PA Health Policy Update for April 18
The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 14 – 18. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).
Governor Shapiro
An arsonist attacked the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg on Sunday, April 13, which forced the Governor and his family, who were present at the time of the attack, to be evacuated. The suspect has been arrested and formally charged with attempted murder, terrorism, and other charges. Find additional details, and the Governor’s statement on political violence, in this press release.
General Assembly
- The state House of Representatives and Senate were recessed this week. The House of Representatives will return to Harrisburg on Tuesday, April 22. The Senate will remain recessed until Monday, May 5.
- The House Majority Policy Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, April 14 examining the impact of the life science sector on advanced manufacturing and health care workforce development. Find additional details and a recording of the meeting here.
- The House Majority Policy Committee also held an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 15 examining midwifery modernization and maternal health deserts in Pennsylvania. Find additional details and a recording of the meeting here.
- The House Insurance Committee has scheduled an informational meeting on Wednesday, April 23 at 9:15 a.m. to examine infertility care in Pennsylvania. The meeting will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Building and livestreamed here.
Department of Human Services
- The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers enrolled on the Medical Assistance (MA) program of updates to the MA program fee schedule, including the addition of new procedure codes and the end-dating of certain codes based on provider request and clinical review. These changes will take effect May 1.
- DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics (RHCs) of the procedure codes, modifiers, and places of service to utilize when billing for covered services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries.
- DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh along with other health-related cabinet officials participated in the Western Pennsylvania Regional Rural Healthcare Summit to discuss opportunities and challenges communities face accessing health care services. Find more information in this press release.
- DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through the month of May. Find the updated calendar here.
Department of Health
- The Department of Health has announced that an individual from another state tested positive for measles while visiting Lancaster County after a trip to Texas, creating a potential for exposure to others. Find additional details and information about measles from DOH here.
- The Newborn Screening and Follow-up Technical Advisory Board had voted to recommend the addition of Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a lysosomal storage disorder, to the commonwealth newborn screening panel effective January 1, 2026. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
- DOH has announced it will hold four public comment sessions to provide stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the development of the 2026 State Plan for the Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC Program). Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
Around the State
Crozer Health’s ongoing challenges, as well as efforts to transition certain service lines were the subject of an article published by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
PA has published an article about measles, the increasing cases nationally, and growing vaccine hesitancy.
Stakeholder Meetings
DHS – Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee – April 23
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has cancelled the April 23 Drug Utilization Board meeting and will instead hold an ad hoc P&T Committee meeting. Find registration information and details here.
DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – April 23
The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 23 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.
DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 24
The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 24 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.
The Patient Safety Authority – April 29
The Patient Safety Authority board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, April 29 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – May 2
The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, May 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112 in the Cumberland conference room. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.