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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 23

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of September 19-23, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

The state House and Senate convened for voting session this week.  The following is an overview of certain health-related legislative activity.

  • The House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 2425, which requires the Department of Health or Department of Human Services to report allegations of older adult abuse to local area agencies on aging and the Department of Aging.  The bill was received in the Senate and referred to the Aging & Youth Committee.
  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 2806, which requires DHS to establish a public awareness campaign about programs and services available for first responders, health care workers, other frontline workers, and their families experiencing mental health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The bill was received in the Senate and referred to the Health & Human Services Committee.
  • The House passed House Bill 2800, which amends the Medical Practice Act to address an issue related to the licensure of prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, and orthotic fitters in Pennsylvania. The bill was received in the Senate and referred to the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee.
  • The House Insurance Committee unanimously reported out of committee Senate Bill 225, which seeks to streamline and standardize the process for prior authorization of medical services.
  • The House Children & Youth Committee favorably reported Senate Bill 522, which requires all pregnant women and children in Pennsylvania to receive blood tests to detect lead poisoning.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee held an informational hearing to examine the tick crisis in Pennsylvania.  A recording of the hearing and witness testimony may be viewed here.
  • The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee favorably reported Senate Bill 1330, which requires insurance coverage for genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and Senate Bill 1225, which provides enhanced coverage of MRIs and ultrasounds for women with certain risk factors.
  • The Senate Judiciary Committee favorably reported House Bill 1393, which seeks to prevent overdose deaths by legalizing fentanyl test strips for personal use, and House Bill 2527, which expands Pennsylvania’s “Good Samaritan” law to cover all opioid reversal medicines approved by the FDA.

The Senate will reconvene on Monday, October 17 and the House on Monday, October 24.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published two Pennsylvania Bulletin notices about FY 2023 Medicaid disproportionate share (Medicaid DSH) payments:
  • The first notice conveys DHS’s intention to make $257.760 million in total (state and federal) payments upon approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for inpatient DSH, outpatient supplemental, and direct medical education payments based on the current state plan qualification criteria and distribution methodologies.
  • The second notice is DHS’s annual publication listing each facility qualifying for certain disproportionate share hospital payments.
  • DHS has posted information about how new providers and those reactivating a service location that has been closed for two years or longer can obtain an electronic provider enrollment application from the PROMISe provider portal landing page.  Go here to learn more.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to announce that the Medical Assistance program will cover vaccine counseling visits for beneficiaries under the age of 21 for vaccines provided through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit even when no vaccines are administered.  This policy took effect on September 20.  Find that bulletin here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to announce the annual update of the Medical Assistance program’s EPSDT Program Periodicity Schedule and Coding Matrix.  The update took effect on September 19.  Find that bulletin here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers that the Medical Assistance program will cover COVID-19 vaccine counseling visits for beneficiaries under 21 even when a COVID-19 vaccine is not administered.  Go here to learn more.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform Medical Assistance providers that it has added CPT codes 0041A and 0042A to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax.  The update is effective as of July 13.  Find that bulletin here.
  • DHS has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing the addition of procedure codes to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for specific dental services, effective with dates of service on and after May 2.  Find that notice here.
  • DHS has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing the addition of procedure codes to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for the provision of private duty nursing services provided through home health agencies to Medical Assistance beneficiaries under 21 years of age effective with dates of service on and after October 1.  Find that notice here.
  • DHS has announced the proposed assessment amount, the proposed assessment methodology, and the estimated aggregate impact on nursing facilities that will be subject to the state’s nursing facility assessment program beginning in FY 2023.  Specifically, DHS proposes modifying the assessment methodology by including in the lower rate tier nursing facilities with at least 90,000 Medical Assistance days and with an overall occupancy rate of 77 percent or higher based on calendar year 2021 resident days and also calling for a uniform $3.76 increase of the 2022 assessment rates for both tiers.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee has shared the presentations made during its September 22 meeting by its

It also has published a list of Medical Assistance Bulletins issued since its June 23 meeting.

  • DHS has received an estimated $12 million from the federal government for the Money Follows the Person program to continue to support new and existing activities that meet the criteria for that program’s funding.  The Money Follows the Person program enables states to leverage federal funding to help Medicaid beneficiaries who live in institutions receive services they need in community settings instead.  Learn more about the funding and the specific purposes for which it is currently being used from this DHS news release.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • The weekly average of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania and COVID-related deaths continues to hold relatively steady:  roughly 2500 new daily cases and 20 new deaths with weekly variances of about 10 percent.
  • To date, Pennsylvania has registered 2.7 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, 570,000 probable cases, and more than 47,000 deaths from the disease.
  • The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 and in hospital ICUs and on ventilators because of the virus also remains relatively unchanged.
  • According to the CDC, the seven-day moving average of new hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Pennsylvania was 195 admissions a day over the past week.
  • Sixty-six of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties continue to have a high rate of community transmission of COVID-19.  Philadelphia County is currently experiencing “only” a substantial rate.

Monkeypox

  • DHS has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing the addition of procedure codes to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for use when billing for diagnostic laboratory testing for the orthopoxvirus and for the administration of monkeypox vaccines effective with dates of service on and after July 26.  Find that notice here.
  • The CDC has posted an updated map showing the distribution of 23,364 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S. as of September 21, up only slightly from 23,117 cases on September 15.  713 of those cases were in Pennsylvania, up from 684 a week ago.
  • As of September 19, 446 of those Pennsylvania monkeypox cases were in Philadelphia.  Learn more about monkeypox in Philadelphia from the city Department of Public Health’s monkeypox web page.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 has released a new report about the performance of Pennsylvania hospitals for four types of cardiac procedures:  coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention for a heart attack, percutaneous coronary intervention without a heart attack, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.  The report includes hospital ratings for in-hospital mortality, seven-, 30-, and 90-day readmissions, and extended post-operative length of stay.  It also documents case volumes, hospital charges, and statewide trends and offers other statistics.  To find PHC4’s news release on the report, a summary, the report itself, downloadable data sets, information about Medicare payments, and more, go here.

Stakeholder Events

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council – Special Executive Committee Meeting – September 26

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has scheduled a meeting of its Special Executive Committee on Monday, September 26 at 3:00.  The meeting will be held virtually. An agenda will be available here 24 hours in advance.  Contact rgreenawalt@phc4.org at least 24 hours in advance for participation instructions.

Department of Health – Health Research Advisory Committee Meeting – October 3

The Department of Health’s Health Research Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Monday, October 3 at 10:00 to hold a formal vote on upcoming priorities.  Learn more about the meeting and how to participate from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting – October 4

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and supports subcommittee will meet in Harrisburg on Tuesday, October 4 at 10:00; interested parties also may participate virtually.  For information about the location of the meeting or to register to participate virtually, see this DHS notice.

Department of Human Services Preventing Workplace Injuries – October 6

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a webinar on “Protecting and Preserving our Workforce by Preventing Common Injuries” among health care workers on Thursday, October 6 at 2:00.  Learn more about the webinar and how to register to participate from this notice.

DHS – Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Office of Developmental Programs – Suicide Prevention – October 21

The Department of Human Services’ Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs will host a quarterly “Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices” meeting that will share the most recent research and resources to help people with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities live everyday lives.  The specific subject of the meeting, to be held on Friday, October 21 at 9:00, will be suicide prevention and intervention.  Find the meeting agenda and information about how to register to participate from this DHS notice.

