Meetings and notices Archives - Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

PA Health Policy Update for March 7

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

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate concluded their hearings on Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal this week. The following are the health-related agency budget hearings that occurred this week.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) appeared before the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, March 4. A recording of that hearing is viewable here and here.

DHS also appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 5. A recording of that hearing is viewable here and here.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department and PENNIE appeared before the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 5. A recording of that hearing is viewable here.

The House Health Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, March 3 to examine the practice of community health workers. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Human Services Committee held a voting meeting on Wednesday, March 5 and favorably reported the bills below. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

House Bill 269, which requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, to develop opioid overdose public education materials.

House Bill 640, which updates the annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs.

House Bill 749, which requires the Department of Human Services to conduct a study of Pennsylvania’s SNAP payment distribution.

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a meeting on Monday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m. to discuss “health care accessibility and the impacts of hospital closures.” The meeting will be held at Neumann University in Aston, PA and virtually. Find additional details here.

The House and Sente are currently recessed until Monday, March 17 and Monday, March 24, respectively,

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the 2024-25 Patient Safety Surcharge (MCARE) letter and invoices for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, abortion facilities, and birthing centers have been emailed. Payment is due by June 1, 2025. If you have any questions, please call the Division of Acute and Ambulatory Care (DAAC) at 717-783-8980 or email RA-DAAC@pa.gov.

DOH has announced the Event Reporting System (ERS) has been updated with a new Flu A and separate Flu B, as well as RSV reporting enhancement to streamline the reporting of these event types. DOH has shared a Quick Start Guide (opens as a separate Microsoft Word document) for the new enhancement. This enhancement will function in the same manner as the COVID-19 enhancement initiated in March of 2021.

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

Department of Human Services

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

Revenue Collection Update

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

Around the State

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

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

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – Health Policy Board – March 21

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

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

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

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

PA Health Policy Update for February 28

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 24 – 28. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro has announced that all $2.1 billion in Congressionally-appropriated federal funding identified in the administration’s lawsuit against the federal government has been unfrozen.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate continued their hearings on Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal this week. The following are the health-related agency budget hearings that occurred this week.

The Department of Aging appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, February 25. A recording of that hearing is viewable here.

The Department of Aging also appeared before the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday, February 27. A recording of that hearing is viewable here.

The House of Representatives and Senate will continue budget hearings next week. The Department of Human Services will appear before the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, March 4 and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 5. The House Appropriations Committee’s full hearing schedule is viewable here and the Senate Appropriations Committee’s full hearing schedule is viewable here.

The House Health Committee has scheduled an informational meeting next week on Monday, March 3 at 1:00 p.m. to explore the practice of community health workers. The meeting will be held in Room 60 of East Wing.

The House Human Services Committee has also scheduled a meeting for next week on Wednesday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building to consider the following bills.

House Bill 269, which requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, to develop opioid overdose public education materials.

House Bill 640, which updates the annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Protections.

House Bill 749, which requires the Department of Human Services to conduct a study of Pennsylvania’s SNAP payment distribution.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing its intent to allocate funds in FY 2024-25 for a new supplemental payment to qualifying rural hospitals in a county of the fourth, fifth, six, seventh, or eighth class. The total amount of funding available (state and federal) is $36.7 million. Find additional details in the bulletin notice.

DHS has issued its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of January.

DHS has published a Provider Quick Tip (176) to inform presumptive eligibility providers that the income guidelines used to determine presumptive eligibility for pregnant women have been updated effective January 1, 2025.

DHS has also issued an updated Provider Quick Tip (121) to remind all enrolled provider types who dispense hearing aid supplies to Medical Assistance (MA) beneficiaries to submit a copy of their renewed Department of Health certification to MA Provider Enrollment by March 16, 2025.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the 2024-25 MCARE surcharge letters and invoices will be emailed to nursing home administrators on or about March 3. Included in each email attachment will be a statement with the amount due to DOH by June 1, 2025.

Around the State

The Philadelphia Inquirer has published an article detailing the $20 million Crozer Health’s independent receiver, FTI Consulting, is receiving.

WESA in Pittsburgh has written an article about Medicaid cuts being considered in Congress and their potential impact on Pennsylvania. CBS News similarly covered this story.

Private equity’s role in the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia health care markets are the focus of an article published by WHYY.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – LTSS Subcommittee – March 7

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting is being held virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate here.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-02-28T21:58:30+00:00February 28th, 2025|Financial, Governments, Meetings and notices|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for February 21

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

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate began hearings on Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal this week. The following are the health-related agency budget hearings that occurred this week.

The Department of Health appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, February 19. A recording of that hearing is viewable here.

