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PA Health Policy Update for July 12

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

FY 2024-2025 Budget Update 

Late Thursday evening the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1001 – the General Appropriations Act – to fund Pennsylvania’s FY 2024-2025 budget. Governor Shapiro promptly signed Senate Bill 1001, as well as the various enabling pieces of legislation necessary to implement the budget, which marked the completion of the FY 2024-2025 budget process, more than 10 days after the commonwealth’s constitutionally mandated deadline.

In total, the FY 2024-2025 budget spends $47.6 billion, which represents a $2.7 billion, or 6.6 percent, increase over the prior fiscal year. It is nearly $700 million less than Governor Shapiro’s initial budget proposal. The FY 2024-2025 budget increases spending for K-12 and higher education. It also makes targeted investments in health and human services. The budget doesn’t include any tax increases or the Governor’s proposal to legalize cannabis. The final budget does include Governor Shapiro’s economic development proposal to create the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) program and authorize up to $500 million in new funding to invest in site development, preparation, and readiness for businesses to locate or expand in Pennsylvania.

The following are key budget-related pieces of legislation.

General Assembly

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

  • The Senate passed House Bill 1993, which seeks to reform certain practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that have an adverse impact on pharmacies and patients, by a vote of 48-1. The House of Representatives subsequently voted to concur with the Senate’s amendments and sent the bill to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 1633, which establishes restrictions on non-compete covenants for certain health care practitioners, on third and final passage. The House of Representatives subsequently voted to concur with the Senate’s amendments and sent the bill to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
  • The House of Representatives voted to concur with the Senate’s amendments to House Bill 1664, which prohibits insurers from restricting their method of payment to participating health care providers so that the only payment method is by credit card. The bill will now be sent to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 1853, which requires the Department of Health to meet annually with licensed nursing facilities in an effort to improve communication and collaboration around facility surveys, on third and final consideration. The bill will now be sent to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 2339, which establishes hospital price transparency reporting and disclosure requirements. The bill also stipulates penalties for noncompliance. The bill, which passed by a vote of 168-34, will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives also passed House Bill 2344, which imposes more reporting requirements and additional oversight on health care facility mergers and acquisitions, on third and final consideration. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1425, which directs the Department of Human Services to develop a five-year plan to offer evidence-based maternal home visiting programs for eligible families. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. 

The House and Senate have recessed until Monday, September 23 and Monday, September 16, respectively. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that DHS will increase fees for certain ophthalmology services on the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule, effective for dates of services on and after August 1, 2024. 

DHS has published the transcript and a recording of the July 2 meeting of the Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee. 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 

The Centers for Medical and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed amending the Medicaid clinic services regulation, which currently permits Medicaid payment for clinic services furnished outside of the four walls of a clinic only to individuals who are unhoused, to authorize federal reimbursement for services furnished outside the four walls of a freestanding clinic by IHS/Tribal clinics.  In addition, at state option, federal reimbursement also would be available for services provided by behavioral health clinics and services provided by clinics located in rural areas.  For clinics located in rural areas, CMS is not proposing a specific definition of rural but is seeking public comment on different alternative definitions for consideration in final rulemaking. 

Stakeholder Events   

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – August 8

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – July 24

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on July 24 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. It will be located in the Forest Room of the Keystone Building – 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – July 25

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on July 25 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in person. It will be located in the Forest Room of the Keystone Building – 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120.

2024-07-12T20:34:18+00:00July 12th, 2024|Federal Medicaid issues, Financial, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for July 12
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PA Health Policy Update for May 10

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

General Assembly

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

  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 739 by a vote of 47-1. Senate Bill 739, which was amended before final passage, provides for coverage of telemedicine services. The bill will now be sent to the House for consideration.
  • The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 920, which establishes a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system. The bill will now be sent to the House for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 1632, which amends the Workers’ Compensation Act to recognize post-traumatic stress injuries as eligible for workers’ compensation claims, by a vote of 154-46. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 2097, which provides Medicaid coverage of blood pressure monitors for pregnant or postpartum beneficiaries, by a vote of 164-37. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 1608, which extends Medicaid coverage to doula services and creates a doula advisory board. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House Insurance Committee met on Monday, May 6 and favorably reported, among others, the following bills.
    • House Bill 1021, which prohibits insurers from discriminating against individuals because they have an opioid reversal agent in their prescription profile.
    • House Bill 1867, which prohibits health insurers from restricting the method of payment for in-network clinical services.
    • House Bill 2138, which requires insurance coverage for blood pressure monitors for home use as a pregnancy-related service.
    • House Bill 2234, which creates a pilot program to give small grants to individuals to assist them with purchasing health insurance on Pennie, Pennsylvania’s state-based insurance exchange.