Department of Health – Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board – October 25

The Department of Health’s Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at 9:30.  The meeting location will depend on COVID-19 mitigation efforts at that time.  If the meeting can be held in person it will be in Room 129 in the Pennsylvania Health and Welfare Building at 625 Forster Street in Harrisburg.  If the meeting is held virtually it will be held at bit.ly/ABC_MAP.  To dial in, call 267-332-8737, conference ID 440 338 696#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

 

2022-09-23T21:43:19+00:00September 23rd, 2022|COVID-19, Medicaid supplemental payments, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 23
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 16

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of September 12-16, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

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

  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 1630, which grants the Pennsylvania Auditor General the authority to audit managed care contracts and subcontracts with pharmacy benefit managers in Medicaid.  The bill was received in the Senate and referred to the Health & Human Services Committee.
  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 1693, which requires nursing home residents to be notified at the time of their admission that they have the option of having legal representation to assist with applying for Medicaid benefits.  The bill will now be sent to the Senate.
  • The House Insurance Committee favorably reported Senate Bill 1201, which ensures coverage for early refills of prescription eye drops at 70 percent of the original prescription price, and House Bill 2499, which adopts the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ model law requiring insurers, with exceptions for small insurers, to conduct an annual risk assessment.
  • The House Professional Licensure Committee favorably reported House Bill 2800, which amends the Medical Practice Act to address an issue related to the licensure of prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, and orthotic fitters in Pennsylvania.
  • The House Republican Policy Committee held an informational meeting on Monday to examine the Supreme Court’s recent decision to eliminate the existing requirement that a medical professional liability action may only be filed in the county in which the cause of action occurred.  A recording of the meeting and testimony submitted to the committee may be viewed here.
  • The House Human Services Committee favorably reported House Bill 2686, as amended, which establishes a grant program to support the start-up costs of a behavioral health collaborative care model in medical practices.
  • The House Children & Youth Committee held an informational meeting this week to examine “Child & Adolescent Fatality Trends & Community Responses.”  A video recording of the hearing may be viewed here.

The state House and Senate will be in session next Monday (9/19), Tuesday (9/20), and Wednesday (9/21).  The following is an overview of selected health-related committee meetings next week.

  • The House Insurance Committee will convene on Tuesday, September 20 at 10:00 a.m. to consider Senate Bill 225, which seeks to streamline and standardize the process for prior authorization of medical services.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee will hold an informational hearing on Tuesday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. on the tick crisis in Pennsylvania.
  • The House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees will hold a joint hearing on Friday, September 23 to discuss Senate Bill 860 and House Bill 1848 and the need for Pennsylvania to establish a statewide rape-kit tracking system.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin notifying providers of updates to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for adult vaccines.  Find the bulletin here.
  • DHS has extended its calendar for remittance advice (RA) electronic transfer and mailing dates into November.  Find the updated calendar here.
  • DHS has published information about improvements in how providers can update their enrollment summary in the state’s PROMISe provider internet portal.  Find the notice here.
  • DHS has revised its list of drug companies participating in the state’s Medicaid drug rebate program.  Find the updated list here.
  • In July, DHS proposed new regulations governing the delivery of psychiatric rehabilitation services, and in particular, on the use of telehealth in the delivery of those services.  Now, Pennsylvania’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission has published its analysis of the proposed regulation and shared comments submitted by stakeholders in response to the proposed changes.  Find the commission’s analysis and stakeholder comments in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to announce that it has issued an updated School-Based ACCESS Program provider handbook.  Find that bulletin and the updated handbook here.
  • DHS has posted a notice announcing to stakeholders that it has not yet calculated Medicaid hospice rates for FY 2023 and explaining its process for completing those calculations and notifying affected parties.  Find that notice here.

Behavioral Health Commission for Adult Mental Health

The Behavioral Health Commission for Adult Mental Health created to develop recommendations for how to allocate $100 million appropriated for adult mental health purposes in the state’s FY 2023 budget held its fourth public meeting this week.  The first part of the meeting focused on workforce development issues, with participants identifying the biggest challenges in workforce development as recruitment, retention, licensing, lack of funding for loan repayment and salary increases, lack of career pathways and pipelines, and burnout.

After additional discussion, commission members decided they should organize their spending recommendations into four categories:  workforce ($37 million of the $100 million available), expanding services ($36.7 million), criminal justice ($23.3 million), and other ($3 million); they also discussed priorities within each category.  The commission’s final report and recommendations should be presented to the legislature next week but no money will be spent until the General Assembly, which will only meet a few more days this year, specifically authorizes it.  Learn more about the Behavioral Health Commission for Adult Mental Health from its section of the DHS web site.

Department of Health

The Department of Health has notified licensed providers that although the CDC now considers individuals up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations only if they have had a dose of the new bivalent booster shot, providers should continue to consider individuals up to date if they have received either a monovalent or bivalent booster shot on the recommended schedule.   Learn more from the Department of Health’s letter to providers.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • The weekly average of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania and COVID-related deaths continues to hold relatively steady.
  • The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 and in hospital ICUs and on ventilators because of the virus also remains relatively unchanged.
  • According to the CDC, 74.5 percent of Pennsylvanians five years of age and older are now vaccinated.
  • Sixty-five of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties continue to have a high rate of community transmission of COVID-19.  Delaware and Philadelphia counties are currently experiencing “only” substantial rates.

Monkeypox

The CDC has posted an updated map showing the distribution of 23,117 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S. as of September 15, up from 21,504 cases on September 1.  684 of those cases were in Pennsylvania, up from 624 a week ago.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is offering online training on substance use disorder confidentiality.  This updated training incorporates changes based on passage of Pennsylvania Act 33, the Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act, in July.  Learn how to receive the training from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice.  Participants can earn PCB continuing education credits.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee Consumer Subcommittee – September 21

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, September 21 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – September 22

DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, September 22 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Health – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – September 22

The Department of Health’s Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, September 22 at 1:00.  For information about how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council Stakeholder Summit – September 22

The Rare Disease Advisory Council will hold a stakeholder summit on Thursday, September 22.  The summit will feature panels on gene therapy, newborn screening, and the results of the council’s Patient Needs Assessment Survey.  Learn more about the stakeholder summit here.

Department of Human Services – Special Populations/Dementia Issues September 22

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a webinar on how facilities can help community members understand what dementia is, how it affects people, and how individuals can make a difference in the lives of those touched by dementia.  The webinar, to be held on Thursday, September 22 at 2:00, is especially recommended for community liaisons, non-clinical teams, nurse educators, service coordinators, and volunteers.  Learn more from this webinar notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting – October 4

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and supports subcommittee will meet in Harrisburg on Tuesday, October 4 at 10:00; interested parties also may participate virtually.  For information about the location of the meeting or to register to participate virtually, see this DHS notice.

DHS – Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Office of Developmental Programs – Suicide Prevention – October 21

The Department of Human Services’ Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs will host a quarterly “Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices” meeting that will share the most recent research and resources to help people with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities live everyday lives.  The specific subject of the meeting, to be held on Friday, October 21 at 9:00, will be suicide prevention and intervention.  Find the meeting agenda and information about how to register to participate from this DHS notice.

Department of Health – Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board – October 25

The Department of Health’s Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at 9:30.  The meeting location will depend on COVID-19 mitigation efforts at that time.  If the meeting can be held in person it will be in Room 129 in the Pennsylvania Health and Welfare Building at 625 Forster Street in Harrisburg.  If the meeting is held virtually it will be held at bit.ly/ABC_MAP.  To dial in, call 267-332-8737, conference ID 440 338 696#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

 

2022-09-16T21:36:30+00:00September 16th, 2022|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 16
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 9

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of September 6-9, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

House Chamber of the State HouseGeneral Assembly

The state House will return to session on Monday, September 12.  The following is an overview of certain health-related committee meetings next week.

