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PA Health Policy Update for September 1

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from August 28 – September 1.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget Update 

The state Senate convened for voting session Wednesday, August 30 and passed the remaining legislative piece of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 budget – the Fiscal Code. House Bill 1300, which passed by a vote of 29-18, will now be sent to the House of Representative for consideration. A Fiscal Note outlining the provisions contained in the legislation can be found here. The Fiscal Code advanced by the Senate is not agreed to by House Democratic leaders and the House is currently not scheduled to return to Harrisburg until September 26. 

General Assembly

The House Commerce Committee will hold an informational hearing Wednesday, September 6 at 11:00am on HB 1201, which addresses consumer rights for the sharing of personal data by certain businesses and provides the Attorney General with enforcement authority. The legislation includes several exemptions from the provisions of the act including several health-related exclusions in compliance with HIPAA standards. The informational hearing will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building and will be livestreamed here.

The House Republican Policy Committee will hold a public hearing Thursday, September 7 at 10:00am on “Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Rural Communities.” The hearing will be held at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport and will be live streamed here. 

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin advising providers of updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule as a result of the 2023 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) updates. DHS is also adding other procedure codes and making changes to procedure codes currently on the MA program fee schedule. These changes are effective for dates of service on and after September 5, 2023.
  • DHS has published Provider Quick Tip #268 to remind prescribers and providers that certain procedure codes and modifier combinations require prior authorization.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with updates to the Family Planning Services program fee schedule, which are a result of the 2023 HCPCS updates.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PAHAN – 716) regarding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The advisory provides important information about recommended monoclonal antibodies and recently approved vaccines for RSV. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

DHS is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council – September 7

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) will hold a meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023. The public is invited to participate. Contact rgreenawalt@phc4.org for participation instructions. 

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – September 20

The state-wide Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 20 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Participants can also access the meeting virtually. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – September 21

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a board meeting on Thursday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m. Find additional details and instructions on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-09-05T13:44:35+00:00September 1st, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for September 1
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PA Health Policy Update for August 4

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 31 – August 4.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

FY 2023-2024 Budget Update

Governor Shapiro signed House Bill 611 – the FY 2023-2024 General Appropriations Act – into law yesterday shortly after it was formally signed in the Senate and sent to his desk. The enactment of House Bill 611 will enable funding to be disbursed to, among other entities, county governments and school districts. The Governor and the General Assembly still need to finalize enabling legislation (i.e., code bills) in order for the budget to be fully enacted. Read more in this press release issued by the Governor’s office. 

General Assembly

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania held a public hearing on rural hospital and healthcare sustainability to explore difficulties facing rural hospitals and health systems. Details from the hearing, including the agenda and testimony, may be viewed here. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin updating guidelines for the delivery of physical health services via telehealth. The bulletin applies to all providers enrolled in the Medical Assistance (MA) Fee-for-Service program.
  • DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip # 85 with information about the department’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Prevention & Treatment Program.
  • DHS has shared the following information from the Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee meeting on August 2.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

CMS has issued new guidance to state Medicaid programs as they work to return to normal operations after the end of COVID-19 flexibilities. Specifically, this guidance announces an update of CMS’s policy regarding the end date for flexibilities approved in states’ section 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services waiver Appendix K amendments.  Under CMS’s prior policy, these flexibilities were set to expire six months after the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, but in this letter CMS explains that these flexibilities may remain in effect for a longer period of time.  

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has recently issued two Health Advisories (PAHAN – 713 & PAHAN –711) alerting providers of possible measles exposure in Blair, Clearfield, and Montgomery Counties.

DOH has issued a Health Advisory (PAHAN – 712) notifying providers of a nationwide shortage of Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A®). 

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council 

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Counsel (PHC4) has announced it launched a new website. The new website, which is aimed at increasing consumer engagement, may be found here. 

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue announced Pennsylvania collected $2.9 billion in General Fund revenue in July, the first month of the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Note, the July collection data does not include a comparison against anticipated amounts because the official estimate for the 2023-2024 fiscal year has not been certified. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

2023-08-04T18:51:26+00:00August 4th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2024 budget|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for August 4
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PA Health Policy Update for July 21

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

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Governor Shapiro

The Governor’s Budget Office has issued a Budget Impasse FAQ that contains information relevant to commonwealth vendors, grantees, and other stakeholders.

