The following is the latest information from Pennsylvania’s state government as of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24.
Department of Human Services
DHS has issued four CHIP policy clarifications: They cover:
- billing guidance for alternative sites developed in response to the COVID-19 emergency;
- directions on how to bypass prior authorization requirements for CT scans of the chest for COVID-19 patients;
- guidance on how pharmacies may override early refill alerts for medications; and
- guidance for providers on accepting self-attestation on applications and renewals and enrolling children prior to initial premium payments during the COVID-19 emergency.
- DHS’s Office of Developmental Programs has posted an announcement that provides information about diagnoses and conditions associated with elevated risk for severe illness when an individual is infected with COVID-19.
Department of Health
Secretary Levine sent a letter to providers seeking to ensure that critical COVID-19 patient data on sexual orientation and gender identity is being collected at the point of care.
Department of Health – by the numbers
- The number of Pennsylvanians newly diagnosed with COVID-19 remains higher than it was a week ago, as does the daily number of people who have passed away from the disease.
- But the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19, and the number on ventilators, continues to decline. Yesterday, only six COVID-19 patients in the state were on ventilators.
- The number of available hospital beds, ICU beds, and isolation rooms remains as it has been for the past several weeks.
Insurance Department
Yesterday, Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman announced that the Insurance Department has submitted a notice to the Pennsylvania Bulletin outlining guidance for insurers that encounter providers engaging in inappropriate billing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 12, DHS published a Medical Assistance Bulletin advising providers that they may not charge Medical Assistance beneficiaries for personal protective equipment used in connection with medical or dental services. According to an Insurance Department press release, the notice is in response to reports that “providers, particularly dental providers, are charging patients outside of the insurer-provider contracts.”
Resources to Consult
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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