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PA Health Policy Update for October 3

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 29- October 3 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update 

As the state budget impasse continues on, with added pressure of a federal shutdown, this week the House positioned a budget bill, SB 160, into the House Appropriations Committee for future potential action. Additionally, the House amended HB 1331, Capital Debt Itemization legislation, with additional capital projects for future consideration.

General Assembly 

Both the House and Senate will return for voting session beginning on Monday, October 6th, the first time both chambers will be in voting session together since June.  For the week ahead, the following hearings and voting meetings are scheduled:

  • On Monday, the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold a voting meeting on Chairwoman Maureen Madden and Chairman Steve Mentzer’s HB 1894, legislation which would enhance educational efforts for the LIFE program during the Medicaid long-term care enrollment process. The committee will also consider HB 1528, Grandfamilies Assistance legislation to benefit grandparents raising grandchildren.
  • On Tuesday, the House Insurance Committee will meet to consider HB 1828 which would set into law the Governor’s recent actions requiring private insurance coverage of vaccines without cost-sharing that are FDA-approved and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Physicians (ACOP), or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) according to their immunization schedules. The committee will also consider HB 1123, updating the recommended age for insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screenings from 50 to 45.
  • On Wednesday, the House Professional Licensure Committee will consider adding a pharmacy technician and a second acute care institutional pharmacist to the State Board of Pharmacy through HB 980. Also, the committee will also consider HB 1881 which would guarantee that Pennsylvania pharmacists’ vaccination practice authority can be guided by recommendations from Pennsylvania’s health authorities that may be informed by our state’s professional medical societies.

Below are some health care-related legislation introduced or co-sponsorship memos circulated this week:

  • Rep. Marla Brown circulated a co-sponsor memo for legislation to remove staffing ratios for nursing homes in Pennsylvania.
  • Sen. Judy Ward released a co-sponsor memo on legislation to address lags in MA enrollment in long-term care.
  • Sen. Cris Dush filed SB 125 proposing a Constitutional Amendment giving the General Assembly the authority to establish laws on venues for civil litigation in the Commonwealth as a way to address venue shopping in malpractice cases.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has shared an update for Community Service Support Provider fee-for-service rates for the start of the new federal fiscal year.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) issued a health alert with recommendations for health care providers to take in preparation for the 2025-2026 Respiratory Season, including details on reporting requirements. The Department also updated its Respiratory Virus Outbreak Toolkit, which gives recommendations to long-term care facilities on how to prepare for and respond to outbreaks of influenza, RSV, COVID-19, adenovirus, and more.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) approved final regulations from the State Board of Nursing making additions to the continuing education requirements for certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNP) and registered nurses (RN) in the areas of opioid prescriptions and organ donation.

Around the State  

On Thursday, Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order at the Children’s Hospital at Philadelphia directing the Department of Health to develop a plan to preserve access for children in the Vaccines for Children program without cost sharing if future Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) changes impact access, aligning vaccine guidance with American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), creating a website for vaccine information and guidance, ensuring insurance coverage without prior authorizations or cost sharing, among other points.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS will hold their scheduled MAAC meeting on October 23, 2025, at 10am. Prior Authorization Guideline briefing documents are linked here (downloaded as zip file) for review and public comments are due as indicated on each document.

DOH announced upcoming meetings of several of its advisory committees:

2025-10-03T21:07:51+00:00October 3rd, 2025|Governments, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for October 3
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PA Health Policy Update for September 26

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 22- 26 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update 

The state budget impasse continues to drag on. This week, the Senate was not in session but the House met for non-voting session. The Senate has scheduled a non-voting session day on October 3rd and voting session on October 6th through 8th. As highlighted in this Penn Capital Star article, with transit funding handled through other means, counties and schools will become the pressure point as negotiations continue.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the creation of a $500 million loan fund for counties and Head Start providers as a bridge for funding through the budget stalemate.