  • The House Insurance Committee will meet on Monday, September 12 at 11:00 to consider Senate Bill 1201, which ensures coverage for early refills of prescription eye drops at 70 percent of the original prescription price, and House Bill 2499, which adopts the National Association of Insurance Commissioners model law requiring insurers, with exceptions for small insurers, to conduct an annual risk assessment.
  • The House Professional Licensure Committee will convene on Monday, September 12 at 11:00 to consider, among other measures, House Bill 2800, which amends the Medical Practice Act to address an issue related to the licensure of prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, and orthotic fitters in Pennsylvania.
  • The House Republican Policy Committee will hold an informational hearing on Monday, September 12 at 11:00 to examine the Supreme Court’s recent decision to eliminate the existing requirement that a medical professional liability action may only be filed in the county in which the cause of action occurred.
  • The House Human Services Committee will meet on Monday, September 12 at 11:15 to consider House Bill 2686, which establishes a grant program to support the start-up costs of a behavioral health collaborative care model in medical practices.
  • The House Children & Youth Committee will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 14 at 10:00 to examine “Child & Adolescent Fatality Trends & Community Responses.”

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to notify dentists of updates to the Medical Assistance program dental fee schedule and the program’s Dental PROMISe™ Provider Handbook.  Find the bulletin here.

The Department of Human Services has updated its Pennsylvania Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) Directory.

Department of Health

The Department of Health has written to administrators of long-term-care facilities to encourage them to participate in the state’s Long-term Care Resiliency Infrastructure Supports & Empowerment (LTC-RISE) initiative as a strategy to build workforce resiliency and combat burnout that has resulted from the pandemic.  Find the letter to administrators here and learn more about LTC-RISE and find contact information for LTC-RISE programs serving individual Pennsylvania regions here.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

Monkeypox

  • The CDC has posted an updated map showing the distribution of 21,504 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S. as of September 8, up from 19,465 cases on September 1.  624 of those cases were in Pennsylvania, up from 561 a week ago.
  • As of September 6, 380 of those Pennsylvania monkeypox cases were in Philadelphia, up from 257 a week ago.  Learn more about monkeypox in Philadelphia from the city Department of Public Health’s digital monkeypox dashboard.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Assessing and Managing Key Conditions in Long-Term Care – September 15

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a webinar on enhancing skills to assess and manage key conditions in long-term care.  The webinar, to be held on Thursday, September 15 at 2:00, will feature best practices from nursing facilities across the state.  This webinar also offers continuing education units for RNs, MDs, and social workers.  Learn more about the webinar and how to participate from this announcement.

Pennsylvania Cancer Control, Prevention and Research Advisory Board – September 15

The Pennsylvania Cancer Control, Prevention and Research Advisory Board will meet virtually on Thursday, September 15 at 8:30.  In addition, the Pennsylvania Cancer Coalition and the Data Advisory Committee will be holding their meetings at this time.  The purpose of these meetings is to discuss board updates and Pennsylvania Cancer Plan implementation activities.  Learn how to participate virtually from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Behavioral Health Commission for Adult Mental Health – September 16

DHS’s Behavioral Health Commission for Adult Mental Health will meet on Friday, September 16 at 9:00.  Interested parties can attend in person (in Harrisburg) or virtually.  Go here for information on how to participate in the meeting.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee Consumer Subcommittee – September 21

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, September 21 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – September 22

DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, September 22 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Health – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – September 22

The Department of Health’s Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, September 22 at 1:00.  For information about how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board – October 25

The Department of Health’s Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at 9:30.  The meeting location will depend on COVID-19 mitigation efforts at that time.  If the meeting can be held in person it will be in Room 129 in the Pennsylvania Health and Welfare Building at 625 Forster Street in Harrisburg.  If the meeting is held virtually it will be held at bit.ly/ABC_MAP.  To dial in, call 267-332-8737, conference ID 440 338 696#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2022-09-09T21:12:39+00:00September 9th, 2022|COVID-19, long-term care, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 9
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 2

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of August 29-September 2, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Revenue Collection Update

The Department of Revenue has released its monthly revenue update for August.  General Fund revenue collection exceeded estimate by $63.8 million, or 2.3 percent, for the month.  Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $5.6 billion, which is $60.4 million, or 1.1 percent, above estimate.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to notify providers of updates to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for adult vaccines.  Find the bulletin here.
  • DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to expand the scope of eligible providers that may render certain services to include psychiatric outpatient clinics, outpatient drug and alcohol clinics, and physicians and to add behavioral health providers to certain procedure codes and make other procedure code changes.  Find the bulletin here.
  • DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to announce changes to the Medical Assistance fee schedule, including changes resulting from the implementation of the 2022 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) procedure codes updates.  In addition, it also is adding other procedure codes and making changes to procedure codes currently on the Medical Assistance fee schedule, including setting limitations and prior authorization requirements.  These changes are effective for dates of service on and after August 29, 2022.  Find the bulletin here.
  • DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics of updates to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for the distribution of take-home supplies of nasal or injectable naloxone to Medicaid
    beneficiaries.  Find the bulletin here.
  • DHS has published brief notices addressing extra recoupments it has returned to some providers and provider enrollment summary enhancements.
  • DHS has posted federal financial participation rate changes and continued billing requirements for community support service providers.  Find the notice here.
  • DHS has posted HealthChoices enrollment and Medical Assistance Transportation Program utilization data for July.  Find the information here.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has updated its “Innovative Hospital Model” guidance to make requested changes about locations eligible to operate outpatient emergency departments.  Find that updated information here.
  • DOH has revised its guidance for contacting the Division of Acute and Ambulatory Care prior to an event or change that requires advance notification, such as addition of new equipment or occupancy.  The updated guidance includes email subjects that providers should use when sending these notices to expedite review by the Division of Acute and Ambulatory Care.  Find the updated guidance here.
  • DOH’s annual Pennsylvania Long Term Care Questionnaire is now open until Friday, October 28.  Providers that have not received an email containing login information and instructions should contact Thomas Gavrish at tgavrish@pa.gov.
  • DOH will offer free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets on Thursday, September 15 to Pennsylvanians who are within 10 miles of the state’s four active nuclear power plants as part of routine preventive efforts in case of future emergencies.  Learn more from this department news release.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

Monkeypox

  • DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers of the addition of procedure codes to use when billing for diagnostic laboratory testing for the orthopoxvirus and for the administration of the monkeypox vaccines.  Find the bulletin here.
  • The CDC has posted an updated map showing the distribution of 19,465 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S. as of September 1, up from 16,926 cases on August 25.  561 of those cases were in Pennsylvania, up from 465 a week ago.
  • As of August 29, 327 of those Pennsylvania monkeypox cases were in Philadelphia, up from 257 a week ago.  Learn more about monkeypox in Philadelphia from the city Department of Public Health’s digital monkeypox dashboard.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Human Services – Mental and Behavioral Health Considerations for Long-Term Care – September 8

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a webinar on mental and behavioral health considerations for long-term care on Thursday, September 8 at 2:00.  This presentation will explore the most common behavioral health diagnoses seen among residents living in nursing facilities and will share approaches to managing appropriate use of psychotropic medication and best practices around deprescribing.  Learn more about the event and how to participate from this notice.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council – September 8

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) will meet virtually on Thursday, September 8 at 10:00.  Agendas will be available here 24 hours.  The public is invited to participate. Contact rgreenawalt@phc4.org at least 24 hours in advance for participation instructions.