The Department of Health and the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs appeared before the House Appropriations Committee on Friday, February 21. A recording of that hearing is viewable here.

The House of Representatives and Senate will continue budget hearings next week. The only health-related agency scheduled to appear is the Department of Aging, which will be before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, February 25 at 1:00 p.m. and the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday, February 27 at 1:00 p.m. The House Appropriations Committee’s full hearing schedule is viewable here and the Senate Appropriations Committee’s full hearing schedule is viewable here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has released a rate and wage study for its long-term services and supports (LTSS) and home and community-based services (HCBS) programs. The study assessed rates paid to LTSS and HCBS providers in order to inform the commonwealth’s budget and rate setting process. The study is viewable here.

DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that effective February 18, the Medical Assistance (MA) program will cover Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) screening and diagnostic services to eligible juveniles in the 30 days prior to release, and targeted case management services, both physical and behavioral health, in the 30 days prior to and for at least 30 days following release from a carceral setting.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced it will hold a webinar on March 3 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the changes to 42 CFR Part 8 (Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders) and their practical implications in treatment settings. Find additional information and details on how to participate here.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has announced the release of a special report on the finances of rural hospitals in Pennsylvania. Find the full report and data visualizations from the report here.

Around the State

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Harold Brubaker has written an article about Sharon Regional Medical Center and Crozer Health and the financial support provided by the state to help keep them open and serving patients.

Governor Shapiro’s appointment by President Trump to serve a two-year term on the Council of Governors was covered by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Among other things, the council is tasked with improving state-federal partnerships and coordinating national security and disaster response efforts.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – February 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on February 26 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – February 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on February 27 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council – Committee Meetings

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has announced the schedule of various committee meetings for the first quarter of 2025. Find a detailed schedule and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-02-21T21:58:30+00:00February 21st, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for February 14

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 10 – 14. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro has announced his administration filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s freeze of federal funding. Despite court orders to release the federal funds and the Shapiro administration’s engagement with Pennsylvania’s federal representatives, state agencies remain unable to access $1.2 billion in federal funding, with an additional $900 million requiring an undefined review by federal agencies before it can be received. Find the full complaint here.

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

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate will begin hearings on Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal next week. The House Appropriations Committee’s full hearing schedule is viewable here and the Senate Appropriations Committee’s full hearing schedule is viewable here.

Following are the health-related agency budget hearings scheduled for next week.

The Department of Health will appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building.

The Department of Health and the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs will appear before the House Appropriations Committee on Friday, February 21 at 10:00 a.m. on the House floor. The hearing will be livestreamed here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 784) with guidance on Influenza A subtyping for hospitalized patients.

Independent Fiscal Office

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) has announced that it updated the commonwealth’s budget deficit projections based on new spending data, largely for the Department of Human Services, included in Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 Executive Budget. The revised deficit projection for FY 2025-26 is $6.0 billion under current laws and policies. Find the full report here.

Around the State

Spotlight PA has written an article about a study commissioned by the state’s Insurance Department that found health insurers’ provider directories commonly had errors that went uncorrected for extended periods of time.

New Castle News has published an article about the proposed investments in hospitals included in Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal.

Writing for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Harold Brubaker has continued to cover challenges related to the bankruptcy of Prospect Medical Holdings, the parent company of Crozer Health in Delaware County.

WESA has published an article about a federal judge’s decision to temporarily halt proposed funding cuts at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that could have a detrimental impact on the state’s life sciences sector.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – February 26

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – February 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on February 27 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DOH – HIV Planning Group – March 12

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, March 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday, March 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-02-14T20:58:44+00:00February 14th, 2025|Federal Medicaid issues, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for February 7

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

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Proposal

Governor Shapiro delivered his third annual budget address before the General Assembly this week. In total, the proposed FY 2025-26 budget spends $51.5 billion, a $3.6 billion or 7.5 percent increase over the current fiscal year. The governor’s speech included a mixture of accomplishments from his administration’s first two years in office and aspirational policy goals focused on economic competitiveness, education and workforce development, energy infrastructure, public safety, and health care access and affordability. The budget does not propose any broad-based tax increases, but it does rely on a significant amount of fund transfers and new revenue sources, including the elimination of the Delaware tax loophole, the legalization of recreational marijuana, and the taxing of skill games.

The following are budget-related documents released by the budget office, including a proposed line item appropriation spreadsheet.

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed Senate Bill 184, now known as Act 2 of 2025, into law this week following its passage in the Senate. Act 2 enables team physicians traveling internationally with their club or national team to treat their team players on site during games without requiring a Pennsylvania medical license.

