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PA Health Policy Update for April 5

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 1 – 5.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly 

The Senate Aging & Youth Committee held an informational hearing on Wednesday, April 3 to examine challenges facing Pennsylvania’s children and youth services agencies. A recording of the hearing and copies of testimony provided to the committee are viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate will reconvene for session Monday, April 8 through Wednesday, April 10. Following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled next week.

  • The House Human Services Committee will meet on Monday, April 8 at 9:00 a.m. to consider House Resolution 373, which recognizes the week of April 11 through 17, 2024, as “Black Maternal Health Week” in Pennsylvania. The meeting will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building.
  • Following its voting meeting, the House Human Services Committee will hold an informational meeting on the delivery of quality home care services under Community HealthChoices. The meeting will be livestreamed here.
  • The House Health Committee will hold an informational meeting on Thursday, April 11 on advancing social equity through cannabis legalization. The meeting will be held in Room 60 of the East Wing and livestreamed here. 

Department of Human Services

After one year of processing Medicaid eligibility redeterminations following the end of pandemic-related continuous eligibility, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has reported that less than 600,000 applications are left to be processed and it should be completed with this effort by June 30.

About 70 percent of individuals remained eligible for Medicaid following their redetermination. To continue assisting Medicaid recipients with their annual redeterminations, providers are reminded to:

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has provided an update on certification entities. Clinical supervisors and counselors that provide clinical treatment services in licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities have a number of ways to meet minimum qualifications. One of those ways is full certification by a statewide certification body that is a member of a national body. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) has historically been one of the entities that provides that certification. In addition to PCB, the newly developed Pennsylvania Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (PCC AP), which is part of the Pennsylvania Association of Addiction Professionals, an affiliate of the National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), is also an option for certification for clinical counselors and supervisors.  

Department of Insurance

The Department of Insurance has published guidance on how insurers should govern the development, acquisition, and use of certain artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This department has also informed insurers of the type of information and documentation that the department may request during an investigation or examination of any insurer regarding its use of the technologies and AI systems. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue has announced that Pennsylvania collected $6.3 billion in General Fund revenue in March, which was $289.9 million, or 4.8 percent, more than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $32.8 billion, which is $366.0 million, or 1.1 percent, above estimate. 

Stakeholder Events 

PHC4 – Meeting Dates

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has scheduled the following meetings.

  • Data Systems Committee meeting on April 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
  • Council meetings on May 4 at 8:30 a.m. and July 11 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Payment Data Advisory Group meetings on April 18, May 23, and June 20 at 10:00 a.m.

Agendas will be available 24 hours in advance here. Find details on how to register and participate here. 

Patient Safety Authority – April 25

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a meeting of the authority’s board on Thursday, April 25 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Find details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DOH – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – April 25

The Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP) Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-04-06T06:34:47+00:00April 5th, 2024|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for April 5
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PA Health Policy Update for March 29

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 25 – 29.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro 

Governor Shapiro signed House Bill 1564, which provides for the creation of an associate license for marriage and family therapists and an associate license for professional counselors, into law on Thursday, March 28. It is now Act 4 of 2024. 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives convened for a voting session this week. Following is a selection of health care policy-related legislative activity that occurred.

  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 1956, which makes certain amendments to the Patient Test Results Act. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House Insurance Committee met on Monday, March 25 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1512, which provides for the coverage of telemedicine services. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Health Committee convened on Wednesday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m. and favorably reported a number of bills and resolutions, including the following:
    • House Bill 1633, which prohibits the use of non-compete agreements in health care employment.
    • House Bill 2084, which establishes a license for prescription drug virtual manufacturers.
    • Senate Bill 668, which permits certified nurse aides to become certified medication aides in long-term care, assisted living residences, and personal care homes. 

The House and Senate will be in recess next week. Both chambers will return to Harrisburg for voting session the week of April 8. 