Patient Safety Authority – September 8

The Patient Safety Authority will meet virtually on Thursday, September 22 at 1:00.  For information about how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee Consumer Subcommittee – September 21

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, September 21 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – September 22

DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, September 22 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Health – Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board – October 25

The Department of Health’s Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at 9:30.  The meeting location will depend on COVID-19 mitigation efforts at that time.  If the meeting can be held in person it will be in Room 129 in the Pennsylvania Health and Welfare Building at 625 Forster Street in Harrisburg.  If the meeting is held virtually it will be held at bit.ly/ABC_MAP.  To dial in, call 267-332-8737, conference ID 440 338 696#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

 

2022-09-02T18:45:52+00:00September 2nd, 2022|COVID-19, HealthChoices, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 2
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, July 15

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of July 11-15, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Final FY 2023 Budget

Governor Wolf signed the Fiscal Code (House Bill 1421) into law on Monday, July 11. With the Fiscal Code’s signing, all the relevant budget-related bills for FY 2023 are enacted, including the budget bill (Senate Bill 1100) and the Tax Code (House Bill 1342).

Governor Wolf

Governor Wolf has signed several bills addressing health care issues.

  • House Bill 1421 increases Medicaid rates for skilled nursing facilities to help them meet upcoming Department of Health regulation updates that in part will increase staffing requirements.  The rate increase of nearly 20 percent increases Medicaid funding for skilled nursing care by almost $300 million a year.
  • House Bill 2097 amends Title 35 (Health and Safety), in emergency medical services system, further providing for basic life support ambulances.
  • House Bill 2419 amends the Outpatient Psychiatric Oversight Act by adding a definition of “telebehavioral health technology” and provisions regarding the use of the technology.
  • House Bill 2604 amends the employee photo identification provisions of the Health Care Facilities Act.
  • House Bill 2679 amends the Pharmacy Act to preserve three regulatory suspensions authorized under the COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration, including the ability of pharmacists to provide influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to children ages five and older.
  • Senate Bill 818 amends the Health Care Facilities Act for the purpose of allowing ambulatory surgical facilities to seek an exception or waiver from the Department of Health for certain surgical procedures and permits cardiac catheterization to be performed in ambulatory surgical facilities.
  • Senate Bill 1235 amends the Insurance Company Law, further providing for contracts and coverage packages in comprehensive health care for uninsured children.
  • House Bill 2032 amends the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act, providing that the failure to report injuries by firearm or criminal act does not constitute an offense if the submission of sexual assault evidence is an anonymous submission.

General Assembly

The state House and Senate are currently in recess. The House is scheduled to return to session on Monday, September 12 and the Senate is scheduled to return on Monday, September 19.

Department of Human Services

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • The daily average of newly reported COVID-19 cases rose 17 percent over the past week, to 2850 new cases a day.
  • COVID-19-related deaths in the past week remained comparable to their level of recent weeks.
  • The number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 and on ventilators because of the virus remained generally steady over the past week but the number in hospital ICUs rose 30 percent.
  • Fifty-two of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are currently experiencing high rates of community transmission of COVID-19, down from 62 counties last week.  Four counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission and 11 a substantial rate.

Monkeypox

The Department of Health has issued a health alert advising providers about the current state of availability of testing for monkeypox and when providers should consider pursuing such testing for their patients.  Find that alert here.

The CDC has posted an updated map showing the distribution of 1053 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S. as of July 13, 32 of them in Pennsylvania and more than half of those cases in Philadelphia.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – July 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, July 27 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – July 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, July 28 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Health – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – July 28

The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP) Advisory Council will hold a public teleconference meeting on Thursday, July 28, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The SPBP Advisory Council will provide program guidance and recommendations to the Department’s SPBP in regard to the following: drug formulary; covered lab services; drug utilization review; clinical programs; eligibility; and program management. Learn more about the meeting and how to register to participate in this notice.

 

2022-07-18T17:02:52+00:00July 18th, 2022|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2023 budget|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, July 15
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, July 8

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of July 5-8, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

FY 2023 Budget Update

Governor Wolf and the General Assembly reached a final budget agreement for FY 2022-2023 this week.  In total the budget spends $45.3 billion, which is $1.3 billion more than the prior fiscal year’s budget.  The budget makes significant investments in education, housing, child tax credits, health care, and property tax and rent rebate programs.  It also allocates $2.1 billion to the state’s rainy day fund.  The following is an overview of budget-related bills and their status as of 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 8.

  • Senate Bill 1100 is the General Appropriations bill.  The House passed the bill by a vote of 180-20 and the Senate subsequently concurred with House amendments by a vote of 47-3.  The bill has been presented to the governor for his signature.
  • The Fiscal Code bill is House Bill 1421, which is scheduled to be considered off the floor by the Senate Rules & Executive Nominations Committee Friday afternoon.
  • The Human Services Code bill is House Bill 1420.  It passed the House and Senate on Thursday but Governor Wolf vetoed the bill early Friday.  The Senate is expected to amend Human Services Code language, with the exception of the “Agency with Choice” delay, into the Fiscal Code later today and send it to the House for concurrence.
  • House Bill 1342 is the Tax Code bill.  The Senate and House both passed this yesterday.  It was presented to the governor and is currently awaiting his signature.

Governor Wolf

  • Governor Wolf signed House Bill 1561 and House Bill 1563 into law this week.  These bills, which are now Act 32 and 33 of 2022, amend the Mental Health Procedures Act and the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act, respectively, to align them with HIPAA and give providers, facilities, and insurers the ability to share more easily patient mental health and substance use disorder treatment information.  Both pieces of legislation were presented to Governor Wolf for his signature.
  • Governor Wolf signed Senate Bill 861, which enters Pennsylvania into the EMS compact, on third and final consideration.  The bill has been presented to Governor Wolf for his signature.

General Assembly

The state House and Senate remain in session while they work to finalize the FY 2023 budget and pass legislation before they recess and are not scheduled to return to Harrisburg until mid-September.  The following is an overview of action taken by the General Assembly as of Friday, July 8 at 2:00 p.m.