A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

  • The House Labor & Industry Committee met on Tuesday, May 7 and favorably reported House Bill 2247, which requires the establishment of workplace violence prevention committees in health care facilities. Immediately following the voting meeting, the committee held an informational meeting on the nursing workforce crisis. A recording of both meetings is viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate are now recessed. The House will return to session Monday, May 20 and the Senate will return Monday, June 3.

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced its intent to increase the funding for a class of supplemental payments to qualifying hospitals for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 that treat a high volume of opioid use disorder patients in their emergency rooms. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DHS has shared the following presentations used at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on April 25.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced it will hold a public hearing on its proposed Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant application for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. The hearing will take place on May 28 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Find additional details on how to attend and comment in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has issued comments on the State Board of Pharmacy’s proposed pharmacy technician registration regulations. Find additional information and IRRC’s comments in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  

Around the State 

  • The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has reported about legislation that would cover post-traumatic stress injuries for first responders under the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act.
  • Governor Shapiro has indicated he will sign legislation criminalizing the misuse of xylazine, which is contributing to a growing number of overdose deaths, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer article. 
  • PennLive has published an article about House Democrats’ efforts to pass legislation that would enact a key part of Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal to provide assistance to individuals purchasing insurance of the commonwealth’s state-based insurance exchange, Pennie.

Stakeholder Events 

PA Chamber – Healthcare Summit – May 22

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is holding its inaugural health care summit on Wednesday, May 22. The event will feature conversations about leading health care topics, including innovations in pharmaceuticals, workforce development, the medical malpractice landscape, and the role of AI in health care. To view additional details and register click here.  

DOH – Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant Committee – May 28

The Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, May 28 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to present the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 workplan and budget information. The meeting will be held virtually and in person. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-05-10T20:07:25+00:00May 10th, 2024|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 10
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PA Health Policy Update for October 20

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from October 16 – 20.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

General AssemblyHouse Chamber of the State House 

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session this week. Following is an overview of selected health policy-related legislative activity.

  • The House of Representatives voted 199-4 to concur with the Senate’s amendments to House Bill 1351, which reauthorizes the hospital Quality Care Assessment, increases Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance transportation, and makes changes to the skilled nursing facility case-mix rate. The bill has been presented to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
  • The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 941, which enables certain flexibilities for addiction treatment providers. The bill has been received in the House and referred to the Professional Licensure Committee.
  • The House of Representatives’ Health Committee met on Wednesday, October 18 and favorably reported the following bills.
    • House Bill 1417, which restores dental coverage for Medical Assistance recipients.
    • House Bill 1585, which establishes access and coverage for tele-dentistry in Pennsylvania.
    • House Bill 1694, which requires the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs to create an annual report on the use of opioid settlement funds by state and county governments.
    • Senate Bill 500, which requires Medicaid coverage for medically prescribed pasteurized donor human milk. 

The Senate will return to session next Monday, October 23 through Wednesday, October 25. The House of Representatives is recessed until Monday, October 30.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through November. Find the updated calendar here.

Department of Health   

The Department of Health has recommended long-term care facilities use its  COVID-19 Infection Control and Outbreak Response Toolkit for Long-Term Care when preparing for and responding to a COVID-19 outbreak. A 2023-2024 Influenza Toolkit is also available. For assistance on COVID-19 infection prevention and control, providers are strongly encouraged to reach out to LTC-RISE and Project Firstline.

The DOH Bureau of Family Health has announced a funding opportunity for community-based, non-profit organizations to provide direct, individualized services to families who qualify for the Community to Home (C2H) program. The application will be open through December 19, 2023. Find additional information here. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has issued comments on the State Board of Chiropractic’s proposed rulemaking. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • 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

DOH – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – October 26

The Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on Thursday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Consumer Subcommittee of the MAAC – October 25

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a meeting on Wednesday, October 25 at 1:00 p.m. To participate virtually, register here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) – October 26

The MAAC will hold a meeting on Thursday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m. To participate virtually, register here.