Pennsylvania Executive Order 1996-1 requires all agencies under the jurisdiction of the governor to submit for semi-annual publication an agenda of regulations under development or consideration.  These agendas are compiled to give the regulated community advance notice of regulatory activity.  Learn more about what the agencies are contemplating and find contact information for seeking additional information from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

General Assembly

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania will hold a public hearing Thursday, August 3 at 9:00am on rural hospital and healthcare sustainability to explore difficulties facing rural hospitals and health systems. The hearing will be held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and will be livestreamed here. More information on the hearing and a tentative agenda can be found here. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced Pennsylvania will receive an estimated $42 million in federal funding from CMS through the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program to continue existing activities and support new initiatives focused on serving individuals in the community. Find additional information in this press release.
  • DHS has issued Provider Quip Tip #263 notifying providers that an electronic submission process is available in the Promise Portal for Office of Medical Assistance fee-for-service (FFS) and Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) 180-day exception requests and other claims requiring documentation.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through August. Find the updated calendar here.
  • The Executive Board approved a reorganization of DHS. Additional information and a revised organizational chart is available in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (2023 – PAHAN – 708) alerting health care providers to have heightened clinical suspicion of Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) infection in persons with clinically compatible symptoms (similar to West Nile and Powassan virus). 

Department of Aging 

The Department of Aging held its third regional town hall to seek input on Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults, which will be a 10-year, state-led strategic plan designed to transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians. Governor Shapiro’s executive order directing the department to develop the plan is available here. 

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has released a new Cardiac Procedures Report. The report focuses on the performance of acute care hospitals for five types of cardiac procedures. Find the report and a press release issued by PHC4 here. 

Stakeholder Events 

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – July 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will meet on Wednesday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. Click here to register to participate.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – July 26

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – July 27

The MAAC will meet on Thursday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Click here to register to participate. 

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – July 27

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person. The agenda will include discussions about Board member terms; updates from the Bureau of Family Health; and updates from the Lysosomal Storage Disorders/X-ALD, Cystic Fibrosis, Hemoglobinopathy and Critical Congenital Heart Defects subcommittees. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

 

 

2023-07-21T20:21:56+00:00July 21st, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for July 21
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PA Health Policy Update for July 14

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

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here. 

FY 2023-2024 Budget Update 

It remains unclear when a final agreement will be reached on the FY2023-2024 budget; however, it appears unlikely an agreement will be reached in the immediate future. This week, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman sent a letter to House Majority Leader Matt Bradford outlining the Senate’s position on the current budget impasse. 

General Assembly

The House of Representatives adjourned from voting session Friday, July 7 until Tuesday, September 26 or unless sooner recalled by the Speaker.

Both chambers released their fall voting session schedules and indicated that they would return to Harrisburg sooner if a budget agreement is reached. Find the House’s schedule here and the Senate’s schedule here. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has provided final notice of its FY 2022-2023 funding allocation for several classes of disproportionate share hospital (DSH) and supplemental payments to qualifying acute care general hospitals. The department is not changing the qualifying criteria or payment methodology for these payments. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has published the minutes of the June 22, 2023 Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting. 
  • DHS has published a notice of recission in the Pennsylvania Bulletin for its statement of policy clarifying the term “within a provider’s office” due to the promulgation of the Interrelationship of Providers final-form rulemaking. The final rule deleted language previously prohibiting co-located providers from enrolling in the Medical Assistance (MA) program.
  • DHS has issued a correction to its previously published annual list of exceptional Durable Medical Equipment, which included an incorrect email address. Find the revised Pennsylvania Bulletin notice here.

Stakeholder Events 

DOH – Specialty Pharmaceutical Benefits Program – July 20

The next Specialty Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, July 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – July 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will meet on Wednesday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. Click here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – July 27

The MAAC will meet on Thursday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Click here to register to participate. 

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – July 27

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person. The agenda will include discussions about Board member terms; updates from the Bureau of Family Health; and updates from the Lysosomal Storage Disorders/X-ALD, Cystic Fibrosis, Hemoglobinopathy and Critical Congenital Heart Defects subcommittees. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – August 2

The Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in-person and via webinar. The meeting location is the Department of Education Building’s Honors Suite, 1st floor, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg. Register here to attend.