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has posted a solicitation for grantees to develop and provide support to regional maternal health coalitions that will implement maternal mortality-prevention strategies recommended by the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee to reduce maternal mortality, particularly where there are disparities. The solicitation is viewable at eMarketplace or by clicking here.

DOH has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 743) with important information about an increase in Mpox cases in Pennsylvania. The advisory includes recommendations for the prevention, screening, and treatment of Mpox.  

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued Provider Quick Tip #272 announcing it has experienced a delay in implementing Version 40.0 and Version 41.0 of the APR DRG classification system for Medical Assistance (MA) program enrolled acute care general hospitals. This will affect acute care general inpatient stays with discharge dates on or after October 1, 2022. As a result of this delay, DHS will begin to mass adjust claims submitted for discharge dates October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 for Version 40.0, and October 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024 for Version 41.0 after February 29, 2024.

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has issued a clarification regarding the ability of Personal Assistance Service (PAS) workers to be reimbursed for transporting Community HealthChoices (CHC) participants in the community. The Commonwealth’s CHC 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver addresses PAS and transportation beginning on page 81. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs 

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has released a Licensing Alert 05-2024 related to staffing regulations. DDAP has issued individual licensing alerts over time that focus on

specific regulation topics. This licensing alert will organize previous relevant, active licensing alerts, as well as provide additional guidance for Chapter 704 staffing regulations. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it has contacted individuals that had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • 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.

 Stakeholder Events  

DHS – Long-Term Services & Supports Subcommittee– April 3

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s Long-Term Services & Support (LTSS) Subcommittee next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and in person. Register to participate here. 

DOH – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – April 19

The Renal Disease Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly public meeting on Friday, April 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss new and ongoing issues relating to treatment of chronic renal disease and the Department of Health’s programs related to care and treatment. Details on how to participate can be found in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-03-29T18:22:54+00:00March 29th, 2024|Governments, Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 29
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PA Health Policy Update for March 22

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 18 – 22.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for a voting session this week. Following is a selection of health care policy-related legislative activity that occurred.

  • The House passed House Bill 1201, a consumer data privacy bill, by a vote of 139-62 on third and final consideration. The bill includes exemptions for protected health information under HIPAA and patient-identifying information related to certain research. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House Professional Licensure Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, March 18 to discuss House Bill 1354, which enables boards and commissions within the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to issue advisory opinions to licensees. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee convened for a voting meeting on Tuesday, March 19 and favorably reported House Bill 1795, which aligns state statute with federal requirements for source plasma donation centers. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care and Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Corrections held an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 20 regarding the criminal justice implications of adult-use cannabis legalization. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Children & Youth Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 20 to review the Office of the Child Advocate. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • Rep. Patty Kim (D – Dauphin County) was appointed chairman of the House Insurance Committee. She replaces former chairman, Rep. Kevin Boyle (D – Philadelphia). Rep. Maureen Madden (D – Monroe) was subsequently appointed chairman of the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee. 
  • The Legislative Budget & Finance Committee has released a report on the impact of “treat and release” calls on emergency medical services (EMS), specifically for patients covered by Medicaid. Find highlights from the report here and the full detailed report here. 

The state House of Representatives will convene again for voting session on Monday, March 25. The Senate is now in recess until Monday, April 8. Following is an overview of selected health care policy-related legislative activity currently scheduled next week.

  • The House Insurance Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 60 of the East Wing. The committee will consider, among other bills, House Bill 1512, which provides for the coverage of telemedicine services. The meeting will be livestreamed here.
  • The House Health Committee will convene on Wednesday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m. to consider a number of bills and resolutions, including the following.
    • House Bill 1633, which prohibits the use of non-compete agreements in health care employment.
    • House Bill 2084, which establishes a license for prescription drug virtual manufacturers.
    • Senate Bill 668, which permits certified nurse aides to become certified medication aides in long-term care, assisted living residences, and personal care homes. 

