Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget Archives - Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

PA Health Policy Update for September 12

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 8- 12 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update

The state budget impasse continues, more than ten weeks past the constitutional deadline. Senate Majority Leader Pittman told reporters this week that he is “encouraged by the meaningful work at the negotiating table” but there is no agreement on a final budget at this time. Various potential budget-related bills continue to be positioned in order for a completed budget to be passed within a few days of a budget deal being reached. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the President Pro Tempore and the House stands adjourned until Monday, September 22, 2025 unless sooner recalled by the Speaker.

General Assembly

The Senate met for voting session this week. The following is a summary of health care related legislative activity:

The Senate passed SB 381 that would prohibit the use of commonwealth funding for certain animal testing activities in research facilities. The bill will be sent to the House for consideration.

The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure committee favorably reported SB 507 with amendments. The bill provides for licensure of certified midwives, allows them to prescribe treatment for opioid use disorder, and seeks to modernize the collaborative agreement structure for midwives.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) issued comments on the State Board of Nursing’s proposed regulations for the certified registered nurse anesthetists. See IRRC’s comments in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. The nursing board is required to address IRRC’s comments and questions when issuing its final form regulations.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) updated its list of Remittance Advices with information on a new ADA claim form that should be used for dental claims with dates of service after November 1, 2025. See the alert here.

DHS issued its 2024 Annual Report from the Bureau of Human Services Licensing, which licenses personal care homes and assisted living residences. The report shows data on the number of facilities, patient census and demographics, and facility incidents and complaints. Click here for the full report.

The Office of Long-Term Living is accepting statements of interest from new and existing Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program operators to serve 12 counties that do not yet have LIFE program services available for seniors age 55 and older. Click here to view the announcement in the Pennsylvania Bulletin with instructions on how to request information about the application and evaluation process.

DHS issued an Medical Assistance Bulletin with updates to the Dental Fee Schedule. These updates include revised frequency and unit limitations for several codes as well as a change in age limits for two codes. These changes are considered effective as of August 1, 2025.

Around the State

An article from the Penn Capital Star explores the ways in which health care providers in Pennsylvania are already responsibly using artificial intelligence (AI) amid discussions from lawmakers to introduce legislation to regulate AI use in health care.
ABC27 describes the geographic split that may be compounding the political split between legislative leaders as the budget impasse wears on. With caucus leaders from opposite sides of the commonwealth and regional transit funding issues at the core of negotiations, “There’s no question geography of the membership and leadership members has played a role,” said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny).
Though it is not an unusual financing move for many school districts, the Philadelphia district this week voted to borrow up to $1.55 billion (WHYY) to support services during the state budget impasse. Because of the lack of state and federal funds, this year’s borrowed amount is $1 billion more compared to previous years, costing millions more in interest payments for the district.

Stakeholder Meetings

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) – Sept. 25

The DHS Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on September 25, 2025, at 10:00am. To register, click here.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Emerging Drug Trends Symposium – Nov. 18

DDAP will host its 2025 Emerging Drug Trends Symposium on November 18 from 7:00am to 4:00pm at the Penn Harris Hotel & Conference Center in Camp Hill, PA. Attendees will discuss the latest drug use and overdose trends in PA, shifting overdose patterns and drug supply, and evidence-based best practices. Click here to register for this free event.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-09-12T21:51:32+00:00September 12th, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for September 5

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

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

There was no legislative activity surrounding the state budget this week. Governor Shapiro sent a compromise budget proposal to Senate Republican leadership last week, but they have yet to take any action. The Senate is scheduled to return to session next week on September 8, but that date could be pushed back if an agreement is not ready.

The House stands adjourned until September 22.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) issued interpretative guidance to clarify staffing regulations for hospitals, allowing for flexible physician coverage models while maintaining patient safety and regulatory compliance. It focuses on on-site, on-call, and telemedicine-based physician coverage requirements. Review the full document here.

Department of State

The State Board of Pharmacy met this week and voted to approve four new entities as “competent authorities” to issue guidelines for licensed pharmacists under 49 PA Code § 27.403 on the use of injectable immunizations. This action was taken in anticipation of changes from the Centers for Disease Control’s upcoming vaccine committee meeting and will permit pharmacists to continue providing COVID-19 vaccinations, which had been paused by some providers. Find a news release about the voting meeting here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) updated its list of Remittance Advices with an updated participating drug company list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Find the updated list here.

