Medical Assistance Advisory Committee Archives - Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has made the Fiscal Year 25-2026 Social Services Block Grant Intended Use Plan available for public review and comment. Details on how to comment may be found in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

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

DHS has shared the following prior authorization guideline briefing documents that were the subjects of this week’s Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee meeting.

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.

Following the arsonist attack on the Governor’s Residence, Governor Shapiro has published a guest essay in The New York Times entitled, “Finding Moral Clarity After an Arsonists Attack.”

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.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-04-25T22:14:16+00:00April 25th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

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 Assembly

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.

DOH has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing the Nursing Home Patient Safety Trust Fund (MCARE) surcharge of $14.40 per bed for Fiscal Year 2024-25.

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.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-03-07T22:13:24+00:00March 7th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

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

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of November.

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has released the Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) Regulatory Compliance Guide (RCG) in an effort to provide clear explanations of the regulatory requirements of Title 55 Pa. Code, Chapter 5240, “Intensive Behavioral Health Services” regulations.

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.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-01-10T20:27:58+00:00January 10th, 2025|Federal Medicaid issues, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

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 shared the following presentations used at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on December 5.

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.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-12-13T21:47:50+00:00December 13th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for November 22

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

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro has signed Executive Order 2024-04 creating the Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track Program to streamline the state’s permitting process for key economic development and critical infrastructure projects. Find additional information in this press release.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate have recessed until the call of their respective chair.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Vaccine Desk Reference. This bulletin applies to all providers enrolled in the MA program that may administer vaccines to MA beneficiaries in the fee-for-service or managed care delivery system.

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

Insurance Department

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced the publication of the first Pennsylvania Affordable Care Act and Qualified Health Plans (QHP) Summary Report. This report examines how PID reviews health insurance products and enforces laws to ensure a fair insurance market and equitable treatment of consumers. Find more information in this press release.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has announced it received the following final form regulations, which will be considered at its public meeting on December 5, 2024.

State Board of Medicine Opioid Treatment Programs: this final-omitted rulemaking amends the Board of Medicine’s regulations to allow the initial physical examination required for prescribing, administering, and dispensing controlled substances to be done via telehealth under certain conditions.
State Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensure Requirements: this final rulemaking includes amendments to licensure requirements that are, in part, necessary to reflect the merger of the post-graduate training bodies for osteopathic (DO) and allopathic (MD) medical school graduates into a single accreditation system.

Around the State

The New York Times has written about President Donald Trump’s plan to nominate Pennsylvania resident Dr. Mehmet Oz to serve as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

WKBN 27 has written an article about the Commonwealth’s continued efforts related to the potential sale of Sharon Regional Medical Center, part of Steward Health Care which filed for bankruptcy in May.

City & State Pennsylvania has published an article about the five bills signed into law by Governor Shapiro this week and his signing of an executive order on permitting.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – December 4

The Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee (LTSS) will hold a public meeting on December 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Click here for more information.

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – December 4

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on December 4 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – December 5

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on December 5 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-11-22T22:10:10+00:00November 22nd, 2024|Affordable Care Act, long-term care, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for September 13

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

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed two executive orders this week related to gun violence prevention and affordable housing.

Governor Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-02 updating an executive order issued by former Governor Tom Wolf and re-establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Find more details in this press release.

Governor Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-03 directing the administration to create Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive housing action plan to address the state’s housing shortage, address homelessness, and expand affordable housing options. Find more details in this press release.

General Assembly

The state Senate will convene for voting session Monday, September 16 through Wednesday, September 18. The House of Representatives will remain recessed until Monday, September 30.

The Senate Aging & Youth and Banking & Insurance Committees will meet on Wednesday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 156 of the Main Capitol for a joint informational hearing on protecting seniors from financial exploitation.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to announce changes to the Medical Assistance fee schedule, including changes resulting from clinical review, provider request, and recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These changes are effective for dates of service on or after September 9, 2024.

DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers of updates to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for certain family planning and family planning-related services. The updates are effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2024.

DHS has announced updates to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for ophthalmology services. The updates are effective for dates of service on or after September 15, 2024. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has announced its intent to allocate $258 million for FY 2024-2025 inpatient disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has published final notice of its intent to increase funding for a class of supplemental payments for qualifying acute care general hospitals for FY 2023-2024 that treat a high volume of opioid use disorder patients in their emergency rooms. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

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

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced it will host a webinar next Monday, September 16 at 10:00am to discuss the details of new respiratory illness data submission that is required by CMS beginning in October. This event is meant for compliance staff, emergency management staff, IT professionals, and hospital leadership. DOH will explain its plans to continue using PA HIMS (currently Juvare’s EMResource) and automatic upload processes to meet these requirements. Click here to register to attend.

The Shapiro administration has announced that all school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools will receive funding to provide free period products to students. Funding will be proportional to the total number of students enrolled in a school and based on a rate of $1.75 per student. Schools may use the funding for period product purchases made between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Find additional information here.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced the availability of more than $26 million in funding to expand drop-in center services for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) across Pennsylvania. DDAP will award approximately 14 grants of up to $1,875,000 each. Eligible applicants, including existing community organizations, Single County Authorities, and DDAP-licensed treatment providers, can find the grant application here. Find more details in this press release.