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a request for applications (RFA) for community health worker care coordination in four rural regions of the commonwealth, including northeast central, northwest central, northwest, and southwest. The RFA may be viewed online at eMarketplace or here.

DOH has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 741) with new guidance for preventing respiratory virus diseases. 

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has provided final notice of its funding allocation for FY 2023-2024 inpatient disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, outpatient supplemental payments, direct medical education payments, and certain DSH and supplemental payments to new hospitals. DHS is not otherwise changing the qualifying criteria or payment methodology for these payments. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through April 2024. Find the updated calendar here. 
  • DHS has issued revisions to the participating drug company list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. The revisions are viewable here. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced it is conducting a survey related to the department’s work on regulatory reform. DDAP has requested stakeholders complete the survey, which may be found here, to help guide this initiative. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it has contacted individuals that had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • 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.

Stakeholder Events  

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – March 27

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on March 27 at 1:00 p.m. Register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on March 28 at 10:00 a.m. Register to participate here.

2024-03-22T20:16:41+00:00March 22nd, 2024|Governments, Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 22
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PA Health Policy Update for March 15

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 11 – 15.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro 

The Shapiro administration has published its semi-annual agenda of regulations under development or consideration across the various state agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction, including the Departments of Health and Human Services. Find the comprehensive regulatory agenda in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene for a voting session next week. Following is a selection of health care policy-related legislative activity currently scheduled.

  • The House Professional Licensure Committee will hold an informational hearing on Monday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss House Bill 1354, which enables boards and commissions within the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to issue advisory opinions to licensees. The meeting will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office building. It will also be livestreamed here.
  • The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care and Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Corrections will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 20 at 9:00 a.m. regarding the criminal justice implications of adult-use cannabis legalization. The meeting will take place in Room G50 of the Irvis Office building. It will also be livestreamed here.
  • The House Children & Youth Committee will hold an informational meeting on the Office of the Child Advocate. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 60 of the East Wing. It will also be livestreamed here. 

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a health advisory regarding elevated levels of lead in certain ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores. Prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe. Find additional information here.

DOH also issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 740) to make clinicians aware of updated recommendations for prenatal hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing. These infectious conditions can lead to profound consequences for pregnant individuals and their infants. Hepatitis B and C testing and linkage to care in pregnancy is critical to the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in Pennsylvania. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the extension of an alternative payment methodology for services provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), including FQHC look-alikes in Philadelphia, that serve a high volume of Medicaid beneficiaries. The alternative payment methodology will be extended through March 31, 2029. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Insurance Department

The Insurance Department has announced it will hold a public informational hearing regarding Highmark Health’s request to modify the department’s 2013 order and terms approving the merger of Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health. Find additional information, including details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it has contacted individuals that had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • 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.

 Stakeholder Events

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – March 27

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on March 27 at 1:00 p.m. Register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on March 28 at 10:00 a.m. Register to participate here.

2024-03-15T21:29:51+00:00March 15th, 2024|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 15
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PA Health Policy Update for March 8

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 4 – March 8.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

  • The Department of Human Services appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, March 5 for its FY 2024-2025 budget hearing. A recording of the first part of the hearing is viewable here and the second part is viewable here.
  • The Department of Human Services also appeared before the House Appropriations Committee this week to review its FY 2024-2025 budget proposal. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The Department of Health appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, March 7 for its FY 2024-2025 budget hearing. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The state House of Representatives and Senate have concluded their FY 2024-2025 budget hearings. Both chambers are scheduled to return to session Monday, March 18. 

Department of Health 

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has published guidance related to Act 43 of 2023, which requires fentanyl and xylazine testing when a urine drug screening is conducted in an emergency department within an acute care hospital.
  • DOH has published a corrected list, as required, with a list of hospitals that have provided notice to the department that they may not provide emergency contraception or sexual assault emergency services due to various factors. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DOH has announced that it will hold a statewide Health Equity Summit from April 4 – 5 in Harrisburg and virtually. The theme of the summit is “Joy and Justice.” Learn more from this press release.
  • DOH has issued a Health Advisory (PA HAN – 738), which contains guidance for health care facilities related to infection prevention and control for podiatric care. 