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – November 2

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, November 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board Meeting – November 3

The Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, November 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA in the Cambria conference room. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-10-20T20:19:25+00:00October 20th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for October 20
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PA Health Policy Update for September 22

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

General AssemblyHarrisburg, PA capital building 

  • The state Senate convened for voting session this week. The following bills were passed on third and final consideration.
    • House Bill 1209 and House Bill 1407 make various changes to ensure Pennsylvania remains in compliance with the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and isn’t exposed to litigation that would jeopardize tobacco settlement funding. Both bills will now be sent to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
    • Senate Bill 712 allows clinical laboratories certified by the federal government to directly or indirectly advertise or solicit business for diagnostic laboratory testing under certain terms and conditions. Following passage, the bill was received in the House of Representatives and referred to the Health Committee.
    • Senate Bill 773 makes various changes to the Medical Marijuana Act. Following passage, the bill was received in the House of Representatives and referred to the Health Committee.
  • The House Health Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, September 20 on House Bill 1657, which amends the Clean Indoor Air Act. A recording of the hearing may be viewed here.
  • Democrat Lindsay Powell won a special election Tuesday, September 19 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Representative Sara Innamorato (D – Allegheny), who’s running for Allegheny County Executive. Powell’s victory will preserve the Democrat’s one-seat majority in the House of Representatives.
  • The state House of Representatives will convene next Monday, September 26 and Tuesday, September 27 for voting session. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with updates to electronic visit verification requirements for pediatric home health aide services in the fee-for-service and managed care delivery systems.
  • DHS has announced its intent to allocate $258 million for FY 2023-2024 inpatient disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through October. Find the updated calendar here.

Department of Health 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this week that a team of epidemiologists from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) was the first to identify the transmission of Legionella from an organ directly to a transplant patient. This finding will help protect transplant recipients from serious lung infections. The published research can be viewed in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

DOH has released a Health Advisory (PAHAN – 719) with recommendations regarding the updated (2023-2024) Monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. 

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.

Stakeholder Events 

DHS – Consumer Subcommittee of the MAAC – September 27

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a meeting on Wednesday, September 27 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda may be viewed here. The meeting will be held in person at the Keystone Building in the Forrest Room (400 North St., Harrisburg, PA). To participate virtually, register here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) – September 28

The MAAC will hold a meeting on Thursday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m. The agenda may be viewed here. The meeting will be held in person at the Keystone Building in the Forrest Room (400 North St., Harrisburg, PA). To participate virtually, register here. 

Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board – October 2

The Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, October 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Find information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators – October 17

The Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators will host a free webinar on October 17 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. to discuss the nurse licensure compact and new rules taking effect in 2024, answer questions nurse employers often have, and explain Nursys.com and Nursys e-Notify. Find additional details and instructions on how to participate here.

2023-09-22T18:52:13+00:00September 22nd, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medicaid supplemental payments, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for September 22
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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 Friday, March 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 4 to March 10.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro delivered his first budget address before the General Assembly this week.  The themes highlighted throughout his speech included investing in public safety and public health, creating opportunity by growing the state’s economy, expanding the workforce, ensuring that every child has access to a quality education, and increasing access to mental health services.  In total, Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2024 budget would spend $45.8 billion, a $2.5 billion or 5.9 percent increase over the current fiscal year.  For further information about the proposed budget, see the following resources:

General Assembly

  • The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 8 this week.  This legislation requires insurers to cover 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.  It 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 pursuant to Act 52 of 2020.  Senate Bill 8 was received in the House and referred to the Insurance Committee.
  • The state House and Senate appropriations committees will begin hearings on Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2024 budget the week of March 20.  A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be viewed here.
  • The state House and Senate are now recessed until the conclusion of budget hearings.  Both chambers will return to session on Monday, April 24.
  • The House Democratic Caucus announced its 2023-2024 legislative session committee chairs this week.  Representative Dan Frankel will serve as chair of the Health Committee and Representative Stephen Kinsey will serve as chair of the Human Services Committee.  A complete list of the House committee chairs can be viewed here.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a notice to inform presumptive eligibility providers of care to pregnant women that the income guidelines used to determine presumptive eligibility have been updated effective January 12, 2023.  Go here to see the notice, which includes information about the criteria for qualifying for presumptive eligibility and the new income guidelines.
  • DHS has posted a reminder that all Medicaid-enrolled providers who dispense hearing aid supplies to Medicaid patients must submit a copy of their renewed Department of Health certification to MA Provider Enrollment by March 16 to continue providing and billing DHS for hearing aid supplies.  Find that notice here.
  • DHS has issued a request for information seeking stakeholder input and information concerning the current Community HealthChoices agreement for the anticipated re-procurement of Community HealthChoices managed care organization contracts.  Specifically, the state seeks information on the statement of work for the upcoming re-procurement before issuing a request for application for vendors to bid on program participation.  Go here to learn more about the request for information and what the state seeks from interested parties.  The deadline for submitting comments is April 14.
  • DHS has shared minutes from the February 23 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee and minutes from the January 25 meeting of that committee’s consumer subcommittee.
  • Acting DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh has written an op-ed column outlining how the state will work with its Medicaid population and various organizations to determine the continued eligibility of current participants in the face of the end of the continuous Medicaid eligibility that was part of the federal government’s and the state’s response to the economic challenges posed by COVID-19.  That column was published in several newspapers across the state; find an example here from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.  The ideas outlined in this op-ed column are reinforced and explained in greater detail in this Shapiro administration news release.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health has issued a request for applications to award grants to local health departments, health systems, health clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, non-profit organizations, local governments, 501(c)(3) organizations, and other clinical providers serving the 10 counties with the highest suicide rates in Pennsylvania (Venango, Blair, Dauphin, Berks, Luzerne, Lycoming, Wayne, Franklin, Sullivan, and McKean counties) for a suicide prevention pilot program.  It seeks to fund applicants addressing evidence-based suicide prevention strategies for youth between the ages of 15 and 24 and creating local inventories of suicide prevention resources.  The overall goal of this funding is to promote the reduction of factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience among disproportionately affected populations especially among Pennsylvania youth.  Learn more from this solicitation notice, which includes a link to the request for applications.  Applications are due by April 6.
  • The Department of Health has published decisions on recent requests for exceptions to health care facility regulations.  Find those decisions in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers           

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania fell 19 percent over the past week after falling 17 percent the previous week.  In addition, the number of daily deaths has declined slightly.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 fell 16 percent last week after a nine percent decline the previous week and was below 1000 for the first time since May of 2022.  The number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators declined 17 percent last week and the number in hospital ICUs fell 28 percent and is down into double digits – 98 – for the first time since July of 2022.
  • The CDC reports an 18 percent decline in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19 after a 13 percent decline the previous week.
  • For the week ending March 8, 10 Pennsylvania counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 29 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 29 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission.  This reflects a significant improvement over recent weeks.

Stakeholder Events

Patient Safety Authority – Board Meeting – March 16

The Patient Safety Authority board will meet virtually on Thursday, March 16 at 1:00.  For information about participating in the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – March 22

The consumer subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday March 22 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 23

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will hold its next public meeting virtually on Thursday, March 23 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting April 5

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and support subcommittee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 5 at 10:00 in Harrisburg.  For information about how to join the meeting in person or participate remotely, see this DHS notice.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – May 16

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is offering training on adolescent ASAM criteria, to be delivered virtually, for participants who already understand the foundational aspects of the ASAM criteria.  The purpose of this training is to explore and discuss the adolescent-specific aspects of the ASAM criteria and offer participants a practical focus through lecture, real-world clinical vignettes, and case studies.  The program will be held on May 16 at 8:30.  Continuing education credits are available.  Learn more about the program, including requirements for participation and how to join, from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice.  Please note that this program is identical to one offered on March 9.

2023-03-10T21:19:08+00:00March 10th, 2023|COVID-19, HealthChoices, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2023 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, March 10
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PA Health Law Project Newsletter

The Pennsylvania Health Law Project has published its March 2022 newsletter Health Law News.

Included in this month’s issue are articles about:

  • State planning for the use of federal American Rescue Plan money to address the nurse shortage.
  • The governor’s proposed FY 2023 Medicaid budget.
  • The Community HealthChoices transition to a new system for paying participant-directed care workers.
  • Medicaid payment of Medicare Part A premiums for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Read about these subjects and more in the Pennsylvania Health Law Project’s March 2022 newsletter.

2022-04-04T15:23:18+00:00April 5th, 2022|Federal Medicaid issues, long-term care, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2023 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Law Project Newsletter
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of June 21-25

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of June 21-25, 2021.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

State-Wide Mask Mandate

The Department of Health announced that it is lifting its order requiring universal face coverings at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 28.   See the announcement here.  The department continues to urge Pennsylvanians to follow CDC guidance for wearing a mask where required by law, rule, and regulations, including health care, local business, and workplace guidance.  For the protection of themselves and others, individuals who have not yet been vaccinated or are partially vaccinated are still encouraged to wear a mask when in public.