2023-07-14T20:00:14+00:00July 14th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2024 budget|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for July 14
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PA Health Policy Update for July 7

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

FY 2023-2024 Budget Update 

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 budget remains in flux. Earlier this week the House of Representatives voted to concur with the Senate-passed General Appropriations bill (House Bill 611) by a vote of 117-86. The vote occurred after Governor Shapiro issued a statement announcing his intent to line-item veto the full $100 million intended for the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (or PASS) voucher program – an initiative adamantly opposed by House Democrats and among the chief points of contention leading to the budget impasse. House Bill 611 was subsequently signed in the House and is awaiting signature in the Senate before it can be sent to the governor.

It is unclear when the Senate will return to Harrisburg or when a final agreement between the various parties will be reached. Senate Republican leadership released a statement criticizing Governor Shapiro and indicating they will “continue to await legislative action by the House on the remaining budgetary components.” 

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro held a press conference touting House Bill 611’s $45.5 billion spending plan and its critical investments in mental health, education, and law enforcement. The governor implored the Senate to return to Harrisburg and sign the bill so it can be sent to his desk. Governor Shapiro also urged the Senate Republicans and House Democrats to meaningfully engage and enact enabling legislation (Fiscal Code, etc.) that would allow the budget to be fully implemented.

Governor Shapiro signed SB 262 into law on Thursday July, 6, which is now known as Act 5 of 2023. Act 5 amends the Maternal Mortality Review Act to require the Maternal Mortality Review Committee to annually publish severe maternal mortality data. 

General AssemblyHouse Chamber of the State House

The House returned to Harrisburg this week for voting session and adjourned to the call of the chair, noting that they do not anticipate returning for voting session in the immediate future. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

  • The House Human Services Committee held a voting meeting July 5 to consider HB 876, which requires any entity providing goods or services reimbursable under the medical assistance program to have either a National Provider Identification (NPI) or receive a State Provider Identification number (SPI). The bill was reported as committed. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.
  • The House passed HB 1515 to extend the current nonnarcotic medication assisted treatment program in the county correctional system to all mediation assisted treatments and HB 1218 which requires the Department of Human Services to submit a waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to establish a program allowing spouse caregivers to receive payment for the services they provide. The bills now go to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee previously scheduled a voting meeting Friday, June 30 to consider HB 1527 to increase the personal needs allowance deduction for residents of nursing facilities to $60 per month and HR 165 to direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the effect of the workforce shortage on State supported Medicaid home and community based waiver programs and the Pennsylvania Lottery funded OPTIONS programs. The voting meeting was not held.

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here. 

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin announcing its intent to reimburse health care providers for services rendered to Medicaid beneficiaries experiencing homelessness. Eligible services include but are not limited to, “primary care, vaccine administration, wound care, preventive services, counseling, medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder, and diagnostic services, such as rapid blood screening for diabetes and high cholesterol, rapid COVID-19 and flu testing.” DHS has updated the MA Program Fee Schedule accordingly. Find additional information in the department’s press release announcing the policy change.

  • DHS has announced it will require prior authorization of all prescriptions for Amyloid-Targeted Monoclonal Antibodies and certain drugs not included on the Statewide Preferred Drug List (PDL). These prior authorization requirements will apply to prescriptions dispensed on or after July 10, 2023.
  • DHS has provided final notice of its funding allocation for FY 2022-2023 for several classes of inpatient disproportionate share hospital (DSH) and supplemental payments to general acute care hospitals. The department is not otherwise changing the qualifying criteria or payment methodology for these payments.
  • DHS has announced the end-dating of three procedure codes related to COVID-19 specimen collection by pharmacies and testing by laboratories, effective with dates of service on and after May 12, 2023. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip #267 with additional information regarding the department’s delayed implementation of Version 38.0 and 39.0 of the APR DRG classification system for Medical Assistance (MA) program enrolled general acute-care hospitals. 

