The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 19 – 23.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro 

The Shapiro administration has released Aging Our Way, PA, which will serve as a 10-year roadmap to meet the needs of the commonwealth’s older adults and improve services for this rapidly growing population. The plan includes priorities, strategies, and tactics to promote health, well-being, and quality of life. It also aims to prepare the commonwealth for a larger, longer-living older adult population and is designed to respond to changing needs, shifting priorities, and available resources. A 30-day public comment period on the plan is now open for interested stakeholders to weigh in. Find additional details on the plan and how to comment here. 

General Assembly

  • The Department of Aging’s budget hearing before the House Appropriations Committee occurred on Thursday, February 22. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The House Republican Policy Committee held an informational meeting on Thursday, February 22 regarding, “A State Lost in Addiction: Pennsylvania’s Path to Recovery.” Find a copy of the agenda and testimony here.
  • The state House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees will continue their respective budget hearings next week. The health-related agencies scheduled to appear include the Department of Insurance (Monday, February 26) and the Department of Health (Tuesday, February 27). Find the House Appropriations Committee’s complete schedule here and the Senate Appropriations Committee’s complete schedule here.
  • The House Health Committee’s Subcommittee on Health Facilities will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, February 28 at 10:00 a.m. to examine how to bolster support for rural and independent hospitals. The meeting will be held in Room 60 of the East Wing. It will be livestreamed here.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational meeting on Monday, February 26 to examine senior hunger. The meeting will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building. It will be livestreamed here. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published updated Medicaid ambulance fees that became effective January 1, 2024. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has announced it is seeking peers, family members, providers, and community members who may be interested in serving on the OMHSAS Mental Health Planning Council (MHPC). An application to serve on the council can be downloaded here. 

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has published the nursing home patient safety trust fund surcharge for FY 2023-2024 as required by the Medicare Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH has released an updated schedule for its public meetings seeking feedback on potential priorities for the commonwealth’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant. Find the revised schedule in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.   

Office of the Attorney General 

Attorney General Michelle Henry has signed onto a letter with several other state attorneys general advocating for federal-level pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it contacted any individuals that have had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • 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 – Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant Advisory Board – February 27

The Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, February 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the status of the funding for the block grant. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – March 28

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted both in person and as a virtual teleconference. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Long-Term Care Council – 2024 Meeting Dates

The Long-Term Care Council has published its 2024 bi-monthly meeting dates. Council meetings are open to the public and held virtually unless otherwise specified. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.