The Offices of Long-Term Living and Medical Assistance Programs issued a Medical Assistance bulletin alerting providers that it will begin issuing electronic visit verification (EVV) alerts to providers whose EVV manual entry percentages exceed 15 percent for the previous quarter. These alerts will be sent directly by DHS for fee-for-service claims and the department will transmit a list of noncompliant providers to the appropriate managed care organizations for awareness and follow up.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a State Health Official (SHO) Letter jointly developed by CMS and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This SHO provides guidance to states on the best practices for implementing the continuum of crisis services. It describes specific Medicaid and CHIP authorities and flexibilities to support the full continuum of crisis response services and suggests strategies for measuring and monitoring crisis response services.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 released a new interactive map displaying access to care in different counties, called MAPPED 2. This resource includes hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and nursing homes. It was designed to help patients, legislators, and health care providers learn more about the health care landscape of Pennsylvania.

Around the State

A Philadelphia judge has directed SEPTA to immediately reverse all service cuts imposed last month. WHYY reports on the decision in this article.
The Penn Capital Star reported on the state pharmacy board’s decision this week to permit additional professional organizations to issue guidance for immunizations.
An article from the Altoona Mirror details the financial strain and difficult decisions that are facing county providers and non-profits now that the state budget is two months late.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices Conference – September 17

This quarterly meeting is jointly hosted by The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). It aims to provide the most recent research and resources for people with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities to live an everyday life. The meeting is held virtually from 10am to 3pm. For details and registration, click here.

Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series – September 18

Jointly hosted by OMHSAS and ODP, this presentation will review the clinical clues for identifying the effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, suggestions for screening, current research, and statistics. The meeting is held virtually from 9am to 12:30pm. Click here to register.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-09-05T19:11:23+00:00September 5th, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for August 29

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from August 25 – 29. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

There was no legislative activity surrounding the state budget this week, with both houses in recess, but officials continue their informal negotiations. The budget impasse is expected to extend into mid-September.

Governor Shapiro pitched an amended budget to legislative leaders, which would increase spending by 5% rather than the 8% increase proposed in February. Democrats, including House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, showed a new willingness to help support transit operating budgets through a special trust fund – as pitched by the Senate Republicans earlier in August – if there could be a plan to replenish that fund with new revenue sources. For more perspectives and statements from other legislators on the budget, see this Spotlight PA article.

The House stands adjourned until September 22 and the Senate until September 8.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) shared several resources from the federal government on how individuals can take action to move their Social Security benefit payments to electronic payments before the September 30, 2025 deadline after which paper checks will no longer be issued to beneficiaries. This action is particularly important for administrators of personal care and assisted living facilities who may be receiving checks on behalf of their residents. DHS will host a webinar for providers on September 10 at 1pm.

DHS updated its Medicaid managed care organization directory for September 2025.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) will kick off Recovery Month next week, with events continuing throughout September. For event details taking place throughout the state click here.

Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority

Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace, in coordination with Health Market Connect LLC (HMC), the newly appointed contractor of Pennie’s Assister Network, are launching a new network of regional organizations dedicated to providing localized support throughout the Commonwealth.

Around the State

An op-ed from a retired county mental health commission member published in PennLive details the risk that the budget impasse poses to Pennsylvania’s behavioral health safety net.

WHYY reported on the state of traffic and commute disruptions in light of the current SEPTA service reductions and predicts how the situation will change as more cuts come into place next week.

The Pittsburgh area NPR partner, WSEA, hosted a story about how their regional transit authority’s cuts to the paratransit and ride share program will impact individuals living with disabilities.

Stakeholder Meetings

Patient Safety Authority – Sept 16

The Patient Safety Authority established by the MCARE Act will hold a virtual board meeting on September 16 at 1pm. For registration and meeting instructions, see this PA Bulletin notice.

Pennsylvania Association of Addiction Professionals (PAAP) Annual Conference – Sept 18

The PAAP annual conference will take place in Trevose, PA on September 18 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The addiction-specific educational experience will feature immersive training sessions, an exhibit hall, and networking opportunities. For more information and to register, click here.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-09-02T13:49:51+00:00August 29th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for August 22

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

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

The House stands adjourned until September 22 and the Senate until September 8.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) added a new PROMISe Banner page with information on a New Batch EDI Translator effective September 2025. For additional information see the EDI as a Service FAQ here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health alerted providers and public health officials about a late-summer surge in COVID-19 cases that is expected to peak in September. Find information on how to handle this sharp increase in cases in this health alert.