General Assembly

The House will return for voting session beginning on Monday, September 29th.  For the House session week ahead, the following hearings and voting meetings are scheduled:

  • Monday, Sept. 29, 9:30am – The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational meeting on the PA CareKit Program. The Department of Aging will offer testimony.
  • Monday, Sept. 29, 10:45am – House Human Services Committee will meet to consider HR 290, a resolution recognizing the month of September 2025 as “National Recovery Month” in Pennsylvania.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 30, 10am – The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee will hold a voting meeting to consider HB 1530 which would create privacy and transparency requirements genetic data collected through direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 30, off-the-floor – The House Health Committee will hold a voting meeting on the following legislation:
  • HB 880 – Updating and closing loopholes within Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act.
  • HR 271 – A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee and conduct a comprehensive study regarding the indoor air quality for seniors and children in this Commonwealth.

Below is some health care-related legislation introduced or co-sponsorship memos circulated this week:

  • Arvind Venkat introduced HB 1881 which would guarantee that Pennsylvania pharmacists’ vaccination practice authority can be guided by recommendations from Pennsylvania’s health authorities that may be informed by our state’s professional medical societies.
  • Rich Irvin filed a co-sponsor memo which proposed transferring the pharmacy delivery model in Medical Assistance (MA) from Managed Care back to a Fee-For-Service model as a means to impact reimbursements for pharmacies.
  • Cris Dush filed a co-sponsor memo proposing a Constitutional Amendment giving the General Assembly the authority to establish laws on venues for civil litigation in the Commonwealth as a way to address venue shopping in malpractice cases.
  • Lynda Schlegel Culver filed a co-sponsor memo to provide MA coverage for rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS) for critically ill infants up to one year of age who are admitted to an inpatient intensive care unit with a complex illness.
  • Senators Michele Brooks and Lisa Boscola filed a co-sponsor memo for a resolution urging Congress to provide Pennsylvania with any and all assistance to help comply with the recent federal changes following the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued guidance to providers related to “Date of Death Recovery” following a recent audit noting recipient date of death discrepancies where recipients were deceased prior to the dates of service being billed.

DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs issued guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID vaccinations.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) issued general immunization guidance to clinicians in response to last week’s federal ACIP meeting. The list clarifies organizations for doctors and families to consult on vaccine recommendations.

DOH issued a health alert to providers with guidance on when and how to exclude health care personnel from direct patient care when they are experiencing respiratory illness symptoms.

DOH reminded long-term care facility providers that the annual long-term care questionnaire is due by October 24. Facilities were contacted directly with instructions to complete the web-based questionnaire. Any questions should be directed to Aicha Hassane Noma at ahassaneno@pa.gov or email RA-dohbhssurveys@pa.gov.

Insurance Department

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has confirmed the private insurance companies operating in the Commonwealth will continue to cover all of the vaccines covered under ACIP’s 2024 recommendations.

Around the State  

A group of statewide researchers have compiled a website which aims to track opioid settlement fund spending data in Pennsylvania, which is driven out primarily through counties.

Stakeholder Meetings

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee

The following materials presented at the September 25th meeting of the MAAC have been posted on the MAAC website:

2025-09-26T19:05:37+00:00September 26th, 2025|Governments, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues, Uncategorized|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for September 26
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PA Health Policy Update for August 22

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

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update 

There was no legislative activity surrounding the state budget this week, with both houses in recess, but officials continue their informal negotiations. The budget impasse is expected to extend into mid-September.

The House stands adjourned until September 22 and the Senate until September 8. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) added a new PROMISe Banner page with information on a New Batch EDI Translator effective September 2025. For additional information see the EDI as a Service FAQ here. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health alerted providers and public health officials about a late-summer surge in COVID-19 cases that is expected to peak in September. Find information on how to handle this sharp increase in cases in this health alert.

The Department of Health alerted Pennsylvanians that an individual from another state who was contagious with measles visited multiple locations across the state, creating a potential for exposure to others in this health alert.  

Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council (PHC4) 

PHC4 publicly released new County-Level Condition-Specific and County-Level Utilization reports today, giving insight into ambulatory/outpatient usage and hospitalization rates of high interest conditions, using the most recent data available.  