Department of Human Services

  • DHS has issued instructions advising providers participating in the Medical Assistance program on how they may continue to bill DHS directly for fee-for-service (FFS) claims while Change Healthcare’s billing and claims management systems remain unavailable due to a cyber-attack. Learn more here.
  • DHS has shared a federal funding opportunity for community programs for outreach and intervention with youth and young adults at clinical high risk for psychosis. Find additional information here.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through March 2024. Find the updated calendar here.
  • DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise FQHCs and rural health clinics (RHCs) of certain updates to the PROMISe™ Provider Handbook. The department has updated Appendix E, which is a compilation of federal and state requirements and standards for the provision and payment of FQHC and RHC services. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it has contacted individuals that had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • 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.

Stakeholder Events  

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – March 28

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted both in person and as a virtual teleconference. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee Meeting – March 27-28

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold public meetings on Wednesday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday, March 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meetings will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-03-08T21:58:12+00:00March 8th, 2024|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 8
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PA Health Policy Update for March 1

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 26 – March 1.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly 

  • The House Health Committee’s Subcommittee on Health Facilities held an informational meeting on Wednesday, February 28 to examine how to bolster support for rural and independent hospitals. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, February 26 to examine senior hunger. A recording of the hearing is viewable here. 
  • Next week will conclude the state House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees’ budget hearings. Following are the health-related agencies scheduled to appear next week.
    • The Department of Human Services will appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, March 5. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. and can be livestreamed here.
    • The Department of Human Services will appear before the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 6. The hearing will begin at 10:00 a.m. and can be livestreamed here.
    • The Department of Health will appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, March 7 at 9:30 a.m. The hearing can be livestreamed here. 

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has published information about its Medical Care Availability and Reduction Error (MCARE) Act surcharge for FY 2024, a per unit assessment of approximately $159.10 payable by June 1.  Learn more about the surcharge and the providers to which it applies from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Please be aware that the mailing address for DAAC Central Office has changed. Please update your records and staff and ensure that any documents that are given to patients reflect this change. Following is the new address.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania HUB
Attn: Division of Acute and Ambulatory Care
2525 North 7th Street, Suite 210
Harrisburg, PA 17110

Board of Pharmacy 

The State Board of Pharmacy has published proposed regulations that set forth the criteria for pharmacy technician training programs as well as the standards of practice and registration fees for both pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees. This proposed rulemaking effectuates Act 140 of 2020, which formally recognizes pharmacy technicians and grants oversight to the Board of Pharmacy. Find the proposed regulations in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs 

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has released the findings of the first phase of the agency’s state-wide stakeholder engagement tour, including what actions will be taken to improve community and treatment provider engagement and access to and delivery of substance use disorder services. The key themes highlighted in the findings are workforce concerns, administrative burdens, treatment assessment, and health equity. Find additional information in this press release. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has published comments to the State Board of Medicine regarding its proposed rulemaking related to physician assistants. Find IRRC’s comments in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it contacted any individuals that have had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • 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.

 Stakeholder Events  

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – March 28

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted both in person and as a virtual teleconference. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee Meeting – March 27-28

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold public meetings on Wednesday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday, March 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meetings will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-03-01T21:17:21+00:00March 1st, 2024|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 1
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PA Health Policy Update for February 23

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

Governor Shapiro 

The Shapiro administration has released Aging Our Way, PA, which will serve as a 10-year roadmap to meet the needs of the commonwealth’s older adults and improve services for this rapidly growing population. The plan includes priorities, strategies, and tactics to promote health, well-being, and quality of life. It also aims to prepare the commonwealth for a larger, longer-living older adult population and is designed to respond to changing needs, shifting priorities, and available resources. A 30-day public comment period on the plan is now open for interested stakeholders to weigh in. Find additional details on the plan and how to comment here. 

