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.