DDAP joined individuals in recovery, advocacy organizations, and providers this week to kick off National Recovery Month in Pennsylvania. Throughout September, DDAP will be holding several other recovery-focused events. Find those events and additional recovery resources offered by DDAP here.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has conducted a review of existing regulations at the request of legislative standing committees, including the House Health and Aging & Older Adult Services Committees. The review covered rulemakings from 10 different agencies, including 40 prior rulemakings, 103 additional Chapters of regulations, and two subchapters. IRRC’s final report, including its recommendations, can be found here.

Stakeholder Events

DOH – Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – September 18

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board has provided notice that it will meet on Wednesday, September 18 and Wednesday, November 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The meetings will be held in the Capitol Media Center with an option for board members to participate virtually. These meetings will be broadcast live for the public through Commonwealth Media Services. Find additional details here.

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – September 25

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on September 25 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – September 26

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on September 26 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-09-13T19:50:01+00:00September 13th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for July 26

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 15 – 26. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro has signed several bills into law, including the following health care bills.
- House Bill 1664 (Act 58 of 2024), which prohibits insurers from restricting their method of payment to participating health care providers so that the only payment method is by credit card.
- House Bill 1633 (Act 74 of 2024), which establishes restrictions on non-compete covenants for certain health care practitioners.
- House Bill 1853 (Act 75 of 2024), which requires the Department of Health to meet annually with licensed nursing facilities in an effort to improve communication and collaboration around facility surveys.
- House Bill 1993 (Act 77 of 2024), which seeks to reform certain practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that have an adverse impact on pharmacies and patients.
- House Bill 2200 (Act 79 of 2024), which makes certain changes to Pennsylvania statute that will enable the state to join, among others, the medical and nursing interstate licensure compacts.

Governor Shapiro joined Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys, members of the General Assembly, and local pharmacists in Lawrence County this week to tout the recent enactment of House Bill 1993, which establishes increased oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Read more in this press release.

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 are recessed until Monday, September 23 and Monday, September 16, respectively.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through August 2024. Find the updated calendar here.

DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip #85 with eligibility and enrollment information for the Breast & Cervical Cancer Prevention & Treatment (BCCPT) program, which provides eligible individuals treatment for confirmed cases of breast and cervical cancer or precancerous conditions of the breast or cervix.

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has shared an important announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about a recall of Clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets due to mislabeling.

DHS has shared the following presentations used at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on July 25.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded providers who operate mobile clinics to complete a brief survey, which can be found here. The results of the survey will help DOH better understand the breadth of mobile services provided across the state, identify interest in collaboration among mobile service providers to share best practices and identify unmet needs/resources, and to identify opportunities to promote and support the mobile clinics, including opportunities for expansion of services.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued a Licensing Alert to notify licensed treatment facilities and recovery houses of the new process for submitting licensing regulation exceptions and facility requests to DDAP.

Around the State

The Citizen’s Voice has published an article about Pennsylvania’s Cancer Drug Repository Program and barriers to its utilization.

The Patriot-News has written an article about President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the U.S. presidential race and what it means for Governor Shapiro.

Governor Shapiro’s signing of House Bill 1993, which establishes increased oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and its potential impact on local pharmacies and patients was featured in an article published by the Times Leader.

The Pittsburgh Business Times has published an article about the challenges confronting rural health care and efforts to find solutions.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-07-26T20:18:58+00:00July 26th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for June 21

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 17 – 21. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate will reconvene for voting session next Monday, June 24. Both chambers are currently scheduled to remain in session until Monday, June 30, which is Pennsylvania’s constitutional deadline to enact a budget.

The House Children & Youth Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 25 at 9:00 a.m. to consider House Bill 1425, which directs the Department of Human Services to develop a five-year plan to offer evidence-based maternal home visiting programs for eligible families. The meeting will be held in Room B-31 of the Main Capitol. It will be livestreamed here.

The House Health Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, June 26 at 9:30 a.m. to consider House Bill 2344, which imposes more reporting requirements and additional oversight on health care facility mergers and acquisitions, and House Bill 2382, which establishes a rural health care grant program to incentive licensed health care practitioners to practice in rural areas. The meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building. It will be livestreamed here.

Department of Human Services

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

DHS has announced a recent audit uncovered recipient date of death discrepancies and a claims recovery was completed to recoup monies paid in error. DHS also reminded providers that it is their responsibility to resubmit a correctly completed claim if they are due payment for services provided prior to the date of death. Find the notice here.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced it will offer a virtual “Implementation, Improvement, Sustainability and Coaching of the ASAM Criteria – A How-To Science Based Approach” training in conjunction with Train for Change. The training will be offered in three series. It will teach the NIATx model for process improvement in conjunction with the ASAM Criteria Implementation Guide. Find the three series’ dates and additional information here.

Around the State

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has reported about the state’s looming budget deadline and Senator Majority Leader Joe Pittman’s assertion that “[negotiations] could perhaps use… a kick in the pants to get moving.”