General Assembly

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

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, February 3 on the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The Human Services Committee held an informational hearing on Wednesday, February 5 on treatment and support for traumatic brain injuries. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, February 5, a recording of which is viewable here, and favorably reported the following bills from committee.

- House Bill 60, which aligns Pennsylvania with federal policies to permit the electronic transfer of certain prescribed controlled substances between pharmacies.
- House Bill 157, which establishes a rural health care grant program to provide financial incentives to health care providers to practice in rural areas.
- House Bill 409, which requires health care providers to inform patients that they will be receiving their test results in their electronic health record, or that they can request to receive the results in the mail.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has updated its Event Reporting System (ERS) with new flu and RSV reporting enhancements to streamline the reporting of both event types. This is similar to the enhancements made during COVID-19 in March 2021. As a reminder, all flu and RSV events are to be reported to ERS within 24 hours of the facility becoming aware of the diagnosis. Find additional information on the enhancement in this Quick Start Guide (opens as a Word document).

Insurance Department

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced it is conducting a medical professional liability insurance study to determine whether sufficient capacity exists to increase the basic coverage limits of insurance required by the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act. Find additional information and details on how to provide written comments to PID in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Revenue Collection Update

The Department of Revenue has announced Pennsylvania collected $3.9 billion in General Fund revenue in January, which was $51.3 million, or 1.3 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $24.1 billion, which is $148.3 million, or 0.6 percent, below estimate.

Around the State

The Philadelphia Inquirer has written an article about the bankruptcy proceedings of Crozer Health’s parent company, Prospect Medical Holding, and the judge’s recent approval of the appointment of a temporary manager, FTI Consulting, for 30 days.

An article published by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star highlighted Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal and the response by Republican leaders in the General Assembly.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote an article about comments made by Governor’s Shapiro in his budget address about the need to remove private equity money from health care and implement a more stringent regulatory review process.

WHYY published an article about the health care issues receiving attention at the start of the 2025-2026 legislative session and in Governor Shapiro’s budget address.

Stakeholder Meetings

Patient Safety Authority – February 18

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a meeting of the Authority’s board on Tuesday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to the public. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-02-07T21:45:49+00:00February 7th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for January 31

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania January 27 – 31. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro will deliver his Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 budget address to a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly on Tuesday, February 4.

General Assembly

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

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met on Monday, January 27 and favorably reported Senate Bills 155, 156, and 157, which are part of a package of bills aimed at eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in public assistance programs.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee convened for an informational meeting on direct care workers and the homecare industry. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Insurance Committee met on Tuesday, January 28 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 111, which prohibits insurers from denying coverage to individuals solely because they have an opioid reversal agent in their prescription profile. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Human Services and Insurance Committees jointly convened on Wednesday, January 29 for an informational hearing on traumatic brain injury care needs and coverage options. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, January 29 and favorably reported House Bill 27, which requires health care facilities to adopt and implement policies to mitigate exposure to surgical smoke through the use of a smoke evacuation system for each procedure that generates surgical smoke, and House Bill 33, which implements greater oversight of medical marijuana labs and product testing. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Professional Licensure Committee met on Wednesday, January 29 and favorably reported House Bill 309, which enables team physicians traveling internationally with their club or national team to treat their team players on site during games without requiring a Pennsylvania medical license. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene for session in Harrisburg again next week. The chambers will hold a joint session on Tuesday, February 4 for Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-2026 budget address.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued an updated PA Promise™ Provider Handbook for providers who submit claims via the 837 Professional format or the CMS-1500 Claim Form.

DHS has shared the following presentations used at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on January 23.

Health Department

The Shapiro administration, including the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP), highlighted its $3.6 million investment to develop regional maternal health coalitions. Find more information in this press release.

Around the State

The Philadelphia Inquirer has published an article about Governor Shapiro’s plan to again propose the legalization of recreational marijuana in his budget address next week as a strategy to address the state’s growing budget shortfall.

WESA has reported about the potential for a significant increase in premiums for Pennsylvanians enrolled in Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace, if federal tax credits are allowed to expire in 2026. The average premium increase would be 81 percent.

Democratic lawmakers in Harrisburg introduced a package of bills this week seeking to codify protections provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Pennsylvania state law, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – February 6

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, February 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – WIC State Advisory Board – February 11

The WIC State Advisory Board will hold its next regular meeting on February 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This is a rescheduling of the board’s January 14 meeting, which was cancelled due to technical challenges. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – February 13

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, February 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – February 18

PA Safety Net Admin2025-01-31T22:45:42+00:00January 31st, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for January 24

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania January 20 – 24. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Pennsylvania Row Offices

Pennsylvania’s three row officers – Attorney General Dave Sunday, Auditory General Tim DeFoor, and Treasurer Stacy Garrity – were sworn into office on Tuesday, January 21. This marks the first time all three row offices are held by Republicans.

