COVID-19 Archives - Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

PA Health Policy Update for July 28

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 24 – 28. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

General Assembly

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania will hold a public hearing Thursday, August 3 at 9:00 a.m. on rural hospital and healthcare sustainability to explore difficulties facing rural hospitals and health systems. The hearing will be held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and will be livestreamed here. More information on the hearing and a tentative agenda can be found here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin notifying providers enrolled in the Medical Assistance (MA) Program that an updated version of the sterilization consent form (MA 31) is available for use.

DHS has shared the following presentations used at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on July 27.

Department of Health

The Department of Health’s (DOH) Healthcare Incident Management System (HIMS) has transitioned from the Corvena to the Juvare software platform. Hospitals, rehabilitation, psychiatric, and long-term care providers are strongly encouraged to attend training on the new platform. Learn more about HIMS here and register for an upcoming training webinar here.

DOH has published a COVID-19 Infection Control and Outbreak Toolkit for Long-Term Care. The resources in the toolkit are intended to expand upon infection prevention and control guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for long-term care facilities for COVID-19 outbreak preparation and response.

DOH has announced it will be transitioning the LTC RISE program to its next phase – LTC RISE 2.0. The next iteration of the program aims to make regional best practices statewide. It will also scale back on COVID-19 crisis response activities; however, those capabilities will be preserved in the event of an increase in COVID-19 outbreaks. Learn more about LTC RISE 2.0 here.

DOH has issued a Health Advisory (2023 – PAHAN – 710) alerting health care providers that, effective July 10, 2023, the state Medicaid program no longer requires prior authorization for preferred hepatitis C agents on the DHS Statewide Preferred Drug List (PDL). This change applies to MA beneficiaries receiving benefits in both fee-for-service and managed care delivery systems.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has released a Policy Bulletin (No. 23-02) describing modifications to the DDAP Gambling Treatment Manual.

Insurance Department

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) is exploring the possibility of updating the Commonwealth’s Essential Health Benefits benchmark (EHB-benchmark) plan. As a part of that process, the department is seeking public input about which benefits to potentially include in an updated EHB-benchmark plan. Comments are due by September 1, 2023. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2023-07-28T19:51:21+00:00July 28th, 2023|COVID-19, Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for May 12

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 8 – 12. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced it will maintain an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

CMS has released an updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) document regarding changes made to the Medicaid continuous enrollment condition under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) by the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023.

CMS has sent a memo to state Medicaid and CHIP programs about the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the COVID-19 national emergency and the implications for Medicaid and CHIP. Find that memo here.

The DEA has announced that the full set of telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications that were established in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency will remain in place for six more months, through November 11. During this period the DEA and HHS’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will continue to consider the flexibilities’ future. Learn more from this DEA announcement, which includes a link to a Federal Register notice.

DOH has notified health care providers the CMS waiver allowing for Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) ends with the Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023. TNA’s who have not completed the testing by May 11, 2023 may become Nurse Aide Candidates by enrolling in an approved Nurse Aide Training Program. After May 11, 2023, nurse aide candidates will have four months to complete the required testing as long as they are enrolled in an approved nurse aide training program. Nurse aide candidates may continue to work in facilities while they complete the training program. Information on preparing and scheduling tests can be found here.

General Assembly

The state Senate returned to Harrisburg on Monday, May 8 for voting session and is now recessed until Monday, June 5.

The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee held an information meeting Wednesday, May 10, to receive updates from local Area Agencies on Aging and to discuss scams targeting older adults. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.

The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing on May 18 to discuss access to rural medicine and health care in Pennsylvania. The hearing will be held at the Carnegie Natural History Museum in Pittsburgh at 11:00 a.m. and will be livestreamed here.

The state House will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 22. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

- The House Health Committee will hold a voting meeting Monday, May 22 at 10:00am to consider, among several resolutions, HB 1131 sponsored by Representative Lisa Borowski, which would remove the requirement for counties to operate state health centers in counties establishing their own local health departments. The meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and will be live streamed here.

