PA Health Policy Update for May 23
The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 19 – 13. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).
Primary Election Update
Voters went to the polls on Tuesday, May 20 for Pennsylvania’s 2025 Primary Election. On the ballot there were judicial candidates seeking to fill vacancies on the Commonwealth and Superior Courts, along with municipal races. Find the Department of State’s unofficial election results here.
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.
Department of Human Services
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with Pennsylvania’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Program Periodicity Schedule and Coding Matrix. This bulletin applies to all providers enrolled in the Medical Assistance program who provide EPSDT screens for Medical Assistance (MA) beneficiaries.
Board of Nursing
The State Board of Nursing has announced that it has adopted temporary regulations, which can be found here, necessary to implement the Nurse Licensure Compact. The temporary regulations are effective upon their publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Additional information about the Nurse Licensure Compact is available on the Department of State’s website here.
Insurance Department
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), along with the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), has announced the launch of a women’s health survey to identify challenges and questions women have about their health insurance benefits, and to remind women about preventive health services that are available to them at no cost through their insurance.
Independent Fiscal Office
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) has released its initial revenue estimate for FY 2025-26. The IFO has estimated Pennsylvania’s General Fund revenues will total $47 billion in FY 2025-26. The IFO has also revised the current fiscal year’s deficit to $3.6 billion, an increase of $280 million. Find the full report here and the IFO’s presentation here.
Around the State
- The Tribune-Review has published an article about the potential spike in the number of Pennsylvanians without health insurance that will occur if the reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House this week moves forward.
- Spotlight PA has continued to report about state legislative efforts to implement additional oversight of health care facility mergers and acquisitions.
- The mayoral elections that featured prominently in Tuesday’s Primary Election were the focus of an article by City & State Pennsylvania.
- Spotlight PA has published an article about the Commonwealth and Superior Court candidates advancing to November’s General Election.
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.