The New York Times has published an article about the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and how they contribute to the cost of prescription drugs.

Spotlight PA has published an article about efforts to legalize recreational marijuana and the likelihood of legalization being a part of this year’s budget package.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – June 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on June 26 at 1:00 p.m. Register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – June 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on June 27 at 10:00 a.m. Find the agenda here and register to participate here.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-06-21T21:00:21+00:00June 21st, 2024|Governments, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for May 17

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 13 – 17. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

The House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees held a series of hearings this week on health care-related topics. Following are links to the respective hearings and the testimony offered at each one.

The House will return to voting session next week Tuesday, May 21 through Wednesday, May 22. The Senate is currently in recess until June 3. Following is a selection of health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled for next week.

The House Health Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, May 21 at the call of the chair to consider, among other bills, House Bill 2127, which requires clinicians to distribute information related to postpartum depression and conduct a postpartum screening for depression.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. for an informational hearing on the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program. The hearing will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building and livestreamed here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the implementation of the 2024 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG), which are the basis for the income eligibility limits for several categories of Medicaid. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has issued Provider Quick Tips #176 to inform presumptive eligibility providers that the income guidelines used to determine Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women have been updated effective January 11, 2024.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the launch of a new online dashboard to provide Pennsylvania residents and health care providers with information about tickborne diseases.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced it will begin a four-month series, Conversations with Scott Boyles, on June 3 as part of the monthly ASAM technical assistance webinars. If you would like to sign up to be added to the monthly webinar, please email DDAP’s ASAM resource account, ra-daasam@pa.gov. Past webinars and additional ASAM 3^rd Edition resources are available on DDAP’s ASAM Transition page.

State Board of Medicine

The State Board of Medicine has published notice of its final-form rulemaking related to the registration of naturopathic doctors. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

State Board of Osteopathic Medicine

The State Board of Osteopathic Medicine has published notice of its intent to amend certain licensure requirements. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Around the State

Stephen Caruso has written an article for Spotlight PA about the status of FY 2024-2025 budget negotiations and the competing priorities of Republicans and Democrats.

City & State Pennsylvania has published an article detailing Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Scott Martin’s comments at the Pennsylvania Press Club’s monthly speaker series.

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has reported about Governor Shapiro’s signing of an executive order this week to attract skilled and experienced workers to state government.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – May 22

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold an in-person meeting on Wednesday, May 22 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Find the meeting’s agenda here. The meeting will be held in the Forest Room of the Keystone Building at 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 23

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold an in-person meeting on Thursday, May 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Find the meeting’s agenda here. The meeting will be held in the Forest Room of the Keystone Building at 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120.

DHS – Dual Diagnosis Conference – May 22-23

The Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, invites stakeholders to participate in the state-wide Dual Diagnosis Conference, which will be held virtually May 22-23. Find a preliminary agenda here and registration details here.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-05-18T00:20:37+00:00May 17th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for April 19

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 15 – 19. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives convened for voting session in Harrisburg this week. Following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity that occurred.

The House passed House Bill 1633, which prohibits non-compete agreements for health care practitioners and establishes certain notification requirements, by a vote of 150-50. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House Professional Licensure Committee met on Monday, April 15 and favorably reported House Bill 2200, which makes certain changes to Pennsylvania statute that will enable the state to join, among others, the medical and nursing interstate licensure compacts. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Children and Youth Committee met on Tuesday, April 16 and favorably reported House Bill 1059, which updates the definition of sexual abuse or exploitation in the Child Protective Services law, and House Bill 321, which establishes an implementation deadline for the Department of Human Services’ enterprise case management system. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, April 17 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1608, which extends Medicaid coverage to doula services and creates a doula advisory board, and House Bill 2097, which provides Medicaid coverage of blood pressure monitors for pregnant or postpartum beneficiaries. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Judiciary Committee met on Wednesday, April 17 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 2012, which establishes a state antitrust statute and expands notification requirements for health care facilities when there is a merger, acquisition, etc. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Democratic Policy Committee held a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, April 16 examining maternal health deserts. Find the agenda and testimony presented to the committee here.

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, April 15 examining pharmacy deserts. Find a recording of meeting and testimony presented to the committee here.

The state House of Representatives and the Senate are in recess until Monday, April 29.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 745) with information regarding recent increases in reported congenital syphilis. The department is recommending that pregnant individuals be offered a test for Syphilis at the first prenatal visit, at the third trimester of pregnancy, and at delivery.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin with the 2024 recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule.

DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that the department will begin paying for ground ambulance mileage for each loaded mile in addition to increasing the fees for certain ambulance services on the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule, effective with dates of service on or after January 1, 2024.

DHS has published the minutes of the March 28, 2024 Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting.

DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through May 2024. Find the updated calendar here.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – April 24

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 24 at 1:00 p.m. Find the agenda here and register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 25

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 25 at 10:00 a.m. Find the agenda here and register to participate here.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – May 1

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, May 1-2, 2024. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – May 2

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 2 from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and in person. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – May 3

The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-04-19T20:14:21+00:00April 19th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

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