- The House Human Services Committee will hold a voting meeting Tuesday, May 23 at 9:00am to consider, HB 849 sponsored by Representative Mike Schlossberg, to allocate funding for the Behavioral Health Commission on Adult Mental Health’s recommendations for funding, and HB 931 sponsored by Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, to establish the Kinship Care Legal Assistance Grant Program. The meeting will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building and can be live streamed here.

Joint State Government Commission

The Joint State Government Commission issued a study on the use of contracted workers at Medicaid funded long-term care facilities, as authorized under Senate Resolution 288 of 2021. The study can be viewed here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) issued an update (PAHAN – 694 – 05-11) with information regarding infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in health care settings based on changes made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 8, 2023.

DOH reminded nursing care facilities that June 1, 2023 is the deadline for submitting the MCARE Surcharge Invoice Payment. The 2022-23 surcharge letters and invoices were emailed to administrators on March 3 and again on April 22.

DOH issued a notice that the Division of Home Health will have the following new address effective May 8, 2023 – 2525 North 7th Street, Harrisburg PA 17110.

Department of Human Services

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued a bulletin clarifying the 120-hour timeframe for Section 302 emergency involuntary commitments in response to questions regarding the previous bulletin issued in November 2022. The OMHSAS Bulletin may be viewed here.

DHS published Provider Quick Tip #233 confirming the waiver of Prudent Pay will not end on May 11, 2023 with the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). It will remain in effect until further notice.

DHS published an updated Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) Directory.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) released the agenda for its May 18 meeting. Following are certain health-related regulations IRRC will consider.

Temporary Graduate Perfusionist License
- No. 3365 State Board of Medicine #16A-4954
- No. 3366 State Board of Osteopathic Medicine #16A-5332
Environmental Quality Board #7-574: Radiological Health Fees

Stakeholder Events

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – May 18

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 18. For information on how to participate, review this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – May 24

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, May 24 at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 25

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. Go here to register to participate.

PA Safety Net Admin2023-05-12T21:27:54+00:00May 12th, 2023|COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for March 31

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 27 to March 31. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, March 29 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 155, which removes the requirement that direct-care workers be interviewed in person for a position, and House Bill 507, which requires medical schools, teaching hospitals, and medical institutions to receive explicit patient consent for all procedures and exams performed under anesthesia by medical students or for training purposes.

The Departments of Health, Aging, and Drug & Alcohol Programs appeared before the House Appropriations Committee for their respective budget hearings this week. A recording of the hearings can be viewed here.

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees will continue budget hearings the week of April 10. A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here, and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be viewed here.

The state House and Senate are currently recessed. They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24 following the conclusion of budget hearings.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) is evaluating a future purchase and distribution of devices that can eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold and other pathogens from air and surfaces simultaneously. DOH would purchase and distribute the devices free of charge to small businesses, non-profit entities, and other facilities throughout the Commonwealth to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other diseases. Long-term care facilities that are interested in receiving a device if this program moves forward should complete this application.  The application is being used to gauge interest in receiving a device and those who complete the application are not guaranteed to receive one.

In response to the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, DOH announced the establishment of a community-based health resource network this week to connect Pennsylvania residents impacted by the derailment with local health care providers for long-term assistance.

Department of Human Services

The Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) issued a bulletin to advise providers of additions and updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Fee Schedule and the issuance of updated physician and general hospital provider handbook pages regarding the prior authorization procedures for proton therapy services. These changes are effective for dates of services on and after April 1, 2023.

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued a memorandum to address stakeholder concerns about the impact of ending OMHSAS’ bulletin suspensions regarding signature requirements specific to consent for treatment, service verification, and treatment plans on March 31, 2023, and clarifying the use of audio-only for telehealth in the delivery of services licensed by OMHSAS.