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue announced the commonwealth ended FY 2022-2023 with $44.9 billion in General Fund revenue collections, which is $1.3 billion, or 3.1 percent, above estimate.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has published the public comments it received regarding DHS’ adult protective services proposed rulemaking. The comments may be viewed in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Stakeholder Events

DOH – Specialty Pharmaceutical Benefits Program – July 20

The next Specialty Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, July 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DOH – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – July 21

The Renal Disease Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly public meeting on Friday, July 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – July 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will meet on Wednesday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. Click here to register to participate.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – July 26

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – July 27

The MAAC will meet on Thursday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Click here to register to participate. 

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – July 27

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person. The agenda will include discussions about Board member terms; updates from the Bureau of Family Health; and updates from the Lysosomal Storage Disorders/X-ALD, Cystic Fibrosis, Hemoglobinopathy and Critical Congenital Heart Defects subcommittees. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – August 3

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-07-07T20:27:07+00:00July 7th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2024 budget|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for July 7
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PA Health Policy Update for June 30

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

FY 2023-2024 Budget Update 

As of 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 30 Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly have not enacted a final Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 spending plan despite being hours away from the state’s constitutionally mandated deadline. The Senate is preparing to vote on a $45.5 billion spending plan, but the Democratic leaders of the House haven’t signaled support for the measure. Negotiations are ongoing. 

Shapiro Administration

Dr. Val Arkoosh officially became Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS) in accordance with the Pennsylvania Constitution this week. Find additional information in this press release issued by the DHS.

Governor Shapiro officially recalled the nomination of Dr. Debra Bogen to serve as Secretary of Health. The recall followed a confirmation hearing held by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. A recording of the confirmation hearing for Dr. Bogen, as well as Dr. Arkoosh, can be viewed here. 

General Assembly

The House and Senate returned to Harrisburg this week for voting session. The following are selected health-related proceedings. Please note the House and Senate remain in session as of 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 30. As a result, this is not an exhaustive list of legislative proceedings.

  • The House passed HB 106, “The Patient Safety Act,” on third and final consideration Wednesday, June 28 by a vote of 119 – 84. The bill, which would implement specific nurse-to-patient ratios, was amended on second consideration to decrease the penalties for violations and create a grant program – funded by the penalties paid by hospitals – for nursing recruitment and retention for rural and high Medical Assistance hospitals. The amendment also delays the ability of the Department of Health to impose penalties on rural and high Medical Assistance hospitals for two years and extended the effective date for the remainder of hospitals to one year, instead of six months. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
  • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee held a voting meeting Tuesday, June 27 to consider HB 479, which requires both the Medical Assistance Capitation and Fee-for-Service programs to pay for all loaded ambulance miles at $4 per loaded mile beginning on January 1, 2025. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.
  • The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee held a voting meeting Tuesday, June 27 to consider SB 739, which defines telemedicine, offers guidelines outlining who can provide telemedicine services, and addresses insurance company reimbursement for these services. The bill was reported as amended. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.
  • The House Human Services Committee met this week to consider the following bills:
    • HB 1515, to extend the current nonnarcotic medication assisted treatment program in the county correctional system to all mediation assisted treatments. The bill was reported as committed.
    • HB 1218, which requires the Department of Human Services to submit a waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to establish a program allowing spouse caregivers to receive payment for the services they provide. The bill was reported as amended.

A recording of the meeting can be found here.

  • The House Human Services Committee is expected to reconvene for a voting meeting Friday, June 30 at the call of the chair to consider HB 876, which requires any entity providing goods or services reimbursable under the medical assistance program to have either a National Provider Identification (NPI) or receive a State Provider Identification number (SPI). The meeting will be held in Room 60 East Wing and livestreamed here.
  • The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee is expected to hold a voting meeting at the call of the chair Friday, June 30 to consider HB 1527 to increase the personal needs allowance deduction for residents of nursing facilities to $60 per month and HR 165 to direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the effect of the workforce shortage on State supported Medicaid home and community based waiver programs and the Pennsylvania Lottery funded OPTIONS programs. The voting meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and will be livestreamed here.