  • The Senate voted to concur with House amendments to Senate Bill 818, which aligns the procedures permitted in ambulatory surgery centers with those permitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and sent it to Governor Wolf for his signature.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 2679 on third and final consideration.  The bill, which is now on the governor’s desk, authorizes pharmacists and pharmacy interns to administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to individuals five and older.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 2604, which amends the requirement for health care facility ID badges to permit the use of health system names rather than specific licensed facility names.  The bill is now on the governor’s desk.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 2032, which states that a health care professional’s failure to report a victim’s injuries to law enforcement as required by the Crimes Code does not constitute a criminal offense when a sexual assault victim wishes to remain anonymous.  The bill is now on the governor’s desk for his signature.
  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 106 and sent it to the House for concurrence.  Senate Bill 106 includes a number of constitutional amendments, including one establishing that the state constitution does not grant the right to taxpayer-funded abortion or any other rights relating to abortion.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 2419, which expands access to outpatient psychiatric care via telemedicine, and sent it to Governor Wolf for his signature.
  • The House passed Senate Bill 1235, which prohibits the Department of Human Services from developing or using bidding or service zones that limit a health service corporation or hospital plan corporation contractor from submitting bids.  The bill is now on the governor’s desk.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has proposed amending the state’s Human Services Code to enable individuals who are 14 years of age or older but under 18 years of age who meet the admission requirements to gain access to psychiatric rehabilitation services; to amend the diagnoses that enable an individual to obtain those services without use of the exception process; and to revise outdated language and add definitions of ”serious mental illness” and ”serious emotional disturbance” that align with definitions currently used by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  Learn more about what DHS has proposed and why it has proposed it in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin announcing the addition of procedure code A4928 to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for disposable surgical masks dispensed to Medical Assistance beneficiaries effective with dates of service on and after July 1, 2022.  This bulletin applies to Medical Assistance-enrolled certified registered nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physicians, podiatrists, and medical suppliers that prescribe or dispense disposable surgical masks to Medical Assistance beneficiaries in the fee-for-service and managed care delivery systems.  Find the bulletin here.
  • DHS has published a series of Medical Assistance Bulletins to issue updated handbook pages that include the requirements for prior authorization and the type of information needed to evaluate the medical necessity of certain prescriptions.  These bulletins apply to all licensed pharmacies and prescribers enrolled in the Medical Assistance program.  The types of prescriptions covered by these bulletins are:
  • DHS has posted the minutes of the June 23 meeting of its Medical Assistance Advisory Committee meeting.  Find those minutes here.
  • DHS also has posted the minutes of the June 22 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee.  Find those minutes here.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has updated its guidance to hospitals in response to Act 30 of 2022, recently passed by the state legislature, which extends COVID-19-related waivers through October 31, 2022.  Among other things, this guidance addresses mandatory data reporting, suspension of services, alternative uses of hospital space, hospital-based laboratory analysis of COVID-19 tests, mandatory patient COVID-19 testing, and more.  For a complete review of the implications of Act 30 for hospitals, see this updated DOH guidance.
  • DOH has announced that its COVID-19 community-based testing sites will now offer three forms of free testing:  point-of-care tests where tests are performed and results are analyzed on-site; the distribution of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests; and continued administration of mid-nasal passage swab PCR testing.  The department currently operates testing locations in Berks, Blair, Centre, Clarion, Clinton, Erie, and Washington counties.  Learn more from this DOH announcement.
  • “COVID Alert PA,” DOH’s COVID-19 app that advises users of potential exposure to individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and provides updated data on the state of the pandemic in Pennsylvania, has a new message informing users that “The current app will be discontinued on July 27, 2022.”

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • The daily average of newly reported COVID-19 cases fell 10 percent over the past week, to 2440 cases a day.
  • COVID-19-related deaths in the past week were the same as they were the week before.
  • The number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 remained generally steady over the past week, as did the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital intensive care units and on ventilators.
  • Sixty-two of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are currently experiencing high rates of community transmission of COVID-19, up from 35 counties last week.  The remaining five counties (Clarion, Forest, Potter, Sullivan, and Tioga) experienced a substantial rate of community transmission.

State Board of Pharmacy

The State Board of Pharmacy has published a final rule in the Pennsylvania Bulletin related to the administration of injectable medications, biologicals, and immunizations.  The rule allows pharmacists to administer influenza immunizations by injectable or needle-free delivery methods to children nine years of age and older.  Additionally, qualified and authorized pharmacy interns are permitted to administer injectable medications, biologicals, and immunizations to persons 18 years of age or older and administer influenza immunizations by injectable or needle-free delivery methods to children ages nine years and older under certain conditions.  Find the bulletin here.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – COVID-19 Therapeutics – July 12

The Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will hold a webinar on COVID-19 therapeutics on Tuesday, July 12 at 4:00.  The webinar is intended for providers and facility administrators and will cover why, when, and
how to prescribe and obtain outpatient COVID-19 treatment and preventive therapies.  Learn more about the webinar and how to register to participate in this notice.

Department of Health – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – July 14

The Department of Health’s Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will meet virtually on Thursday, July 14 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.  The agenda will include discussions about board member terms; updates from the Bureau of Family Health; payment options for additional conditions; research on dried blood spot specimens; a discussion on metachromatic leukodystrophy; and updates from the ethics, lysosomal storage disorders/X-ALD, cystic fibrosis, hemoglobinopathy, and critical congenital heart defects subcommittees.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Long-Term Care Learning Network/Nursing Facilities – July 14

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a special populations webinar on “Filling the Day With Meaning:  Thinking Outside the Box.”  The webinar, to be held on Thursday, July 14 at 2:00, will seek to share with participants the benefits of meaningful engagement for residents living with dementia and is especially directed toward special population workers involved in recreational therapy, restorative team members, CNAs, and volunteers.  Learn about registration and how to join the webinar from this notice.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – July 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, July 27 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – July 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, July 28 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

2022-07-08T20:28:06+00:00July 8th, 2022|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2023 budget|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, July 8
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, July 1

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of June 27 to July 1, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

FY 2023 Budget Update

As of 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1, Governor Wolf and the General Assembly continue to work on finalizing Pennsylvania’s FY 2023 budget.  Despite indications that a framework for a budget agreement has been reached, the state missed its June 30 deadline to enact a spending plan.  The General Assembly is scheduled to return to session next Tuesday, July 5 to continue its work. The short-term impact of not having a budget by July 1 will be minimal; the state is obligated to maintain essential operations and cover Medicaid expenditures, state employee payroll, and debt payments.

Harrisburg, PA capital buildingGeneral Assembly

The state House and Senate cancelled session this weekend and are schedule to return to session on Tuesday, July 5.  Depending on the outcome of budget negotiations and the progress of budget-related legislation, they may have to add additional session days next week.

  • The Senate passed House Bill 1561 and House Bill 1563 on third and final consideration.  These bills amend the Mental Health Procedures Act and the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act, respectively, to align them with HIPAA and give providers, facilities, and insurers the ability to share more easily patient mental health and substance use disorder treatment information.  Both pieces of legislation were presented to Governor Wolf for his signature.
  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 225 on third and final consideration.  The bill seeks to streamline and standardize the process for prior authorization of medical services.  The bill was sent to the House and referred to the Insurance Committee for consideration.
  • The House passed Senate Bill 861, which enters Pennsylvania into the EMS compact, on third and final consideration.  The bill has been presented to Governor Wolf for his signature.
  • The House passed Senate Bill 818, which aligns the procedures permitted in ambulatory surgery centers in Pennsylvania with those permitted by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), on third and final consideration.  Since the bill was amended, it was sent back to the Senate for concurrence.
  • The House passed House Bill 2679 on third and final consideration.  The bill, which was subsequently sent to the Senate for consideration, authorizes pharmacists and pharmacy interns to administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to individuals five years of age and older.
  • The House unanimously voted to concur with Senate amendments to House Bill 2097, which makes permanent a COVID-19 regulatory waiver that permits certified emergency personnel, such as firefighters with specific first-aid, CPR, and emergency vehicle training, to drive ambulances with an EMT on board.  The bill will now be sent to the governor for his signature.
  • The House passed House Bill 2293 on third consideration and final passage and sent it to the Senate for consideration.  This bill requires the registration and oversight of contract health care service agencies that provide temporary employment in certain health care facilities.

Governor Wolf

Governor Wolf has signed into law House Bill 2401, which extends regulatory waivers that went into effect over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This extension will permit many waivers to remain in place until October 31, 2022 unless the waivers are related to federal exemptions.  Waivers related to federal exemptions will remain in place until the last day of the federal public health emergency or the last day the federal exemptions are authorized, whichever is later.  House Bill 2401 also makes permanent two COVID-19 waivers that permit non-physician practitioners to order and oversee orders for home health care services and permits the continued use of remote supervisory visits by registered nurses.  Learn more from this Wolf administration news release.