The Department of Health alerted Pennsylvanians that an individual from another state who was contagious with measles visited multiple locations across the state, creating a potential for exposure to others in this health alert.

Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 publicly released new County-Level Condition-Specific and County-Level Utilization reports today, giving insight into ambulatory/outpatient usage and hospitalization rates of high interest conditions, using the most recent data available.

Around the State

The Altoona Mirror reported on the efforts of PA legislators to introduce the state’s own Medicaid work requirements in response to the federal requirements passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Counties and providers of human services explain how they are bracing for the protracted state budget standoff in this article from the Pennsylvania Capital Star.

City + State profiled State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in this article after she announced her candidacy for governor in 2026.

Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that an agreement has been finalized that ensures free access to personal medical records for thousands of patients — including Medicaid patients — formerly treated at Crozer Health hospitals.

Stakeholder Meetings

HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – September 10

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting (in-person and virtually) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For registration information click here.

PHC4 Committee Meetings – August – September

The PA Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) announced the following meetings

Education Committee meeting (August 28, 2025, at 10 a.m.)
Council meeting (September 4, 2025, at 10 a.m.)
Payment Data Advisory Group meeting (September 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.)

Individuals who wish to participate may contact rgreenawalt@phc4.org at least 24 hours in advance.

MAAC – July Meeting Materials

The Department of Human Services (DHS) published the meeting materials from the July meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC):

Meeting Minutes
Office of Long-Term Living presentation
Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services presentation

PA Safety Net Admin2025-08-23T01:22:42+00:00August 22nd, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for July 11

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 7 – July 11. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders continue to meet and negotiate in an attempt to reach a final agreement on the commonwealth’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 spending plan, which is 11 days overdue. As discussions continue, the Senate is recessed until the call of the chair and the House is currently scheduled to return to session on Monday, July 14.

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed the following bills into law this week.

House Bill 309, now known as Act 29 of 2025, amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to allow team physicians traveling internationally with their club or national team to treat their own players on site during games without needing a Pennsylvania medical license.

Senate Bill 95, now known as Act 34 of 2025, permits EMS providers to leave naloxone with a caregiver of a patient who overdosed. The bill also places certain disclosure requirements on pharmacies related to the retail and generic versions of prescribed medications and allows for the provisional licensing of pharmacists.

The Shapiro administration has announced that Pennsylvania is a full participant in three multistate licensure compacts that will streamline the licensure process for physicians, nurses, and physical therapists.

General Assembly

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

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1697 by a vote of 136-67. House Bill 1697 establishes a state level false claims act. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 80, which authorizes the commonwealth to join the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives is currently scheduled to return to session on Monday, July 14. The Senate is recessed until the call of the chair.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced that it experienced a delay in implementing Version 42 of the APR DRG classification system for Medical Assistance (MA) enrolled acute care general hospitals. As a result of the delay, DHS will begin to mass adjust claims submitted for discharge dates October 1, 2024 through June 6, 2025. Find additional information in Provider Quick Tip #275.

DHS has announced it will hold another listening session in its “Food is Medicine Stakeholder Engagement Series,” which is part of the Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health demonstration waiver. The next session, which will focus on pregnancy food boxes, will take place on June 21 at 1:00 p.m. Find additional information and registration details here.

Department of Community & Economic Development

The Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) has announced it will publish its draft action plan for the 2024 Allocation of Recovery Housing Program for public review and comment beginning July 12. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Pennsylvania $1.2 million of Recovery Housing Program funds, which will be administered by DCED. The purpose of the program is to help grantees to provide stable, temporary housing to individuals in recovery from a substance disorder. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC)

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has published notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin of recent actions taken by the commission, including the approval of the following pertinent regulations.

Around the State

Spotlight PA has published an article about the potentially negative impacts the federal reconciliation package passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump will have on access to rural health care.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has written a piece about the Pennie, Pennsylvania’s state-based insurance marketplace, and the impact on enrollment if Congress doesn’t extend the enhanced tax credit subsidies.

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – HIV Planning Group – July 16-17

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, July 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Thursday, July 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – WIC State Advisory Board – July 22

The WIC State Advisory Board has announced its next regular meeting of the board will be held on July 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to collaborate to gather suggestions of strategies for increasing participation and improving the WIC program to better support participants. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – August 7

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112. The meeting will be conducted in person only. Find information on how to RSVP in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-07-11T20:14:15+00:00July 11th, 2025|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|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

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