Board of Nursing

The State Board of Nursing published Interpretations Regarding the Administration of Drugs-Statement of Policy in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This statement of policy clarifies that registered nurses may administer a specific amount of conscious sedation medication during minor therapeutic and diagnostic procedures upon a written order of either a physician or a CRNP when either a physician or CRNP is present during the administration. This statement of policy is expected to eliminate confusion about CRNPs’ authority to order and supervise registered nurses’ administration of conscious sedation under certain circumstances.

Around the State

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported Pennsylvania long-term care facilities will share $14.2 million from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The funds are intended to support workforce development, staff retention, and infrastructure improvements.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote about the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s budget hearing this week and noted the focus on the state’s response to the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment and Pennsylvania’s post-COVID public health landscape.

A report issued by Kaufman Hall noted that hospital finances continue to struggle in the face of macroeconomic headwinds but they appear to be beginning to stabilize. Fierce Healthcare details the challenges hospitals continue to confront here.

Stakeholder Events

DOH – Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – April 12

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will meet on April 12, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board – April 26

The DUR Board will meet Wednesday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – April 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on April 26, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

PA Safety Net Admin2023-04-05T18:10:50+00:00March 31st, 2023|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for March 24

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 18 to March 24. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

The House Appropriations Committee will hold a budget hearing next Tuesday, March 28 at 10:00 for the Department of Health and at 1:00 for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The hearings will be held in the House chamber and also will be live-streamed here. A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be found here.
The House Health Committee will convene on Wednesday, March 29 to consider, among other bills, House Bill 155, which removes the requirement that direct-care workers be interviewed in person for a position, and House Bill 507, which requires medical schools, teaching hospitals, and medical institutions to receive explicit patient consent for all procedures and exams performed under anesthesia by medical students or for training purposes.
The state House and Senate are currently recessed. They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24 following the conclusion of budget hearings.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced updates of the Medical Assistance fee schedule that will take effect on April 1. Find the affected fees in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers that it has added CPT code 0044A to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for the administration of the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax. The new code takes effect immediately. Learn more from this Medical Assistance Bulletin.
DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks into early May. Find the updated calendar here.
DHS has shared information for its community partners to use when helping their current Medicaid patients complete the process of renewing their Medicaid eligibility. The information includes key dates, web addresses and phone numbers for further information, links to FAQs, and more. Go here to find these resources.
DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee met on March 23. See the presentations delivered by the following DHS offices:
DHS has issued its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of February.
DHS has updated its list of companies that participate in its Medicaid drug rebate program.

Department of Health

The Department of Health has added Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II Disorder (MPS II) screening to the supplemental conditions mandated for screening and follow-up under the state’s newborn screening program effective July 1. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
The Department of Health, which last month joined the Department of Agriculture and Department of Environmental Protection in establishing a temporary physical presence in Darlington Township, Beaver County to assist residents affected by the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, has announced that the three departments will maintain a weekly presence there to continue addressing the needs and concerns of local residents. Learn more about when the departments will be on site and what services they will offer from this Department of Health news release.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has announced an expansion of its free substance use disorder prevention and education tool “Just Five.” Learn more about the expansion of this tool and its new components from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs news release.

COVID-19: By the Numbers

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Pennsylvania fell 26 percent last week after 19 percent declines in each of the two previous weeks. The number of weekly deaths is holding steady.
In the past week the state surpassed 2.9 million confirmed cases of COVID-19; another 637,000 cases are considered “probable.”
According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 fell 10 percent last week after falling 14 percent the previous week and 16 percent the week before that. The number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators rose slightly in the past week and the number in hospital ICUs fell slightly.
The CDC reports a 10 percent decline in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19 after an 18 percent decline the previous week and a 13 percent decline the week before that.
For the week ending March 22, one Pennsylvania county (Sullivan) experienced a low rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 28 counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 23 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and 15 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting April 5

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and support subcommittee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 5 at 10:00 in Harrisburg. For information about how to join the meeting in person or participate remotely, see this DHS notice.