General Assembly

  • The Department of Aging’s budget hearing before the House Appropriations Committee occurred on Thursday, February 22. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The House Republican Policy Committee held an informational meeting on Thursday, February 22 regarding, “A State Lost in Addiction: Pennsylvania’s Path to Recovery.” Find a copy of the agenda and testimony here.
  • The state House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees will continue their respective budget hearings next week. The health-related agencies scheduled to appear include the Department of Insurance (Monday, February 26) and the Department of Health (Tuesday, February 27). Find the House Appropriations Committee’s complete schedule here and the Senate Appropriations Committee’s complete schedule here.
  • The House Health Committee’s Subcommittee on Health Facilities will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, February 28 at 10:00 a.m. to examine how to bolster support for rural and independent hospitals. The meeting will be held in Room 60 of the East Wing. It will be livestreamed here.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational meeting on Monday, February 26 to examine senior hunger. The meeting will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building. It will be livestreamed here. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published updated Medicaid ambulance fees that became effective January 1, 2024. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has announced it is seeking peers, family members, providers, and community members who may be interested in serving on the OMHSAS Mental Health Planning Council (MHPC). An application to serve on the council can be downloaded here. 

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has published the nursing home patient safety trust fund surcharge for FY 2023-2024 as required by the Medicare Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH has released an updated schedule for its public meetings seeking feedback on potential priorities for the commonwealth’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant. Find the revised schedule in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.   

Office of the Attorney General 

Attorney General Michelle Henry has signed onto a letter with several other state attorneys general advocating for federal-level pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it contacted any individuals that have had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • 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.

 Stakeholder Events 

DOH – Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant Advisory Board – February 27

The Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, February 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the status of the funding for the block grant. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – March 28

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted both in person and as a virtual teleconference. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Long-Term Care Council – 2024 Meeting Dates

The Long-Term Care Council has published its 2024 bi-monthly meeting dates. Council meetings are open to the public and held virtually unless otherwise specified. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-02-23T20:37:00+00:00February 23rd, 2024|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for February 23
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PA Health Policy Update for February 16

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 12 – 16.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General AssemblyHarrisburg, PA capital building

  • The Senate Republican Policy Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, February 14 examining challenges in rural health care. A recording of the meeting, as well as copies of the testimony offered to the committee, are viewable here.
  • The House Democratic Policy Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, February 14 to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, including how it may impact the field of medicine. A recording of the hearing in its entirety is viewable here, while testimony can be viewed here.
  • Next week the state House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees will begin their hearings to examine Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2024-2025 spending plan. The Department of Aging is the only health-related agency that will have a budget hearing next week – it will be held on Thursday, February 22 at 10:00 a.m. Find the House Appropriations Committee’s complete schedule here and the Senate Appropriations Committee’s complete schedule here.
  • The House Republican Policy Committee will hold an informational meeting on Thursday, February 22 at 1:00 p.m. regarding, “A State Lost in Addiction: Pennsylvania’s Path to Recovery.” The meeting will take place at The Crane Room Grille (3009 Wilmington Rd.) in New Castle, PA. 

Department of Human Services 

  • Last week DHS announced that pharmacists may enroll in the Medical Assistance (MA) program to provide services to MA beneficiaries effective March 1, 2024. The following guidance has subsequently been issued by DHS related to pharmacists’ enrollment in the MA program.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin indicating the procedure codes that can be billed for pharmacists services. DHS also published notice of intent to add procedure codes for pharmacists to the MA program fee schedule in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, which is viewable here.
  • Additional information related to the enrollment requirements and application process, pharmacists should refer to the DHS website here.
  • DHS has issued a remittance advice alert notifying providers of a claims recovery that was done to recoup monies paid in error due to the department’s eligibility records indicating recipients being deceased prior to the dates of service being billed.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a revised template for nursing facilities to use in calculating their nursing staffing ratios. Click here to download the updated spreadsheet tool. 