Governor Wolf has signed Senate Bill 709, which establishes the CMV Education and Newborn Screening Act and requires the Department of Health to make available on its website certain information regarding cytomegalovirus (CMV), one of the most common viral infections that infants are born with in this country.  Health care providers will be required to provide parents or guardians of newborns with information on CMV and to offer a screening or referral within 21 days if the newborn child fails the initial newborn hearing screening.  Learn more from this Wolf administration news release and Senate Bill 709 (now Act 29).

Department of Human Services

  • In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in April of 2020 issued an exemption to opioid treatment programs from the requirement to perform an in-person physical evaluation for any patient who will be treated by such programs with buprenorphine if a program physician, primary care physician, or an authorized health care professional under the supervision of a program physician determines that an adequate evaluation of the patient can be accomplished via telehealth.  Based on positive response to this practice, SAMHSA is extending this flexibility for one year from the formal end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.  Learn more from SAMHSA’s guidance.
  • The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has issued a bulletin to update its guidelines for payment of behavioral health services delivered using telehealth technology.  Find the bulletin here and attachments here and here.  The new guidelines take effect immediately.
  • DHS’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Prevention & Treatment Program provides eligible individuals treatment for confirmed cases of breast and cervical cancer or pre-cancerous conditions of the breast or cervix.  DHS has posted a notice to providers reminding them how to determine whether patients may be eligible for services under the program and, if they are, how they can enroll in the program.  Find that notice here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers that as of November 1 it will reinstate the prior authorization requirements for shift care services provided to beneficiaries under the age of 21 in the Medical Assistance fee-for-service program.  Medical Assistance managed care organizations may reinstate the prior authorization requirements for these services provided to children under the age of 21.  Providers rendering services in the managed care delivery system should contact the appropriate managed care organization regarding any questions about prior authorization requirements.  Learn more from this Medical Assistance Bulletin.
  • DHS has announced a funding opportunity for home and community-based service (HCBS) providers to improve and strengthen HCBS programs and services to better serve HCBS participants.  Under the program DHS will provide up to $40,000 for each approved request to help HCBS providers implement a series of specific types of service improvement projects.  Funding is limited to providers of services through the Community HealthChoices and OBRA 1915(c) waivers for activities that supplement HCBS services rather than supplant existing services.  Learn more about the funding program and the specific types of projects DHS is interested in supporting from this DHS news release.  For more detailed information, see this DHS description of the program, the funding guidelines, and how to apply.  Applications will be accepted until December 31 or whenever the $38 million allocated for this purpose has been committed.  All awarded funds must be spent by July 1, 2023.
  • DHS is seeking partners to help it through the public health emergency unwinding process during which people will need to re-establish their eligibility for Medical Assistance benefits.  Specifically, it seeks individuals and organizations that will help guide current Medical Assistance beneficiaries through the eligibility renewal process or direct them to other resources for possible health care coverage.  Learn more about what DHS seeks and how to participate in this undertaking from this DHS message.
  • DHS has decreased from 90 to 30 days the period of time individuals have to request a hearing appealing a Medicaid termination or denial.  The time limit previously was 30 days, was extended to 90 days at the start of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and has now been restored to 30 days.  Find the notice in this DHS memo (on page 7, in red).
  • DHS and the Department of Transportation have been awarded a $750,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration to expand its Find My Ride online tool, Pennsylvania’s “one-stop shop” for access to human services transportation.  The program was developed collaboratively with transit agencies and streamlines the application process for the five largest transportation assistance programs in the state, including the Senior Share Ride program, the Medical Assistance Transportation Program, ADA complementary paratransit, the Persons with Disabilities Program, and the Free Transit Program.  The program enables third parties, such as family members or health care providers, to apply for services on behalf of riders.  Learn more from this Wolf administration news release.

Insurance Department

The Insurance Department has received a federal grant as part of the State Flexibility to Stabilize the Market Grant Program Cycle II.  One of the proposed projects includes studying the availability of providers in various specialties and geographic areas.  The goal of this study is to understand areas of need based on the current availability of providers to accept new patients and the amount of time it takes to get an appointment with these providers and to assess network adequacy considerations based on the findings.  The Insurance Department is seeking public comment from organizations, consumer advocates, providers, and consumers about their experience with getting appointments or finding available specialists.  Learn more about the project and the areas of medical specialty the analysis may consider, and on which the department is interested in comments, in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  Comments are due by August 5.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has announced the availability of $3 million in funding for entities to provide pregnancy support services to address the needs of pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorder.  Last year the program awarded $599,000 to 12 organizations and this year the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs plans to award approximately three to five grants of up to $600,000 each to help provide services, streamline care, and assure that this population is connected with the most appropriate resources to reach long-term recovery.  Learn more about this funding opportunity from this department news release and a program overview that describes eligible applicants and outlines the application process.  Applications are due by July 29 for projects that begin on October 1 and end by September 30, 2023.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • After four weeks of falling case counts the number of new reported COVID-19 cases rose over the past week.
  • During this past week, Pennsylvania’s total of COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic rose past three million.
  • COVID-19-related deaths rose slightly during the week.
  • The number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 remained steady over the past week but the number in hospital intensive care units and on ventilators declined.
  • Thirty-five of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are currently experiencing high rates of community transmission of COVID-19, down from 55 counties last week.  Four counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission and the remaining 18 experienced a substantial rate.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting – July 6

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:00; the meeting also will be available virtually.  For further information about the location of the meeting and how to participate virtually, see this announcement.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council – July 7

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) will meet virtually on Thursday, July 7 at 10:00.  For access to the meeting agenda and information about how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Long-Term Care Learning Network/Nursing Facilities – July 7

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a webinar to help nursing facility staff recognize expressions of behavior among residents living with dementia.  The webinar will be held on Thursday, July 7 at 2:00.  Learn more about the webinar and how to participate from this notice.

Department of Health – COVID-19 Therapeutics – July 12

The Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will hold a webinar on COVID-19 therapeutics on Tuesday, July 12 at 4:00.  The webinar is intended for providers and facility administrators and will cover why, when, and
how to prescribe and obtain outpatient COVID-19 treatment and preventive therapies.  Learn more about the webinar and how to register to participate in this notice.

Department of Health – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – July 14

The Department of Health’s Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will meet virtually on Thursday, July 14 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.  The agenda will include discussions about board member terms; updates from the Bureau of Family Health; payment options for additional conditions; research on dried blood spot specimens; a discussion on metachromatic leukodystrophy; and updates from the ethics, lysosomal storage disorders/X-ALD, cystic fibrosis, hemoglobinopathy, and critical congenital heart defects subcommittees.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2022-07-01T20:16:07+00:00July 1st, 2022|COVID-19, Federal Medicaid issues, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2023 budget|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, July 1
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, June 17

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of June 13-17, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Bookshelf with law booksGeneral Assembly