Around the State  

  • The Altoona Mirror reported on the efforts of PA legislators to introduce the state’s own Medicaid work requirements in response to the federal requirements passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. 
  • Counties and providers of human services explain how they are bracing for the protracted state budget standoff in this article from the Pennsylvania Capital Star. 
  • City + State profiled State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in this article after she announced her candidacy for governor in 2026. 
  • Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that an agreement has been finalized that ensures free access to personal medical records for thousands of patients — including Medicaid patients — formerly treated at Crozer Health hospitals. 

Stakeholder Meetings

HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – September 10 

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting (in-person and virtually) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For registration information click here.

PHC4 Committee Meetings – August – September

The PA Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) announced the following meetings

  • Education Committee meeting (August 28, 2025, at 10 a.m.)
  • Council meeting (September 4, 2025, at 10 a.m.)
  • Payment Data Advisory Group meeting (September 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.)

Individuals who wish to participate may contact rgreenawalt@phc4.org at least 24 hours in advance. 

MAAC – July Meeting Materials 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) published the meeting materials from the July meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC):

2025-08-23T01:22:42+00:00August 22nd, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for August 22
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PA Health Policy Update for July 18

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 14 – July 18.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders continue to negotiate a final Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 budget agreement. The state House of Representatives and Senate briefly convened in Harrisburg this week to position House Bill 1330, which provides for appropriations from the General Fund, to enable the budget to be swiftly enacted when an agreement is reached. Both chambers are currently recessed pending a final agreement.  

General Assembly

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

  • The House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 564, which requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to implement a campaign to increase public understanding and engagement with the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 604, which authorizes the state to join the National Counseling Compact. The bill was subsequently sent to the House of Representatives and referred to the Professional Licensure Committee.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met on Thursday, July 17 and favorably reported House Bill 1429, which requires a study on the feasibility of implementing chip-enabled electronic benefit cards (EBT) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and House Bill 1527, which extends the Rare Disease Advisory Council’s sunset date to 2028.
  • The Center for Rural Pennsylvania held an informational hearing on Wednesday, July 16 regarding health care provider policies that have been implemented in other jurisdictions to address the shortage of health care workers in rural areas. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Remittance Advice  (RA) related to its previous announcement that it will begin to mass adjust claims submitted for discharge dates October 1, 2024 through June 6, 2025 due to a delay in implementing Version 42 of the APR DRG classification system for Medical Assistance (MA) enrolled acute care general hospitals.

DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through the month of August. Find the updated calendar here. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued final notice to temporarily schedule any material, compound, mixture or preparation which contains any quantity of the following Nitazene substances, their salts, isomers and salts of isomers: Butonitazene, Etodesnitazene, Flunitazene, Isotonitazene, Metodesnitazene, Metonitazene and Protonitazene. This final order to temporarily schedule will temporarily categorize this class of compounds as Schedule I controlled substances. Find more information in this press release. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs  

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) along with the Department of Human Services has announced that licensing staff from both agencies will begin conducting coordinated annual inspections of substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health treatment facilities that are licensed by both agencies for outpatient, partial hospitalization and residential services. 

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has announced the release of a report that includes state-wide data and facility-specific information about the financial health of Pennsylvania’s general acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2023. Financial Analysis, Volume One, is the first in a three-part series of financial reports produced annually by PHC4.  

Around the State  

  • The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has written an article about the potential impact of the recently enacted federal reconciliation package on Medicaid coverage in the Pittsburgh area.
  • Spotlight PA has published a piece about the board that oversees how Pennsylvania counties spend opioid settlement money and how it operates outside of the state’s transparency laws.
  • WESA has published an article about Pennsylvania’s FY 2025-26 budget, which is more than two weeks late, and the state of negotiations.   

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – July 23

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on July 23 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – July 24

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on July 24 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – August 7

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 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.