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published its annual list of exceptional Durable Medical Equipment (DME) in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has issued several Medical Assistance Bulletins related to prior authorization guideline changes. Following are the various bulletins.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with Pennsylvania’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program periodicity schedule and coding matrix.
  • DHS has issued a Remittance Advice Alert to regarding the department’s delay in implementing Version 38.0 and 39.0 of the APR DRG classification system for Medical Assistance (MA) program enrolled general acute-care hospitals.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has published answers to frequently asked questions about new long-term care facility regulations that come into effect on July 1, 2023.
  • DOH has provided a staffing ratio calculation tool to assist long-term care facilities planning for compliance with new regulatory requirements as of July 1. Use of the tool is not required but may be useful when calculating the required number of nursing hours as well as the staff ratios. Click here for instructions, which opens in a Word document, and here for the tool, which opens as an Excel spreadsheet.
  • DOH has issued a Health Advisory (2023 – PAHAN – 707) to share information and notify clinicians, public health authorities, and the public about locally acquired malaria cases and concern for a potential rise in imported malaria cases associated with increased international travel during the summer.
  • DOH has issued a Health Advisory (2023 – PAHAN – 706) to request that clinicians continue to test for influenza in patients with respiratory illness throughout the summer due to the severity of recent human infections with avian influenza A(H5N1). 

Stakeholder Events 

PHC4 – Council Meeting – July 6

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) will meet on Thursday, July 6 at 10:00 a.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DOH – Specialty Pharmaceutical Benefits Program – July 20

The next Specialty Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, July 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – July 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will meet on Wednesday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. Click here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – July 27

The MAAC will meet on Thursday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Click here to register to participate. 

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – July 27

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person. The agenda will include discussions about Board member terms; updates from the Bureau of Family Health; and updates from the Lysosomal Storage Disorders/X-ALD, Cystic Fibrosis, Hemoglobinopathy and Critical Congenital Heart Defects subcommittees. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-06-30T20:28:31+00:00June 30th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2024 budget|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for June 30
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PA Health Policy Update for June 16

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

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

U.S. Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra has sent a letter to governors urging states to adopt all options that HHS has offered to help eligible individuals and families maintain their health coverage during the redetermination process and leverage all partners to support individuals and families to complete renewal forms. 

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed House Bill 739 (Act 2 of 2023) into law on Wednesday. Act 2 creates new cyber security-related requirements for health insurers and allows the Insurance Commissioner to adopt National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Valuation Manual exemptions by notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. 

General Assembly

The state House returned to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, June 12. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

  • The House Insurance Committee held a voting meeting Monday, June 12 at 11:00am to consider HB 1050, requiring health insurers to cover preventive health care services without cost-sharing. The bill was reported as amended. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here. The Insurance Committee was expected reconvene on Wednesday, June 14 to consider HB 1140; however, the meeting was cancelled.
  • The House Health Committee held a voting meeting Wednesday, June 14 to consider the following bills:
    • HB 78, establishing the Medical Debt Relief Program. The bill was reported as amended by a vote of 18-3.
    • HB 807, providing for perimenopause and menopause education. The bill was reported as committed by a vote of 20-1.
    • HB 817, amends the Pharmacy Act to provide education on drug take back programs. The bill was reported as committed by a vote of 20-1
    • HB 818, creates the Pharmaceutical Collection Sites Educational Program within the Department of State. The bill was reported as amended by a vote of 18-2.
    • HB 1209 and HB 1407, add two enforcement mechanisms to the Tobacco Product Manufacturer Directory Act and the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Act, which resolved legal claims between the commonwealth and participating manufacturers relating to health care costs for treating smoking-related illnesses. The bills were unanimously reported as committed.
    • HB 1351, which makes changes to the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority (RHRCA) Act, including financing of the authority and board membership.
    • SB 262, amends the Maternal Mortality Review Act to would add “severe maternal morbidity” to the list of reportable events within the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

A recording of the meeting can be viewed here. 

The Senate will return to Harrisburg Monday, June 19 and the House will return Tuesday, June 20 for voting session. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee will hold a voting meeting on Tuesday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m. to consider the following bills.
    • SB 683, which require an acute-care hospital to include testing for fentanyl if the hospital conducts a urine drug screening to assist in the diagnosis of a patient’s condition.
    • SB 768, which makes changes to the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority (RHRCA) Act, including financing of the authority and board membership.
    • SB 817, which creates a primary care workforce initiative for our Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
  • Immediately following, the Senate Health & Human Services Committee will hold a public hearing to consider the nomination of Dr. Latika Davis-Jones for Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP).