  • The state House and Senate convened for voting session this week in Harrisburg.
  • The Senate passed on final consideration Senate Bill 967, which creates the Women, Infants, and Children State Advisory Board.  The bill will now be sent to the House for consideration.
  • The House passed Senate Bill 709 on third consideration and final passage.  This bill establishes the CMV Education and Newborn Testing Act to create public awareness of cytomegalovirus and provide for CMV screening for certain newborns.  The bill will now be sent back to the Senate for concurrence.
  • The House also passed Senate Bill 915, which is the capital budget bill, on third consideration and final passage.  This will be sent back to the Senate for concurrence as well.
  • The House Health Committee convened on Monday, June 13 and favorably reported, among others, the following health care-related bills:
    • House Bill 2357, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits the preparation, manufacture, sale, or distribution of unsafe kratom products and the sale or distribution of kratom products to individuals younger than 21 years of age.
    • House Bill 2579, which seeks to increase the number of EMTs and paramedics in Pennsylvania by requiring the Department of Health to develop state-specific examinations for EMTs, EMRs, and paramedics and no longer rely on the National Registry exam.
    • House Bill 2604, which amends the requirement for health care facility ID badges to permit the use of health system names rather than specific licensed facility names.
  • House Bill 2604 was subsequently amended on the House floor during second consideration.  The amendment, which makes certain changes and adds a definition of “health system,” was agreed to by stakeholders and the Department of Health.
  • The House Insurance Committee convened on Tuesday, June 14 and favorably reported Senate Bill 1235, which prohibits the Department of Human Services from developing or using bidding or service zones that limit a health service corporation or hospital plan corporation contractor from submitting bids.
  • The House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee met on Wednesday, June 15 and favorably reported, among other bills, Senate Bill 861 which enters Pennsylvania into the EMS Compact.
  • The state House and Senate will convene next Monday (6/20) through Friday (6/24) for voting session.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to notify dentists, federally qualified health centers, and rural health clinics that Medical Assistance will pay for teledentistry, effective with dates of service on and after May 2, 2022, and to announce that procedure codes for counseling services have been added to the MA program fee schedule.  Find the bulletin here.
  • The Department of Human Services has posted the contract into which it has entered HealthChoices physical health managed care organizations effective January 1, 2022.  Find that contract here.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • For the third consecutive week COVID-19 case counts fell, declining from a seven-day average of 3223 on June 8 to 2143 on June 15, a 34 percent decline.
  • The seven-day average of COVID-19-related deaths also fell, from 23 to 16, over the same period of time.
  • The number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 and on ventilators and in hospital intensive care units all declined over past week.
  • Fifty-six of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are currently experiencing high rates of community transmission of COVID-19, down from 65 counties last week.  Two counties experienced moderate rates of community transmission and nine experienced a substantial rate.

Stakeholder Events

Rural Health Redesign Center Authority – June 21

The board of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority will meet virtually on Tuesday, June 21 at 10:00.  Learn more about the board and how to participate in this meet from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Application for Federal Fiscal Year 2022; Public Hearing – June 21

The Department of Health is making available copies of its proposed Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant Application for federal FY 2022.  This block grant application shall serve as the state’s request to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for block grant funding to address the Healthy People 2030 Health Status Objectives.  A public hearing will be held virtually on June 21 at 10:00.  Learn more about the hearing, how to participate, and how to obtain a copy of the grant funding application from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Health Research Advisory Committee – June 21

The Department of Health’s Health Research Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, June 21 at noon.  The purpose of the meeting is to vote on 2022 priorities and to plan for future health research priorities.  For information about how to join the meeting see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – June 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, June 22 at 1:00.  For information about how to join the meeting, go here.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – June 23

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, June 23 at 10:00.  Go here to register to join the meeting.

Department of Human Services – Long-Term Care Learning Network/Nursing Facilities – June 23

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a “learning collaborative” webinar in which participants in past Long-Term Care Learning Network events share information about best practices for avoiding hospitalizations from nursing homes.  The webinar will be held on Thursday, June 23 at 2:00 and the deadline to sign up to share best practices is June 1.  For further information about the webinar, sharing best practices, and participating virtually, go here.

Patient Safety Authority – June 23

The board of the Patient Safety Authority will meet virtually on Thursday, June 23 at 1:00.   Registration is required.  Learn about how to participate in the meeting from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Public Health Advisory Council – June 27

The Department of Health’s Public Health Advisory Council will meet virtually on Monday, June 27 at 2:00.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant Federal Fiscal Year 2022 work plan.  For additional information about the meeting and how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting – July 6

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:00; the meeting also will be available virtually.  For further information about the location of the meeting and how to participate virtually, see this announcement.

2022-06-17T21:32:45+00:00June 17th, 2022|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, June 17
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, June 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of June 6-10, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Wolf

Governor Wolf has signed House Bill 889, which authorizes the State Board of Nursing to approve graduates of international nursing education programs to sit for the RN licensure examination provided that such international programs are determined to be equivalent to that which is required in Pennsylvania.  The bill is now Act 22 of 2022.

General Assembly

  • The state House and Senate convened for voting session this week in Harrisburg.
  • The House passed on final consideration House Bill 2585, which prohibits the Department of Human Services from developing or using bidding or service zones that limit a health service corporation or hospital plan corporation contractor from submitting a bid.  The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.  The Senate passed a companion bill, Senate Bill 1235, which will now be sent to the House for consideration.
  • The House Insurance Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, June 8 to examine cybersecurity and insurance data security.  Find a recording of the hearing here.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met on June 7 and favorably reported the following bills.
    • Senate Bill 571, which establishes a uniform time frame for distributing SNAP benefits.
    • Senate Bill 1198, which seeks to promote and improve the availability of and access to assisted living residences.
    • Senate Bill 1202, which requires health insurers to cover the use of medically prescribed pasteurized donor human milk in inpatient and outpatient settings for children under the age of 12 months.
    • House Bill 2401, which makes permanent two COVID-19 waivers that permit non-physician practitioners to order and oversee orders for home health care services and permits the continued use of remote supervisory visits by registered nurses.

Find a recording of the hearing here.

  • The Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee met on Monday and favorably reported House Bill 2097, which makes permanent a COVID-19 regulatory waiver that permits certified emergency personnel, such as firefighters with specific first-aid, CPR, and emergency vehicle training, to drive ambulances with an EMT on board.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its Act 2 payment guidance to incorporate additional questions the department has received.  The updated guidance provides further clarification on eligible staff, employer tax withholding, and more.   Find the expanded guidance here.
  • DHS has unveiled new provider enrollment portal enhancements designed to improve providers’ enrollment experience.  Learn more about these enhancements here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers enrolled in the Medical Assistance program that it has updated its blood lead reference value and updated the qualifications for environmental lead investigators to enroll in the program.  Find that Medical Assistance Bulletin here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics that it is implementing an alternative payment methodology to pay the Medical Assistance program fee schedule rate for administering COVID-19 vaccines during vaccine-only visits for dates of service on and after December 1, 2020 and that it will pay the enhanced Medical Assistance program fee schedule rate for administering COVID-19 vaccines to homebound Medical Assistance beneficiaries during vaccine-only visits for dates of service on and after April 1, 2021.  Find that Medical Assistance Bulletin here.
  • DHS has posted the minutes of the May 26 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee.  Find those minutes here.

HealthChoices Changes

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a health advisory alerting providers to an anticipated seasonal increase in Legionella infections combined with a potential increase in cases resulting from changing building occupancies.  The advisory describes the symptoms of Legionella infection, risk factors, testing, and treatment and provides links to additional resources.  Find the health advisory here.
  • DOH has sent a reminder to long-term-care facilities about the outpatient COVID-19 therapeutics available to them and how to obtain these medications through the agency’s health care partner portal.
  • DOH has shared recommendations for residents of long-term-care facilities (a Word download) to receive a second COVID-19 vaccine booster this summer based on updated CDC guidance.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • The Department of Health has issued its monthly report on COVID-19 trends in Pennsylvania.  Find it here.
  • For the second consecutive week COVID-19 case counts fell, declining from a seven-day average of 3552 on June 1 to 3228 on June 8, a nine percent decline.
  • The seven-day average of COVID-19-related deaths rose, however, from 15 to 23, over the same period of time.
  • The number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 and on ventilators and in hospital intensive care units remained mostly steady over the past week.
  • Sixty-five of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are currently experiencing high rates of community transmission of COVID-19.  The exceptions were Juniata County, with a moderate rate of community transmission, and Fulton County, with a substantial rate.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 has published volume one of its annual analysis of the financial performance of Pennsylvania’s acute-care hospitals.  The analysis found that hospital total margins across the state increased 7.84 percentage points, from 3.93 percent in FY 2020 to 11.77 percent in FY 2021, and statewide operating margins increased 4.18 percentage points, from 3.73 percent in FY 2020 to 7.91 percent in FY 2021.  The analysis also found that in FY 2021, 25 percent of the state’s acute-care hospitals posted a negative total margin, 10 percent posted a total margin between 0 percent and four percent, and the remaining 65 percent posted a total margin higher than four percent.  The analysis found that for FY 2021, acute-care hospitals’ uncompensated care rose from $832 million in the previous year to $866 million, an increase of 4.1 percent.  Go here to find a PHC4 news release describing the agency’s report, the report itself, and a link to downloadable data from the report.