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – August 7

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112. The meeting will be conducted in person only. Find information on how to RSVP in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-07-18T20:47:25+00:00July 18th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for July 18
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PA Health Policy Update for May 30

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 26 – 30.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro joined Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger in Pittsburgh this week to discuss supporting Pennsylvania’s life science and innovation economy. Governor Shapiro highlighted his administration’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal to invest $50 million to support large-scale innovation and life science sector growth. Find additional information in this press release.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate were recessed this week. Both chambers are scheduled to return to Harrisburg on Monday, June 2. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled for next week.

  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will meet on Monday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building for a public hearing on House Bill 1310, which establishes a minimum budget adjust factor (BAF) floor at $0.90 for skilled nursing facilities. The meeting will be livestreamed here.
  • The House Health Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 3 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 523 of the Irvis Building to consider the following bills. The meeting will be livestreamed here.
    • House Bill 425, which establishes a J-1 visa waiver primary care physician grant program.
    • House Bill 583, which requires the Department of Human Services to establish a benefit package for dental services for Medicaid.
    • House Bill 1460, which provides for more oversight of health care entity merger and acquisition activities.  
  • The House Human Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 4 at 9:15 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building to consider two suicide prevention related bills, House Bill 415 and House Bill 564. The meeting will be livestreamed here. 

Department of Human Services

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OHMSAS) has issued a bulletin announcing it has revised the forms for voluntary and involuntary commitment evaluations and created a unified procedure for updating all forms utilized under the Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA) to ensure consistency statewide. The revised forms include the following.

  • MH 781 Consent for Voluntary Inpatient Treatment
  • MH 783 Application for Involuntary Emergency Examination and Treatment
  • MH 783A Explanation of Rights under Involuntary Emergency Treatment
  • MH 783B Explanation of Warrant
  • MH 785 Petition for Involuntary Treatment (Sections 304 and 305)
  • MH 788 Petition to Transfer for Persons in Involuntary Treatment (Section 306) 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has shared the following materials utilized at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on May 22.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has given notice that the temporary scheduling of several Nitazene substances, compounds, and mixtures will expire on June 3, 2025. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has announced that it approved the State Board of Pharmacy’s final-form regulation that implements Act 140 of 2020, which establishes criteria for pharmacy technician training programs, as well as the standards of practice and registration fees for pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees.

IRRC has also approved the State Board of Medicine’s final-form regulation effectuating Act 79 of 2021. The regulation provides for definitions, written agreement requirements, responsibilities of supervising physicians, countersignature requirements, and prohibitions on practice and prescribing by physician assistants. It also updates terminology and removes outdated provisions. 

State Board of Psychology 

The State Board of Psychology has published proposed rulemaking to update, revise, and clarify continuing education requirements for psychologists. Find the proposed rulemaking in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Around the State  

  • Senate President Tempore Kim Ward’s (R-Westmoreland) comments about the state budget process and commitment to not raise taxes were the focus of an article by the Tribune-Review. 
  • Spotlight PA has published an article about the current debate to legalize recreational cannabis and whether a deal will be reached by the June 30 budget deadline. 
  • WHYY has written an article about a rally held by health care advocates in Pennsylvania to caution about the potential impact of certain Medicaid proposals included in the federal reconciliation bill that recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Long-Term Services & Supports Subcommittee – June 4

The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold its next public meeting on June 4 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

Patient Safety Authority – June 17

The Patient Safety Authority has announced it will hold a meeting of the Authority’s board on Tuesday, June 17 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to the public. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-06-02T14:24:10+00:00May 30th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 30
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PA Health Policy Update for May 16

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

Election Update

Pennsylvania’s 2025 Primary Election will be held next Tuesday, May 20. On the ballot there are judicial candidates seeking to fill vacancies on the Commonwealth and Superior Courts, along with municipal races. Find additional election information on the Department of State’s website here.  

Governor Shapiro 

On Thursday, May 15 Governor Shapiro visited Crozer-Chester Medical Center, which is ceasing operations, in Delaware County to highlight efforts to support impacted workers, maintain emergency medical services, and “hold private equity firms accountable.” Find additional information in this press release. 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session this week. The following is an overview of selected legislative activity that occurred.