Legislative Update

The following are health care bills that have received third and final consideration in the state House and/or Senate as of Thursday, June 24. Both chambers will hold voting session on Friday and Saturday and we anticipate there will be additional health care-related measures passed. We will provide an update following the end of session on any pertinent bills.

  • Senate Bill 115 – establishes the Nurse Licensure Compact Act, which upon enactment makes the Commonwealth a party to the Nurse Licensure Compact with all other states that have joined the compact. The bill was passed by the House 146-55 and sent to the Governor’s desk.
  • Senate Bill 425 – amends the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act to permit a physician to fulfill their duty to obtain a patient’s or the patient’s authorized representative’s consent by a qualified practitioner prior to conducting surgery or administering radiation or chemotherapy blood transfusions, or medications and devices. The bill was unanimously passed by the House on June 24th and sent to the Governor’s desk.
  • Senate Bill 484 – adds the chair of the State Veterans’ Commission or a designee to the Pennsylvania Long-term Care Council. The bill was unanimously passed by the House on June 24th and sent to the Governor’s desk.
  • Senate Bill 618 – prohibits the use of vaccine passports by government entities. It also prohibits institutions of higher education from requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to use a service, enter a building, or undertake an activity, including attending class in person. In addition, the bill further restricts the Secretary of Health’s ability to implement certain disease control measures for individuals who have not been exposed, potentially or otherwise, to a contagious disease. The bill was signed in the state House and Senate on June 24th and sent to the governor. The governor has indicated he will veto

Department of Human Services

Department of Health

Effective at midnight on June 23, 2021, the Department of Health terminated its order requiring skilled nursing facilities to complete a vaccine needs assessment survey since those facilities are now reporting to the federal government.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • The daily number of new COVID-19 cases continues to decline significantly.  The 174 new COVID-19 cases reported on Wednesday marked the lowest new daily case count since March 25, 2020, when 276 new cases were announced.
  • The number of COVID-19 deaths continues to decline significantly as well.
  • For the week from June 11 through June 17 the state’s overall COVID-19 test positivity rate was 1.4 percent, down from 1.9 percent last week and 2.9 percent the week before.
  • Sixty-four counties had a positivity rate lower than five percent, up from 62 last week, and no counties had a positivity rate greater than 20 percent for the eighth consecutive week.
  • Thirty-seven counties are currently experiencing low levels of community transmission of COVID-19, up from 22 last week; the remaining 30 Pennsylvania counties are experiencing moderate levels of community transmission and no counties are experiencing a high level of community transmission.
  • Since June 1 the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 has fallen 62 percent; the number on a ventilator has fallen 54 percent; and the number in hospital intensive care units has fallen 70 percent.
  • 5.3 million Pennsylvanians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the state’s COVID-19 dashboard.  Growth in this number has slowed significantly over the past month and only about 150,000 new vaccinations were reported in the past week. Another 760,000 people have been vaccinated in Philadelphia.  According to the state, 59.4 percent of Pennsylvanians 18 years of age and older are now fully vaccinated and 62.2 percent of the entire population has now received at least the first dose of a vaccine.

Around the State

Two Pennsylvania children’s hospitals ranked among the best ten such hospitals in the U.S. in the latest rankings published by U.S. News & World Report:  Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia ranked second and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh ranked ninth.

Two Pennsylvania-based health insurers, Highmark and Independence Blue Cross, are among five Blues plans joining forces in a new venture called Evio, a for-profit venture that will seek to make prescription drugs more affordable and improve health care outcomes.  Learn more here.

Stakeholder Events

  • Maternal Mortality Review Committee

June 28 at 8:00

This meeting will be held via conference call.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss new and ongoing procedural issues relating to the review process for the committee.  To join the call, dial +1 (267) 332-8737 and when prompted, enter the following conference code: 522 321 931#.

  • DHS Office of Long-Term Living – Financial Management Services Meeting

June 28 at 11:00 a.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss upcoming changes in the administration of financial management services under the Community HealthChoices, OBRA Waiver, and Act 150 programs.  Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and Community HealthChoices managed care organizations will discuss the upcoming changes.  Interested parties can join the meeting in the following ways:

From the meeting link:

https://pa-hhs.webex.com/pa-hhs/j.php?MTID=m15e2e495a802f00df6fa38c9e645237d

By meeting number:

Meeting number (access code): 132 280 2499

From a mobile device (attendees only):

1-408-418-9388,,1322802499## United States Toll

1-202-860-2110,,1322802499## United States Toll (Washington D.C.)

