally to vote on their leadership teams for the upcoming session. House Republicans must make at least one change to their leadership team to account for retiring Caucus Administrator Rep. Sheryl Delozier. Upon conclusion of this week’s session days, the House will likely recess through the end of the 2025-26 Session on November 30^th. The 2027-2028 Legislative Session will informally begin on December 1^st, but formally kicks off on swearing-in day, Tuesday January 5th.

The Senate will return the week following on Tuesday November 17^th for the same leadership elections activities to close out their session activities. 

Department of Health

DOH announced a total of 1,467 measles cases, along with a sixth measles-associated death, confirmed as of Wednesday, November 4^th across 45 counties in Pennsylvania so far for 2026.

The Department issued a Health Alert Network Advisory offering guidance to providers on extended use of Penicillin G Benzathine due to a voluntary recall.

Department of Human Services

In an ever-changing healthcare landscape, stay plugged in to DHS updates for managing HR 1, new rules and regulations, among others. DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – covers DHS program updates, agency news, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

DHS issued an update to their Pennsylvania Medicaid Managed Care Directory for November.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) announced the opening of 2026-27 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season, with applications being accepted now through April 23, 2027.

The Department released in the PA Bulletin proposed rulemaking to make updates to Crisis Intervention Services Payment regulations. 

Department of Revenue

The Department issued its October 2026 Revenue Collections update showing year-to-date revenue at $662.3 million above estimate. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS’ Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) will host a series of youth suicide prevention trainings held on Tuesdays from 12-1pm beginning on September 29^th and concluding in April 2027.

The Department of Health’s HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold its public meetings on Wednesday, November 18^th and Thursday, November 19^th, both from 9am-2pm. 

Federal Update

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