  • The House of Representatives passed an amended House Bill 561, which while still prioritizing non-narcotic medication-assisted treatment (MAT) expands Act 80 to include all FDA-approved MAT. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. 
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 79, which establishes uniform hospital-based financial assistance forms and requirements. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. 
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 433, which eliminates out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic imaging related to breast cancer. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. 
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 309, which amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to allow team physicians traveling internationally with their club or national team to treat their own players on site during games without needing a Pennsylvania medical license. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. 
  • The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, May 14 and favorably reported House Bill 704, which establishes the “Pennsylvania Neurodegenerative Disease Research Program.” A recording of the hearing is viewable here. 
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held a joint hearing with the House Health Committee on Wednesday, May 14 regarding Pennsylvania’s registered nurse aide program. A recording of the hearing is viewable here. 
  • The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee met on Tuesday, May 13 and favorably reported Senate Resolution 27, which directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the feasibility of establishing a no-fault catastrophic loss fund to provide payment for claims brought as the result of birth-related neurological injuries. A recording of the hearing is viewable here. 
  • The House Human Services Committee met on Tuesday, May 13 and favorably reported House Bill 1429, which requires a study on the feasibility of implementing chip-enabled electronic benefit cards (EBT) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A recording of the hearing is viewable here. 
  • The Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee met on Monday, May 12 and favorably reported, among other bills, Senate Bill 95, which permits EMS providers to leave naloxone with a caregiver of a patient who overdosed.

The House of Representatives and the Senate are now recessed until Monday, June 2. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced it will hold a listening session on May 19 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. entitled, “Food is Medicine: Screening and Referral.” This is part of DHS’ Keystone of Health Section 1115 demonstration waiver initiative. The listening session is intended for representatives from health care and other settings that interact with consumers that may be eligible for Food is Medicine programs. Find additional information and register here.
  • DHS has announced that the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is conducting a survey, which will be the first step to begin the development of one proposed chapter of licensing regulations for inpatient psychiatric services in psychiatric units of general hospitals, private psychiatric hospitals, and extended acute care services located within those inpatient settings. The survey is for all stakeholders, including licensed providers, and will remain open until May 26. Find the survey here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2025 recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule.
  • DHS has also issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise dental providers enrolled in the Medical Assistance (MA) program that will accept the 2024 American Dental Association (ADA) claim form effective May 1, 2025.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through the month of June. Find the updated calendar here.
  • DHS has announced the implementation of the 2025 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG), which were issued by HHS and published at 90 FR 5917 on January 17, 2025. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Around the State

  • Spotlight PA has written an article about private equity, its role in health care companies, and the scrutiny its drawing from critics. Spotlight also wrote an article about health systems’ opposition to initiatives aimed at implementing more stringent health care transaction oversight.  
  • The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has published an article about Medicaid cuts being contemplated by Congress and their potential impact on providers in Fayette County. 
  • The Associated Press covered Governor Shapiro’s remarks about the potential impact of Medicaid proposals being considered by Congress. 
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer has reported about this what is anticipated to be this year’s biggest election issue, the retention of three sitting Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – May 21

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on May 21 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on May 22 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DOH – Spinal Cord Research Committee – May 23

The Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Friday, May 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-05-16T19:25:46+00:00May 16th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 16
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PA Health Policy Update for April 25

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

General Assembly

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

  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 269, which requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, to develop opioid overdose public education materials.
  • The House Insurance Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, April 23 to examine infertility care in Pennsylvania. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • Senator Hughes hosted an intergovernmental roundtable with federal, state, and local policymakers and various health care stakeholders to discuss various proposals being considered in Washington, D.C. that could impact Pennsylvania’s Medicaid funding and the state’s health care system. Find additional information and a recording of the meeting in this press release. 

The House of Representatives and Senate are currently in recess. Both chambers will return to Harrisburg on Monday, May 5. 

Department of Human Services

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 791) to alert health care providers of an expected increase in tick bite-related health care visits and to exercise a heightened clinical suspicion of tickborne illnesses.  