By phone:

+1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

+1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)

Meeting password: Stakeholder

From a video system or application

Dial 1322802499@pa-hhs.webex.com

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number

  • Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting

July 7 at 10:00 a.m.

This meeting will be held via webinar.  Public comments will be taken after each presentation and questions can be entered in the chat box.  Interested parties can participate in the following ways:

Webinar registration – go here

Dial in:  1-914-614-3221, access code 716-025-613

Remote captioning and streaming link – go here

  • Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board

July 15 at 10:00

The virtual public meeting will be conducted as a teleconference Skype meeting.  The dial-in number is (267) 332-8737 and the conference access ID is 63145728#.

  • Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program

July 29, 2021 at 10:00

This is a telephone meeting.

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)

+1 412-648-8888,,785376728#   United States, Pittsburgh

(866) 588-4789,,785376728#   United States (Toll-free)

Phone Conference ID: 785 376 728#

Stakeholder Event Report

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee Meeting – June 24

Deputy DHS Secretary Sally Kozak announced that DHS will perform readiness reviews of the managed care organizations selected to participate in the latest HealthChoices program procurement.  The procurement remains the subject of litigation so DHS will stop short of negotiating with the managed care organizations until there is a final decision in that case.

Stakeholder Events Materials

DHS has posted four presentations offered at the June 24 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee.  Those presentations were delivered by its:

 

2021-06-26T13:46:01+00:00June 26th, 2021|Coronavirus, COVID-19, HealthChoices, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2022 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of June 21-25
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Wolf Administration Proposes New Human Services Initiatives for FY 2021

New human services efforts to support vulnerable populations are a major part of Governor Tom Wolf’s proposed $36.06 billion FY 2021 budget for Pennsylvania.

The proposed budget, presented to the state legislature earlier this week, includes the following new initiatives:

  • creating pathways to success in the workforce for low-income Pennsylvanians
  • increasing the minimum wage to $15
  • increasing Department of Human Services staffing to support licensing and oversight
  • supporting adults in long-term-care facilities
  • legal services for vulnerable populations
  • direct care worker comprehensive training
  • commitment to performance-based metrics, accountability, and transparency in services and licensing
  • supporting vulnerable populations through home- and community-based services and reducing waiting lists
  • prevention services to support at-risk families
  • improving food security while supporting agriculture

Go here to see DHS’s presentation of these initiatives.

In addition, the Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania has prepared a detailed memo describing the proposed FY 2021 budget’s implications for Pennsylvania safety-net hospitals and the state’s Medicaid program.  For a copy of this memo, use the “contact us” link in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

2020-02-07T06:00:38+00:00February 7th, 2020|Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2021 budget, Pennsylvania safety-net hospitals, Pennsylvania state budget issues, Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania|Comments Off on Wolf Administration Proposes New Human Services Initiatives for FY 2021
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SNAP Endorses Governor’s Proposal for Paying for Tobacco Borrowing

Debt service on the state’s borrowing against future proceeds from the national master tobacco settlement agreement should be paid using state sales and use tax revenue, SNAP has declared in a new position statement.

Last year the state borrowed $1.5 billion against future proceeds from the tobacco settlement.  Some tobacco settlement money is used to help hospitals with the cost of uncompensated care they provide via tobacco uncompensated care payments and tobacco extraordinary expense payments made to hospitals that meet specific criteria:  how much uncompensated care they provide, the proportion of their patients insured by Medicaid, and the proportion of low-income seniors they serve.  All Pennsylvania safety-net hospitals qualify for these payments.

Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania logoBecause the state’s borrowing against future tobacco settlement proceeds was never intended to result in a reduction of these payments in the future, SNAP has issued a position statement endorsing the Wolf administration’s suggestion, in its proposed FY 2020 budget, to pay debt service on its tobacco borrowing with sales and use tax revenue.

2019-04-16T06:00:51+00:00April 16th, 2019|Medicaid supplemental payments, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2020 budget, Pennsylvania safety-net hospitals, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on SNAP Endorses Governor’s Proposal for Paying for Tobacco Borrowing
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Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 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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