Stakeholder Events

Rural Health Redesign Center Authority – June 21

The board of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority will meet virtually on Tuesday, June 21 at 10:00.  Learn more about the board and how to participate in this meet from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Application for Federal Fiscal Year 2022; Public Hearing – June 21

The Department of Health is making available copies of its proposed Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant Application for federal FY 2022.  This block grant application shall serve as the state’s request to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for block grant funding to address the Healthy People 2030 Health Status Objectives.  A public hearing will be held virtually on June 21 at 10:00.  Learn more about the hearing, how to participate, and how to obtain a copy of the grant funding application from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Long-Term Care Learning Network/Nursing Facilities – June 23

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a “learning collaborative” webinar in which participants in past Long-Term Care Learning Network events share information about best practices for avoiding hospitalizations from nursing homes.  The webinar will be held on Thursday, June 23 at 2:00 and the deadline to sign up to share best practices is June 1.  For further information about the webinar, sharing best practices, and participating virtually, go here.

Patient Safety Authority – June 23

The board of the Patient Safety Authority will meet virtually on Thursday, June 23 at 1:00.   Registration is required.  Learn about how to participate in the meeting from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting – July 6

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:00; the meeting also will be available virtually.  For further information about the location of the meeting and how to participate virtually, see this announcement.

 

 

2022-06-10T20:21:36+00:00June 10th, 2022|HealthChoices, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, June 10
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, June 3

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of May 31 to June 3, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

  • The state House and Senate will return to Harrisburg for session the week of June 6.  The Senate will be in session on Monday (6/6), Tuesday (6/7), and Wednesday (6/8).  The House will be in session on Tuesday (6/7), Wednesday (6/8), and Thursday (6/9).
  • The House Health Committee will hold a joint hearing with the Environmental Resources & Energy Committee on “Oil and gas byproducts:  powering modern medicine and our healthcare system.”  The hearing will take place on Tuesday, June 7 at 10:00 a.m.
  • The House Insurance Committee will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m. to examine cybersecurity and insurance data security.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 7 at 10:30 a.m. to consider the following bills.
    • Senate Bill 571, which establishes a uniform time-frame for distribution of SNAP benefits.
    • Senate Bill 1198, which seeks to promote and improve the availability of and access to assisted living residences.
    • Senate Bill 1202, which requires health insurers to cover the use of medically prescribed pasteurized donor human milk in inpatient and outpatient settings for children under the age of 12 months.
    • House Bill 2401, which makes permanent two COVID-19 waivers that permit non-physician practitioners to order and oversee orders for home health care services and permits the continued use of remote supervisory visits by registered nurses.

Revenue Collection Update

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) has released its Monthly Revenue Update for May. General Fund revenue collection exceeded estimate by $459.1 million for the month.  For the fiscal year to date Pennsylvania has received $5.5 billion more than projected.  The IFO reported that increased revenue collections continue to be driven by strong sales and use tax, personal income tax,  and corporate net income tax payments.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform Medical Assistance providers that it has added a CPT code to the MA fee schedule for the administration of a third dose of the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.  Find that notice here.  The notice is retroactive to January 3.
  • DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform Medical Assistance providers that it has added CPT codes to the MA fee schedule for the administration of Pfizer’s ready-to-use novel COVID-19 vaccine.  Find that notice here.  The notice is retroactive to January 3.
  • The managed care delivery system subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee has posted a draft file note summarizing its May 12 public meeting.  Find that draft here.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a new tool states can use to prepare for the eventual end of the COVID-19 public health emergency and return to normal Medicaid and CHIP eligibility and enrollment operations.  This tool highlights the ten fundamental actions states need to complete to prepare for unwinding when the Medicaid continuous enrollment requirement ends.  Find it here.

CMS has issued a letter to state Medicaid programs updating its 2022 SSI and spousal impoverishment standards.  These measures affect financial eligibility rules (the “spousal impoverishment rules”) that apply when married individuals seek coverage of certain long-term services and supports.  Find the letter and the new standards here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health is working with Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health to confirm and investigate what appears to be the first case of monkeypox in Pennsylvania and one of only 21 currently suspected in the U.S.  Learn more from this Philadelphia Department of Public Health news release.

The Department of Health’s Bureau of Epidemiology and Bureau of Facility Licensure and Certification have notified skilled nursing facilities of modifications of the reporting process for skilled nursing facilities with ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19.  Find that notice here.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • For the first time in more than two months daily COVID-19 case counts fell, declining from a seven-day average of 4238 on May 25 to 3552 on June 1.
  • The seven-day average of COVID-19-related deaths fell by more than half, from 36 to 15, over the same period of time.
  • Despite the decline in new cases, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 rose, but only slightly (three percent) over the past week.
  • The number of these patients on ventilators and hospital intensive care units held steady over the past week.
  • Sixty-six of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are currently experiencing high rates of community transmission of COVID-19; Juniata County was the exception, with a substantial rate of community transmission.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has awarded a grant of $1.4 million to continue the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative’s work in improving perinatal health outcomes.  Learn more about the grant, the program, and the grant recipient from this department news release.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

Pennsylvania’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission has issued comments on proposed regulations governing long-term-care facilities that were published on March 19.  See these comments in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Care Delivery System Subcommittee – June 9

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed care delivery system subcommittee will meet virtually on Thursday, June 9 at 10:00.  Go here for the meeting agenda and information about how to participate.

Department of Human Services – Long-Term Care Learning Network/Nursing Facilities – June 9

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a special population webinar on polypharmacy challenges in nursing homes on Thursday, June 9 at 2:00.  The webinar is especially targeted for skilled nursing facility medical directors, directors of nursing, pharmacy staff, and recreational therapy.  To learn more about the virtual webinar and how to participate, go here.

Department of Aging – Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council – June 9

The Department of Aging’s Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council will meet in Harrisburg on Thursday, June 9 at 10:00; the meeting also will be available virtually.  For information on the location of the meeting and how to participate virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Long-Term Care Learning Network/Nursing Facilities – June 23

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a “learning collaborative” webinar in which participants in past Long-Term Care Learning Network events share information about best practices for avoiding hospitalizations from nursing homes.  The webinar will be held on Thursday, June 23 at 2:00 and the deadline to sign up to share best practices is June 1.  For further information about the webinar, sharing best practices, and participating virtually, go here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting – July 6

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:00; the meeting also will be available virtually.  For further information about the location of the meeting and how to participate virtually, see this announcement.

2022-06-03T20:40:29+00:00June 3rd, 2022|COVID-19, Federal Medicaid issues, long-term care, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, June 3
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Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

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  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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