DOH has published notice of its intent to effectuate the recommendation of the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board to add ‘Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Chronic Symptoms’ and ‘Type II Diabetes Mellitus’ to the list of serious medical conditions for Chapter 20 research purposes only. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Around the State

  •   The Morning Call has published an article about the impact of a potential $500 million loss of federal funding for Pennsylvania that has supported public health efforts and local health agencies.
  • An article written by WHYY details the current state of operations at Crozer Health amidst its impending closure. The Philadelphia Inquirer also published an article about this.  

Stakeholder Meetings

The Patient Safety Authority – April 29

The Patient Safety Authority board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, April 29 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – May 2

The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on May 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112 in the Cumberland conference room. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – HIV Planning Committee – May 14

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold public meetings on Wednesday, May 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Thursday, May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-04-25T22:14:16+00:00April 25th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for April 25
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PA Health Policy Update for March 7

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 3 – 7.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General AssemblyHarrisburg, PA capital building

  • The state House of Representatives and Senate concluded their hearings on Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal this week. The following are the health-related agency budget hearings that occurred this week.
  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) appeared before the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, March 4. A recording of that hearing is viewable here and here.
  • DHS also appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 5. A recording of that hearing is viewable here and here.
  • The Pennsylvania Insurance Department and PENNIE appeared before the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 5. A recording of that hearing is viewable here. 
  • The House Health Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, March 3 to examine the practice of community health workers. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Human Services Committee held a voting meeting on Wednesday, March 5 and favorably reported the bills below. A recording of the hearing is viewable here. 
  • House Bill 269, which requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, to develop opioid overdose public education materials. 
  • House Bill 640, which updates the annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs.
  • House Bill 749, which requires the Department of Human Services to conduct a study of Pennsylvania’s SNAP payment distribution. 
  • The Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a meeting on Monday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m. to discuss “health care accessibility and the impacts of hospital closures.” The meeting will be held at Neumann University in Aston, PA and virtually. Find additional details here. 
  • The House and Sente are currently recessed until Monday, March 17 and Monday, March 24, respectively, 

Department of Health 

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the 2024-25 Patient Safety Surcharge (MCARE) letter and invoices for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, abortion facilities, and birthing centers have been emailed. Payment is due by June 1, 2025. If you have any questions, please call the Division of Acute and Ambulatory Care (DAAC) at 717-783-8980 or email RA-DAAC@pa.gov.
  • DOH has announced the Event Reporting System (ERS) has been updated with a new Flu A and separate Flu B, as well as RSV reporting enhancement to streamline the reporting of these event types. DOH has shared a Quick Start Guide (opens as a separate Microsoft Word document) for the new enhancement. This enhancement will function in the same manner as the COVID-19 enhancement initiated in March of 2021.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has shared the following presentations utilized at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on February 27.

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue has announced Pennsylvania collected $2.9 billion in General Fund revenue in February, which was $44.0 million, or 1.6 percent, more than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $27.0 billion, which is $104.3 million, or 0.4 percent, below estimate. 

Around the State  

WHYY has published an article about Prospect Medical Holdings’ plan to file a preliminary request to begin closing its remaining Delaware County hospitals. 

The Patriot-News has reported about potential for significant Medicaid cuts in Washington, D.C. and the concern that has raised in Pennsylvania with medical professionals and state legislators. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – Health Policy Board – March 21

The Health Policy Board of the Department of Health will meet on Friday, March 21 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – March 25

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

 

2025-03-07T22:13:24+00:00March 7th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 7
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PA Health Policy Update for January 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania January 6 – 10.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly 

The General Assembly convened on Tuesday, January 7 to officially commence the 2025-2026 legislation session. Members of the state House of Representatives and Senate who were newly elected or re-elected were sworn in. In addition, the two chambers elected their respective presiding officers, adopted rules, and established standing committees.