DOH has published a Pennsylvania Bulletin notice, as required, with a list of hospitals that have provided notice to the department that they may not provide emergency contraception or sexual assault emergency services due to various factors.  

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has published comments in response to the proposed regulations submitted by DHS that would make changes to comply with CMS’ final rule – ”Medicaid Program; Covered Outpatient Drugs.” The proposed regulation also makes technical changes to add diabetic supplies, opioid overdose agents, and immunizations to the list of services excluded from copayments. In addition, it recognizes the prescriptive and dispensing authority of certified nurse practitioners (CRNP) and midwives. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it contacted any individuals that have had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • 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.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – February 21

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on February 21 at 1:00 p.m. Register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – February 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on February 22 at 10:00 a.m. Register to participate here.

DOH – Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant Advisory Board – February 27

The Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, February 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the status of the funding for the block grant. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – March 28

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted both in person and as a virtual teleconference. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Long-Term Care Council – 2024 Meeting Dates

The Long-Term Care Council has published its 2024 bi-monthly meeting dates. Council meetings are open to the public and held virtually unless otherwise specified. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-02-16T20:34:54+00:00February 16th, 2024|Financial, Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for February 16
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PA Health Policy Update for February 9

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 5 – 9.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro delivered his second annual budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly this week. In total, Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2024-2025 budget spends $48.3 billion, a $3.7 billion or 8.4 percent increase over the current fiscal year. The budget does not propose any broad-based tax increases, but it uses new revenue sources and the commonwealth’s budget surplus.

The themes outlined in Governor Shapiro’s budget address and the budget proposal’s supporting documents largely reflect a continuation of the policy priorities championed by his administration throughout its first year, including education, public safety, government reform, and economic competitiveness. Following are selected health care highlights in the budget proposal.

  • Invests $100 million in mental health funding for K-12 schools, which builds upon one-time federal funds to ensure schools have the resources to provide mental health services to students and staff.
  • Increases funding for community-based mental health services by an additional $20 million this year and calls for additional funds in successive years (up to $60 million).
  • Invests $50 million of state funding into the state’s reinsurance program to create an additional subsidy wrap for low- and middle-income Pennsylvanians that are on the cusp of being able to afford health insurance.
  • Governor Shapiro highlighted the need to reform pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) operations and called on the General Assembly to enact legislation to that effect.
  • Although the budget proposal doesn’t include specific funding for rural health, Governor Shapiro noted the need to address rural hospital closures and indicated his administration would develop a plan soon.
  • Dedicates $4 million for medical debt relief for low-income Pennsylvanians and calls for health care providers to implement transparent practices to limit medical debt.
  • Includes $1.9 million toward the creation of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Division at the Department of Aging.

Find additional budget documents released by the Office of the Budget below.

General Assembly 

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened in Harrisburg this week. Following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity.

  • The Senate passed House Bill 1564, which provides for the creation of an associate license for marriage and family therapists and an associate license for professional counselors, on third and final consideration. The bill will now be sent back to the House for concurrence.
  • The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care held an informational meeting on Monday, February 5 on adult-use cannabis. Find a recording of the meeting here.
  • The Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee favorably reported, among other bills, Senate Bill 1054, which adds EMS providers as required reporters to the Overdose Information Network (ODIN) system.
  • The House Health Committee met for a voting meeting on Tuesday, February 6 and favorably reported the following bills.
  • House Bill 1853, which requires the Department of Health to meet with licensed nursing facilities under their jurisdiction to discuss and share information on survey results, patterns, trends, best practices, etc.
  • House Bill 1931, which establishes a registry of medical directors in nursing facilities, personal care homes, and assisted living residences.
  • House Bill 1956, which makes certain amendments to the Patient Test Results Act.
  • The House Human Services Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, February 7 examining Centers of Excellence for Opioid Use Disorder. Find a recording of the meeting here. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the addition and end-dating of certain procedure codes to and from the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule for pharmacist services. These changes are effective for dates of service on and after March 1, 2024. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with updated handbook pages that include the requirements for prior authorization and the type of information needed to evaluate the medical necessity of prescriptions for opioid use disorder treatments submitted for prior authorization. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) Bureau of Epidemiology’s COVID-19 Infection Control and Outbreak Response team has updated the COVID-19 LTC Toolkit. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS reported that it has contacted any individuals that have had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • 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.

