The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania October 21 – 25.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened this week for voting session. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity.

• The House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 920, which establishes a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system and implements the recommendations from Act 70 of 2022. The bill has been presented to Governor Shapiro for his signature.

• The House of Representatives voted to concur with the Senate’s amendment to House Bill 1608, which extends Medicaid coverage to doula services and creates a doula advisory board. The bill has been presented to Governor Shapiro for his signature.

• The House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 365, which amends the Workers’ Compensation Act to provide first responders with post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) coverage. The bill has been presented to Governor Shapiro for his signature.

• The Senate voted to concur with the House’s amendments to Senate Bill 267, which adds urgent care centers to the list of safe haven locations for newborn children. The bill has been presented to Governor Shapiro for his signature.

• The House of Representatives passed House Bill 2533, which creates a 988 public education campaign.

• The House of Representatives passed House Bill 2094, which establishes certain limitations on filial responsibility for outstanding medical bills. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

• The House Children & Youth Committee met on Tuesday, October 22 and favorably reported House Bill 1600, which expands oversight of juvenile justice facilities, and House Bill 2461, which establishes an Ebony Alert system. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

• The House Children & Youth Committee also met on Wednesday, October 23 for an informational meeting on the CCAP Complex Case Task Force report and the DHS Blueprint report. A recording of the hearing is viewable here. 

• The Senate Aging & Youth and Banking & Insurance Committees held a joint hearing on Wednesday, October 23 at 9:00 a.m. on protecting senior citizens, with a focus on House Bill 2064 and possible revisions to the Older Adult Protective Services Act. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

This was the last voting session prior to the November 5 General Election. The House and Senate will return to Harrisburg following the election on November 12 and 13, respectively. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through November. Find the updated calendar here.

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

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced it is investing $3.2 million to combat the drug-related overdose epidemic through 13 organizations that will help residents connect with services and care, including receiving overdose prevention and reversal tools, treatment options, drug checking equipment, and educational services. Find additional information in this press release.

DOH has updated the electronic reporting system used to report deaths to the department under the Vital Statistics Law. For information on how to enroll in the new electronic system and frequently asked questions, see this fact sheet.

Around the State  

• The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has written an article about the waning days of the 2023-2024 legislative session, its accomplishments and unresolved issues.

• ABC 27 has reported on bills recently signed into law by Governor Shapiro, including numerous health care bills.

• St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is receiving an additional $30 million in support over two years from a coalition of Philadelphia health care organizations, which was highlighted in an article written by Harold Brubaker for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

• Harold Brubaker has also written an article about the rate of insurance denials among plans on the state’s health insurance marketplace, Pennie. Independence Blue Cross had the highest claim denial rate at 20.06 percent. 

Stakeholder Events

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – November 1

The Brain Injury Advisory Board (Board) will hold a public meeting on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – November 7

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, November 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – HIV Planning Committee – November 20

The Statewide HIV Planning Committee will hold public meetings at the Hilton Harrisburg (One North 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101) on Wednesday, November 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday, November 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meeting will also be held virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.