Both meetings will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing and will be live streamed here. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (2023 – PAHAN – 704) notifying providers of an anticipated increase in Legionellosis cases due to seasonality.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has shared the agenda for the June 22 Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting. In advance of the meeting, DHS has also shared the public input it received regarding the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board prior authorization guideline briefing documents discussed at the May 25 meeting.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers the department has rescinded the statement of policy codified at § 1101.51a, which clarified the term “within a provider’s office” and updated the process for the enrollment or revalidation of providers that are in co-located arrangements. Effective January 14, 2023, providers who are in co-location arrangements no longer need to complete the attestation form during enrollment or revalidation in the MA Program.
  • The Executive Board approved a reorganization of DHS. Additional information and a revised organizational chart is available in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has announced the addition of a procedure code to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Fee Schedule for the administration of an additional bivalent dose of the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. The effective date and MA Fee for the code is indicated in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs 

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 04-2023 to provide clarification on how to calculate client to counselor ratios for inpatient, non-hospital treatment and rehabilitation facilities for regulatory compliance. 

Department of Aging 

The Department of Aging held its first regional town hall in southeastern Pennsylvania to seek input on Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults, which will be a 10-year, state-led strategic plan designed to transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians. Governor Shapiro’s executive order directing the department to develop the plan is available here. 

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee Meeting – June 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will meet on June 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Individuals interested in participating may register here. 

DOH – Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – June 28

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will meet on June 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to discuss Medical Marijuana Program updates. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PID – 1332 Waiver Reinsurance Program Public Forum – June 28

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced it is accepting public comment on its 1332 State Innovation Waiver Reinsurance Program beginning June 1 and ending June 30. PID will also hold an in-person forum for public comment on Thursday, June 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-06-17T00:10:13+00:00June 16th, 2023|Federal Medicaid issues, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for June 16
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PA Health Policy Update for June 9

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 5 – 9.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here. 

General AssemblyHouse Chamber of the State House

The state House and Senate returned to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, June 5. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

  • The House Human Services Committee held a joint hearing with the House Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Monday, June 5 on the next generation of emergency and mental health response. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee held a voting meeting Monday, June 5 and considered the following bills and resolution:
    • HB 1184, which extends the Act 92 COLA moratorium until December 2025. The bill was reported as committed.
    • HB 1300, which adds a member of the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s Office to the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council. The bill was reported as amended.
    • HR 77, recognizing the month of June 2023 as “Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. The resolution was reported as committed.

A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.

  • The House Health Committee held a voting meeting Tuesday, June 6 to consider HB 106, the Patient Safety Act, which sets nursing staffing ratios and HB 754, which provides a standard notice to each nursing home resident and their designated representatives at the time of their admission into a nursing home facility that they have the option of having legal representation to assist with the application for Medicaid benefits. HB 106 was reported as amended along party lines and HB 754 was reported as committed. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.
  • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee held a voting meeting Tuesday, June 6 and considered the following bills and resolution.
    • SB 514, which requires a blood screening for lead exposure of all children by the age of two. The bill was reported as committed.
    • SB 520, which addresses Medicaid coverage for Assisted Living Residences. The bill was reported as amended.
    • SR 120, which directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the financial impact to EMS providers due to non-reimbursement from Medicaid for “treat and release” services. The bill was reported as amended.

A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.

  • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee held a public hearing Tuesday, June 6 on Pennsylvania’s EMS crisis and long-term sustainability. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Human Services Committee held a voting meeting Wednesday, June 7 to consider HB 1305, to establish funding for Pennsylvania’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here. 

The Senate now stands in recess until Monday, June 19. The House will return to Harrisburg Monday, June 12 for voting session. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

  • The House Insurance Committee will hold a voting meeting Monday, June 12 at 11:00am to consider HB 1050, requiring health insurers to cover preventive health care services without cost-sharing. The meeting will be held in Room 60 East Wing and will be live streamed here. The Insurance Committee will reconvene on Wednesday, June 14 to consider HB 1140, expanding access to contraceptives. The meeting will be held in Room B31 of the Main Capitol. 