General Assembly

Following the unfortunate passing of Rep. Matt Gergely (D-Allegheny), Speaker McClinton has scheduled a special election for the 35^th Legislative District to occur on Tuesday, March 25.

The state House of Representatives and Senate are scheduled to return to session on Monday, January 27, 2025. The following is a selection of health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled for next week.

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee is scheduled to meet “off the floor” on Monday, January 27 to consider Senate Bills 155, 156, and 157, which are part of a package of bills aimed at eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in public assistance programs.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will convene on Tuesday, January 28 at 9:30 a.m. for an informational meeting on direct care workers and the homecare industry. The meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building.

The House Insurance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, January 28 “at the call of the chair” to consider, among other bills, House Bill 111, which prohibits insurers from denying coverage to individuals solely because they have an opioid reversal agent in their prescription profile. The meeting will be held in Room B-31 of the Main Capitol.

The House Human Services Committee will convene on Wednesday, January 29 at 9:00 a.m. for an informational hearing on traumatic brain injury care needs and coverage options. The hearing will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building.

The House Health Committee will convene on Wednesday, January 29 at 10:00 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building to consider the following bills.

- House Bill 27, which requires health care facilities to adopt and implement policies to mitigate exposure to surgical smoke through the use of a smoke evacuation system for each procedure that generates surgical smoke.
- House Bill 33, which implements greater oversight of medical marijuana labs and product testing.
- House Bill 79, which establishes a medical debt relief program in the commonwealth.

Department of Human Services

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

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

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Patient Safety Authority have released draft recommendations to all hospitals and birthing centers to mitigate the risk of harm related to shoulder dystocia. Find the draft recommendations and instructions on how to comment in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs’ (DDAP) State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW), in partnership with Drexel University’s Department of Community Health and Prevention, has released two new reports.

Emerging Drug Trends: Adulterants and Novel Psychoactive Substances in Pennsylvania. This report examines recent trends in adulterants and novel psychoactive substances in the drug supply, drug checking services and programs, and related public policies.
Harm Reduction in Pennsylvania: Policies, Needs, and Services. This report provides an overview of harm reduction services in Pennsylvania, including naloxone availability, syringe service programs, overdose prevention, and drug checking.

State Board of Nursing

The State Board of Nursing has issued proposed rulemaking that would amend regulations related to professional, practical, and certified registered nurse practitioner education programs. The proposed amendments also codify current board practice and update requirements to meet national standards. Find the proposed rulemaking in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has released new county-level utilization data and condition-specific reports, which provide greater insight into ambulatory/outpatient utilization and hospitalization rates for high interest conditions. Find the full reports here.

Around the State

Pennsylvania anticipates it will receive $212 million over 15 years from a multi-state opioid settlement recently reached with the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma. Read the Pennsylvania Capital-Star’s coverage here.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has published an article about the challenges confronting Governor Shapiro, who is mid-way through his first term, including an anticipated $4.5 billion budget deficit.

The Patriot-News has written an article about Pennsylvania’s continued downward trajectory of vaccination rates among children.

Spotlight PA has published a detailed article about Bucktail Medical Center and its recent receipt of $1 million from the state in an effort to prevent its closure.

Stakeholder Meetings

Council on Aging – 2025 Meeting Dates

The Pennsylvania Council on Aging, an independent advisory board under the Office of the Governor and supported by the Department of Aging, has released its meeting schedule for 2025. Find the full schedule and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-01-24T20:07:55+00:00January 24th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for January 17

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

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate are scheduled to return to session on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued final-form regulations regarding Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRS). The regulations, which are effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin incorporate several updates, including lowering the minimum age to 14 years old for PRS eligibility, the inclusion of individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders without requiring an exception process, and the implementation of a weekly file note requirement. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has provided final notice of the FY 2024-2025 nursing facility assessment amount, the assessment methodology, and the estimated aggregate impact on nursing facilities subject to the assessment. Find those details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that it has updated the top 15 non-English languages used by Medicaid beneficiaries and to remind providers of their responsibility to provide interpretation and translation services free of charge to all individuals who have limited English proficiency, vision limitations, and/or auditory limitations.

Health Department

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 782) to share information with health care professionals about exposure to environmental contaminants, including a list of trainings and resources from academic and governmental organizations that can help providers assess environmental exposures and respond to patient concerns.

DOH has shared an announcement from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy regarding new funding available for the Rural Residency Planning and Development (PRPD) program.