At the conclusion of Tuesday’s legislative business, the House and Senate recessed until Monday, January 27. Following are their respective 2025 session calendars.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the remainder of the commonwealth’s request for a five-year section 1115 demonstration – Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania. You will recall Pennsylvania received approval from CMS back in November to implement multi-year continuous eligibility for Medicaid-eligible children through age six and one year of continuous coverage for Medicaid-eligible citizens returning from a state correctional facility. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has stated it, “will work through the state budget process to determine next steps for potential implementation.” Find CMS’ approval letter to DHS here. 

Department of Human Services 

  • DHS has issued updated handbook pages that include the requirements for prior authorization and the type of information needed to evaluate the medical necessity of prescriptions for Anticonvulsants submitted for prior authorization. Find additional information in this Medical Assistance Bulletin.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that it has updated the Admissions Notice Packet (MA 401) form due to an increase in the personal needs allowance (PNA) deduction amount. This bulletin applies to nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and long-term care facilities enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. 

Insurance Department

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced that 259 Pennsylvanians successfully appealed denied health service claims through PID’s new Independent External Review process. Of the total health service denials submitted for review in 2024, 50.1 percent were overturned.

PID has also shared information related to its efforts to increase health insurance transparency through several reports available to the public, including its annual Transparency in Coverage Report for ACA Health Plans, which outlines data on claims, denials, and appeal information, and its inaugural ACA and Qualified Health Plans (QHP) Summary. Find additional information in this press release.

Around the State

  • WHYY has written about the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s external review program which received 517 health service denial appeals in 2024. 259 of those denials were overturned. 
  • City & State Pennsylvania has published an article about the General Assembly’s first session day of 2025. 
  • The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has written an article about a study released by Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children that kids largely stayed insured despite uncertainties during the Medicaid eligibly redetermination process following the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – WIC Advisory Board – January 14

The WIC State Advisory Board will hold a meeting on January 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to collaborate to gather suggestions of strategies for increasing participation and improving the WIC program to better support participants. Find details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – January 22

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on January 22 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – January 23

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on January 23 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DOH – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Council – January 30

The Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP) Advisory Council will hold a public teleconference meeting on Thursday, January 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-01-10T20:27:58+00:00January 10th, 2025|Federal Medicaid issues, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for January 10
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PA Health Policy Update for December 13

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania December 9 – 13.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate have released their respective 2025 session calendars. Find the House’s calendar here and the Senate’s calendar here. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the addition of doula services to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule and the submission of a State Plan Amendment (SPA) to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). DHS will issue an MA Bulletin to inform providers enrolled in the MA program of the addition of doula services and how to bill for the provision of doula services. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 
  • The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has released the Partial Hospitalization Regulatory Compliance Guide. The guidance is intended to help agencies providing partial hospitalization services with the goal of ensuring safe environments and effective services to individuals.
  • DHS has issued revisions to the participating drug company list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. The revisions are viewable here. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) have reminded Pennsylvanians of the importance of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication for HIV prevention. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that HIV PrEP be covered at zero cost-sharing for insured consumers. Find additional resources and information in this press release. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has released a “Family Members Training Needs Survey.”  DDAP has requested feedback from family members and/or significant others of individuals who may be suffering from drug or alcohol use, receiving substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, or in recovery to better understand what would help them navigate SUD services. The survey will remain open until January 6, 2025. 

Around the State  

  • The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has written an article about the expected increase in the number of Pennsylvanians diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in the next 15 years and the challenges the current treatment system will face according to a recent analysis conducted by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. 
  • The Pennsylvania Capitol-Star published an article about the potential increase in insurance premiums for Pennsylvanians on Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace, if federal subsidies expire. 

Stakeholder Events 

Department of Aging – Pharmaceutical Assistance Board – December 16

The Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, December 16 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. For connection information or any questions, please contact Megan McDaniel (memcdaniel@pa.gov).

DOH – Health Policy Board – December 19

The Health Policy Board will hold a meeting on Thursday, December 19 at 12:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to consult with the board of the department’s draft proposed hospital regulations. The meeting will be held virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-12-13T21:47:50+00:00December 13th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for December 13
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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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