Department of Health

  • The Acting Secretary of Health wrote to hospitals this week to explain that the Department of Health (DOH) order requiring hospitals to make daily reports of specific data regarding supplies and equipment, dated March 24, 2020, will be terminated effective June 9, 2023. CMS requirements for reporting will remain. View the secretary’s letter here.
  • DOH has issued updated guidance for health care settings on how to identify and report COVID-19 outbreaks originating within the facility.
  • DOH has issued a Health Advisory (2023 – PAHAN – 703) with currently available information regarding the status of the ongoing fungal meningitis outbreak and highlights interim recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.
  • DOH has issued a Health Advisory (2023 – PAHAN – 702) regarding poor air quality conditions resulting from wildfires in Canada and current weather conditions.
  • DOH has issued a Health Advisory (2023 – PAHAN – 699) regarding Pennsylvania’s 2023 West Nile Virus (WNV) season and notifying providers that the first WNV-positive mosquito pools of were identified in Delaware, Fayette, and York counties.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) announced this week it has “completely eliminated [the] backlog of Medicaid provider enrollment and revalidation applications.” Additional information may be found in this press release.

DHS has released the minutes of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting held on May 25, 2023. 

Stakeholder Events

Department of Aging – Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board – June 15

The Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee Meeting – June 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will meet on June 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Individuals interested in participating may register here. 

DOH – Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – June 28

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will meet on June 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to discuss Medical Marijuana Program updates. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PID – 1332 Waiver Reinsurance Program Public Forum – June 28

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced it is accepting public comment on its 1332 State Innovation Waiver Reinsurance Program beginning June 1 and ending June 30. PID will also hold an in-person forum for public comment on Thursday, June 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-06-09T20:34:23+00:00June 9th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for June 9
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PA Health Policy Update for May 19

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

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced it will maintain an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here. 

2023 Primary Election

Pennsylvania’s 2023 primary election was held on Tuesday, May 16.  In addition to judicial and municipal elections, Pennsylvanians in two legislative districts voted in a special election to fill vacancies in the state House of Representatives. Democrat Heather Boyd defeated Republican Katie Ford to represent the 163 Legislative District and Republican Michael Stender defeated Democrat Trevor Finn to represent the 108 Legislative District. The outcome of these two special elections enables the Democrats to maintain their one-vote majority in the House. 

General Assembly

  • The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee held a public hearing on May 18 to discuss access to rural medicine and health care in Pennsylvania. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The state House will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 22. The following are selected health-related proceedings.
    • The House Health Committee will hold a voting meeting Monday, May 22 at 10:00am to consider, among several resolutions, HB 1131 sponsored by Representative Lisa Borowski, which would remove the requirement for counties to operate state health centers in counties establishing their own local health departments. The meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and will be live streamed here.
    • The House Human Services Committee will hold a voting meeting Tuesday, May 23 at 9:00am to consider, HB 849 sponsored by Representative Mike Schlossberg, to allocate funding for the Behavioral Health Commission on Adult Mental Health’s recommendations for funding, and HB 931 sponsored by Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, to establish the Kinship Care Legal Assistance Grant Program. The meeting will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building and can be live streamed here.
  • The state Senate will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, June 5. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health began to register Temporary Health Care Services Agencies (THCSA) this month, as directed by Act 128 of 2022.  THCSAs are entities engaged in the business of procuring temporary employment in health care facilities for nurse aides, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and direct care staff. The statute requires any person that owns or operates a THCSA to register annually with the department and provide a list of each separate location. An application, instructions, and additional resources can be found on the THCSA website.

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) released the agenda for the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s (MAAC) May 25 meeting. 
  • Personal care homes and assisted living residences are reminded that after May 11, they should report any COVID-19 outbreaks through the department’s Reportable Incident and Condition form for reporting. If a facility experiences a significant outbreak, it can contact the regional licensing office and ongoing assistance with infection prevention and control is available through the LTC-RISE program.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through June.  Find the updated calendar here. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) met May 18 and considered the following health-related regulations:

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – May 24

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, May 24 at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate. 

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 25

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

 

2023-05-19T20:25:32+00:00May 19th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 19
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PA Health Policy Update for May 5

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 1 – 5.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) published the first section of an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code.

Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here. 

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed the first bill of his administration on Monday. Act 1, formerly Senate Bill 8, requires insurers to cover all costs associated with 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 also requires insurers to cover all costs associated with a supplemental breast screening by MRI or Ultrasound for women at increased risk of breast cancer. View this press release for additional information.