 Stakeholder Events 

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – February 21The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on February 21 at 1:00 p.m. Register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – February 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on February 22 at 10:00 a.m. Register to participate here.

2024-02-09T20:45:39+00:00February 9th, 2024|Governments, Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for February 9
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PA Health Policy Update for February 2

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from January 29 – February 2.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Governor Shapiro 

Governor Shapiro will deliver his second budget address on Tuesday, February 6 at 12:30 p.m. in the Capitol rotunda. In advance Tuesday’s address, the administration has announced a number of initiatives that will be incorporated into the FY 2024-2025, including an increase in public transit funding, recommendations to improve higher education in the commonwealth, and an increase for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) funding.

The Shapiro administration also announced the launch of Pennsylvania’s first state-wide economic development strategy in more than 20 years. The plan highlights five key industries, including agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics and technology. Find the comprehensive economic development plan here.

General AssemblyHouse Chamber of the State House 

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene next week for Governor Shapiro’s budget address. The Senate will also be in voting session Monday, February 5 and Wednesday, February 7. Following is a selection of health-related legislative activity next week.

  • The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care will convene on Monday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m. for an informational meeting on adult-use cannabis. The meeting will be held in Room 140 of the main Capitol.
  • The Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee will hold a voting meeting on Monday, February 5 to consider, among other bills, Senate Bill 1054, which adds EMS providers as required reporters to the Overdose Information Network (ODIN) system.
  • The House Health Committee will meet for a voting meeting on Tuesday, February 6 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building to consider the following bills:
  • House Bill 1853, which requires the Department of Health to meet with licensed nursing facilities under their jurisdiction to discuss and share information on survey results, patterns, trends, best practices, etc.
  • House Bill 1931, which establishes a registry of medical directors in nursing facilities, personal care homes, and assisted living residences.
  • House Bill 1956, which makes certain amendments to the Patient Test Results Act.
  • The House Human Services Committee will convene on Wednesday, February 7 at 9:30 a.m. for an informational meeting on Centers of Excellence for Opioid Use Disorder. The meeting will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise licensed pharmacists that they may enroll in the Medical Assistance (MA) Program to provide services to MA beneficiaries.

DHS has published notice of its intent to continue making Medical Assistance Day One Incentive (MDOI) payments to qualified non-public nursing facilities for FY 2023-2024. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a revised template for nursing facilities to use in calculating their nursing staffing ratios. Click here to download the updated spreadsheet tool.

DOH has announced it is working to secure funding to purchase supplies on behalf of harm reduction organizations, including sharps containers, wound care kits, sterile water, and saline. If an organization is interested in receiving these harm reduction supplies at no cost, please complete this survey by February 9.

Supreme Court 

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that a lower court must hear a challenge to the constitutionality of a long-standing state law limiting the use of Medicaid funding for abortions. The lower court previously dismissed the case on procedural grounds. Find the court’s full opinion here.

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue has announced Pennsylvania collected $3.9 billion in General Fund revenue in January, which was $74.6 million, or 1.9 percent, more than anticipated, Revenue Secretary Pat Browne reported today. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $23.8 billion, which is $6.6 million above estimate. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • 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.
2024-02-02T22:51:18+00:00February 2nd, 2024|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for February 2
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Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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