DOH has also shared a Centers for Medica & Medicaid Services (CMS) notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) related to CMS’ Nursing Home Staffing Campaign for organizations to apply to become a financial incentive administrator. Eligible applicants for this opportunity are non-profit nursing and educational organizations.

Insurance Department

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced it took an important step toward fully implementing the commonwealth’s new Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform law. PID established a new process for pharmacies to challenge a health benefit plan’s designation of a specialty drug, as provided by Act 77 of 2024. PBMs and pharmacies looking for more information about Act 77, including a schedule that outlines the Act’s full implementation dates, can visit PID’s website here.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) have announced their efforts to combat the behavioral health crisis, including the establishment of an Office of Behavioral Health.

Around the State

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has published an article highlighting laws enacted by the General Assembly in 2024 that will take effect this year, including bills that improve access by mandating insurance coverage of biomarker testing and telemedicine.

Prospect Medical Holding’s, the parent company of Crozer Health in Delaware County, decision to file for bankruptcy was covered by Harold Brubaker for The Philadelphia Inquirer in this article.

WPSU has reported that Bucktail Medical Center in Clinton County has received a $1 million state grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Hospital and Healthsystem Emergency Relief fund.

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board – 2025 Meeting(s)

The Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board, established under the Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Program (ABC-MAP) has set its calendar for 2025. Find the meeting dates and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – January 22

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

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – January 23

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

PA Safety Net Admin2025-01-17T22:38:55+00:00January 17th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for January 10

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

General Assembly

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

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

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

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

Department of Human Services

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

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

DHS has issued updated handbook pages that include the requirements for prior authorization and the type of information needed to evaluate the medical necessity of prescriptions for Anticonvulsants submitted for prior authorization. Find additional information in this Medical Assistance Bulletin.

DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that it has updated the Admissions Notice Packet (MA 401) form due to an increase in the personal needs allowance (PNA) deduction amount. This bulletin applies to nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and long-term care facilities enrolled in the Medical Assistance program.

Insurance Department

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

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

Around the State

WHYY has written about the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s external review program which received 517 health service denial appeals in 2024. 259 of those denials were overturned.

City & State Pennsylvania has published an article about the General Assembly’s first session day of 2025.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has written an article about a study released by Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children that kids largely stayed insured despite uncertainties during the Medicaid eligibly redetermination process following the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – WIC Advisory Board – January 14

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

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – January 22

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – January 23

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

DOH – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Council – January 30

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

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

PA Health Policy Update for January 3

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania December 23 – January 3. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene on Tuesday, January 7 at 12:00 p.m. to swear in newly elected and re-elected members for the 2025-2026 legislative session.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that the department is adding doula services to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule and will pay enrolled certified perinatal doulas beginning January 1, 2025.

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has issued a bulletin announcing the Peer Support Services (PSS) and PSS Provider Handbook has been updated to reflect the requirements for PSS. The revisions better clarify which requirements apply to OMHSAS licensure and which apply to MA payments. Additional updates include staff qualifications and requirements for certified peer specialists and their supervisors and telehealth requirements.

DHS has provided final notice of its intent to adjust the managed care assessment fixed fee. Effective January 1, 2025, the fee will be $30.47 per member per month. The aggregate fiscal impact for this change in FY 2024-2025 will be $208.6 million dollars in additional assessment revenue.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has issued comments to the Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding the transition to the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDMP) for non-public and county nursing facilities. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Revenue Collection Update

The Department of Revenue has announced Pennsylvania collected $3.8 billion in General Fund revenue in December, which was $87.2 million, or 2.3 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $20.2 billion, which is $97.1 million, or 0.5 percent, below estimate.

Around the State

Spotlight PA has written an article about the scrutiny, and at times, lack of transparency over how counties across Pennsylvania are spending billions of dollars in opioid settlement money.

Writing for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Harold Brubaker has published an article about Pennsylvania’s new law limiting noncompete agreements for health care practitioners. Brubaker also wrote an article about the success and challenges of Pennsylvania-based biopharmaceutical companies in 2024.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has reported that Sharon Regional Medical Center announced an agreement has been made with Tenor Health Partners to take over operations at the hospital, avoiding the anticipated January 6^th closure.

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – HIV Planning Group – January 15

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, January 15 and Thursday, January 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – January 17

The Renal Disease Advisory Committee will meet on Friday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss new and ongoing issues relating to the treatment of chronic renal disease and the department’s programs related to care and treatment. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Preventive Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee – January 27

The Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Monday, January 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – February 7

The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, February 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-01-03T18:57:52+00:00January 3rd, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off

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