The Shapiro administration announced today that all commonwealth agencies completed a comprehensive review of their respective licensing, certification, and permitting processes as directed in the governor’s January 31 executive order. The administration will now work to establish “efficient processing times” for all permits and licenses. 

General Assembly

  • The state House and Senate returned to Harrisburg on May 1 for voting session. Below is coverage of selected health-related proceedings.
    • The House Health Committee held a public hearing Tuesday, May 2 on HB 106, the Patient Safety Act, which sets nursing staffing ratios. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
    • Representative Jennifer O’Mara (D-Delaware), Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) and Senator Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) held a press conference Wednesday on hospital closure reform. More information can be found here.
    • The House Republican Policy Committee held a public hearing Thursday, May 4 on hospital pricing transparency. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
    • The Senate voted to confirm Governor Josh Shapiro’s nominee for the Secretary of Aging, Jason Kavulich, this week. A recording of the confirmation hearing in the Senate Aging and Youth Committee can be viewed here.
    • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee held a voting meeting on Tuesday, May 2 to consider among other bills:
      • SB 100, Establishing the Lyme Disease and Related Tick-Borne Illness Diagnosis and Treatment Act. The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
      • SB 262, Amends the Maternal Mortality Review Committee Act regarding reportable events. The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
      • SB 414, Expanding access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
      • SB 500, Provides for Medicaid Coverage for Pasteurized Donor Human Milk. The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
      • SB 549, Requires consent for pelvic, rectal, and prostate exams. The bill was unanimously reported as amended.
      • SB 555, Reducing the loaded mileage requirements for EMS Medicaid reimbursement. The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.

  • The state Senate will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 8. The state House is recessed and will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 22. The following are selected health-related proceedings.
    • The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee will hold an information meeting Wednesday, May 10 at 10:00am to receive updates from local Area Agencies on Aging and to discuss scams targeting older adults. The meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and will be livestreamed here. 

Office of the Attorney General 

Attorney General Michelle Henry issued the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document regarding medication abortion and mifepristone access in Pennsylvania. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health’s (DOH) Division of Newborn Screening and Genetics, with support of the Newborn Screening and Follow-up Technical Advisory Board, is proposing that Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency screening be added effective January 1, 2024 to the supplemental conditions mandated for screening. Additional information can be viewed in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced its intent to increase the funding and amend the payment methodology for the COVID-19 disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments for qualifying acute care general hospitals for FY 2022-23. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS published final notice of its intent to allocate funding and amend the qualifying criteria and payment methodology allocation for DSH payments to acute-care general hospital trauma centers. These payments will amount to $18.034 million in total funds.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS published final notice of its funding allocation for FY 2022-23 supplemental payments to promote the continuation of quality medical services to individuals enrolled in the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (MA) Program, and to provide financial relief to hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS published updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Fee Schedule for administration of a booster dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine manufactured by Novavax. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has announced the temporary extension of the Alternative Payment Methodology (APM) for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and Rural Health Clinics (RHC) for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines administered during a COVID-19 vaccine-only visit. The APM will be extended beyond the end of the federal PHE to September 30, 2024. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has issued an updated Provider Quick Tip (#263) regarding the electronic submission process in the PROMISe Portal for Office of Medical Assistance Fee-for-Service (FFS) and Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) 180-day exception requests and other claims requiring documentation.

Revenue Collection Update

The Department of Revenue announced Pennsylvania collected $5.7 billion in General Fund revenue in April, which was $51.1 million, or 0.9 percent, more than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $37.9 billion, which is $1.2 billion, or 3.3 percent, above estimate. 

Stakeholder Events

DOH – WIC Advisory Board – May 10

The WIC Program Advisory will meet on May 10 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Additional information and details on how to participate can be viewed in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 12

The Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee will hold a meeting on Friday, May 12 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Department of Education Building’s Honors Suite, 1st floor, at 333 Market Street in Harrisburg, or via webinar. You may register for the webinar here.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – May 18

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 18. For information on how to participate, review this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – May 24

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, May 24 at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate. 

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 25

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

 

2023-05-05T21:19:20+00:00May 5th, 2023|Federal Medicaid issues, Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 5
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  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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