Department of Health – Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee Meeting – April 10

The Department of Health’s Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee will meet in Sellersville and be available for participants virtually on Monday, April 1 at 1:00. For information about the committee, the location of the meeting, and how to join virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – May 16

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is offering training on adolescent ASAM criteria, to be delivered virtually, for participants who already understand the foundational aspects of the ASAM criteria. The purpose of this training is to explore and discuss the adolescent-specific aspects of the ASAM criteria and offer participants a practical focus through lecture, real-world clinical vignettes, and case studies. The program will be held on May 16 at 8:30. Continuing education credits are available. Learn more about the program, including requirements for participation and how to join, from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice. Please note that this program is identical to one offered on March 9.

jsteinbock2023-03-24T20:58:02+00:00March 24th, 2023|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Uncategorized|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for March 17

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 11 to March 17. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

The General Assembly will begin hearings examining Governor Shapiro’s FY 2023-24 budget proposal next week. A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be found here. The following are the schedules for the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services budget hearings.
- Tuesday, March 28: Department of Health – House Appropriations Committee
- Tuesday, April 11: Department of Human Services – House Appropriations Committee
- Wednesday, April 12: Department of Human Services – Senate Appropriations Committee
- Thursday, April 13: Department of Health – Senate Appropriations Committee

The House and Senate are currently recessed. They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24 following the conclusion of budget hearings.

Department of Health

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has informed the Department of Health that the approved CMS waiver extending the deadline for temporary nurse aides to complete required examinations is in effect until May 11, 2023. Learn more about the implications of the expiration of this waiver and how nurse aide candidates can continue to work while pursuing certification from this Department of Health notice.

The Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will add chronic hepatitis C as a qualifying serious medical condition for medical marijuana use in Pennsylvania. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

COVID-19: By the Numbers

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania fell 19 percent last week after a similar 19 percent decline last week and 17 percent the previous week. The number of daily deaths is holding steady.
According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 fell 14 percent last week after a 16 percent decline the previous week and a nine percent decline the week before that. The number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators and in hospital ICUs held steady over the past two weeks.
The CDC reports a 10 percent decline in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19 after an 18 percent decline the previous week and a 13 percent decline the week before that.
For the week ending March 15, 24 Pennsylvania counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 20 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 33 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – March 22

The consumer subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday March 22 at 1:00. Go here to register to participate.

March 22 – Medicaid and CHIP Continuous Enrollment Unwinding Webinar – March 22

CMS will hold a webinar on the unwinding of Medicaid and CHIP continuous enrollment and what providers need to know and how to prepare for that unwinding on Wednesday, March 22 at noon (eastern). During the webinar, CMS officials will review recently released CMS unwinding resources to help partners with their outreach efforts and respond to questions about Medicaid renewals and terminations, Medicaid to marketplace transitions, Medicaid to Medicare transitions, communication and outreach strategies, and more. Go here to register to participate. CMS will offer the same webinar on April 26, May 24, and June 28. Go here and scroll down for materials from previous webinars on Medicaid unwinding.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 23

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will hold its next public meeting virtually on Thursday, March 23 at 10:00. Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting April 5

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and support subcommittee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 5 at 10:00 in Harrisburg. For information about how to join the meeting in person or participate remotely, see this DHS notice.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – May 16

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is offering training on adolescent ASAM criteria, to be delivered virtually, for participants who already understand the foundational aspects of the ASAM criteria. The purpose of this training is to explore and discuss the adolescent-specific aspects of the ASAM criteria and offer participants a practical focus through lecture, real-world clinical vignettes, and case studies. The program will be held on May 16 at 8:30. Continuing education credits are available. Learn more about the program, including requirements for participation and how to join, from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice. Please note that this program is identical to one offered on March 9.

jsteinbock2023-03-17T19:46:43+00:00March 17th, 2023|COVID-19, Federal Medicaid issues, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2024 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for Friday, March 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 4 to March 10. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro delivered his first budget address before the General Assembly this week. The themes highlighted throughout his speech included investing in public safety and public health, creating opportunity by growing the state’s economy, expanding the workforce, ensuring that every child has access to a quality education, and increasing access to mental health services. In total, Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2024 budget would spend $45.8 billion, a $2.5 billion or 5.9 percent increase over the current fiscal year. For further information about the proposed budget, see the following resources:

General Assembly

The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 8 this week. This legislation requires insurers to cover costs associated with genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. It also requires insurers to cover all costs associated with a supplemental breast screening by MRI or ultrasound for women at increased risk of breast cancer pursuant to Act 52 of 2020. Senate Bill 8 was received in the House and referred to the Insurance Committee.
The state House and Senate appropriations committees will begin hearings on Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2024 budget the week of March 20. A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be viewed here.
The state House and Senate are now recessed until the conclusion of budget hearings. Both chambers will return to session on Monday, April 24.
The House Democratic Caucus announced its 2023-2024 legislative session committee chairs this week. Representative Dan Frankel will serve as chair of the Health Committee and Representative Stephen Kinsey will serve as chair of the Human Services Committee. A complete list of the House committee chairs can be viewed here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a notice to inform presumptive eligibility providers of care to pregnant women that the income guidelines used to determine presumptive eligibility have been updated effective January 12, 2023. Go here to see the notice, which includes information about the criteria for qualifying for presumptive eligibility and the new income guidelines.
DHS has posted a reminder that all Medicaid-enrolled providers who dispense hearing aid supplies to Medicaid patients must submit a copy of their renewed Department of Health certification to MA Provider Enrollment by March 16 to continue providing and billing DHS for hearing aid supplies. Find that notice here.
DHS has issued a request for information seeking stakeholder input and information concerning the current Community HealthChoices agreement for the anticipated re-procurement of Community HealthChoices managed care organization contracts. Specifically, the state seeks information on the statement of work for the upcoming re-procurement before issuing a request for application for vendors to bid on program participation. Go here to learn more about the request for information and what the state seeks from interested parties. The deadline for submitting comments is April 14.
DHS has shared minutes from the February 23 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee and minutes from the January 25 meeting of that committee’s consumer subcommittee.
Acting DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh has written an op-ed column outlining how the state will work with its Medicaid population and various organizations to determine the continued eligibility of current participants in the face of the end of the continuous Medicaid eligibility that was part of the federal government’s and the state’s response to the economic challenges posed by COVID-19. That column was published in several newspapers across the state; find an example here from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The ideas outlined in this op-ed column are reinforced and explained in greater detail in this Shapiro administration news release.

Department of Health

The Department of Health has issued a request for applications to award grants to local health departments, health systems, health clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, non-profit organizations, local governments, 501(c)(3) organizations, and other clinical providers serving the 10 counties with the highest suicide rates in Pennsylvania (Venango, Blair, Dauphin, Berks, Luzerne, Lycoming, Wayne, Franklin, Sullivan, and McKean counties) for a suicide prevention pilot program. It seeks to fund applicants addressing evidence-based suicide prevention strategies for youth between the ages of 15 and 24 and creating local inventories of suicide prevention resources. The overall goal of this funding is to promote the reduction of factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience among disproportionately affected populations especially among Pennsylvania youth. Learn more from this solicitation notice, which includes a link to the request for applications. Applications are due by April 6.
The Department of Health has published decisions on recent requests for exceptions to health care facility regulations. Find those decisions in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

COVID-19: By the Numbers

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania fell 19 percent over the past week after falling 17 percent the previous week. In addition, the number of daily deaths has declined slightly.
According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 fell 16 percent last week after a nine percent decline the previous week and was below 1000 for the first time since May of 2022. The number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators declined 17 percent last week and the number in hospital ICUs fell 28 percent and is down into double digits – 98 – for the first time since July of 2022.
The CDC reports an 18 percent decline in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19 after a 13 percent decline the previous week.
For the week ending March 8, 10 Pennsylvania counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 29 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 29 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission. This reflects a significant improvement over recent weeks.

Stakeholder Events

Patient Safety Authority – Board Meeting – March 16

The Patient Safety Authority board will meet virtually on Thursday, March 16 at 1:00. For information about participating in the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.