The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 10 – 14.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate Democratic Policy Committees held a joint hearing on health care access and the impact of hospital closures this week. The hearing was held in Delaware County and largely focused on the current challenges at Crozer Health/Prospect Medical Holdings. A recording of the hearing and written testimony are viewable here.

The House of Representatives will convene for session Monday, March 17 through Wednesday, March 19. The Senate is recessed until Monday, March 24. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin with the procedure that the department will follow in assessing and collecting the MCARE surcharge for FY 2024-25. 

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the final annual case-mix per diem payment rates for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for non-public and county nursing facilities that participate in the Medical Assistance (MA) program. The final annual per diem rates are available on DHS’ website here.
  • DHS has announced the peer groups, peer group medians, and peer group prices for non-public nursing facilities, including hospital-based nursing facilities and special rehabilitation facilities. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has issued revisions to the participating drug company list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. The revisions are viewable here. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs 

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued a Licensing Alert to notify licensed narcotic treatment programs (NTPs) that DDAP has aligned with 42 CFR part 8 to allow an NTP to utilize telehealth for an initial exam and initiate FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder treatment. 

Around the State  

  • Spotlight PA has published an article about legislative efforts in Pennsylvania to alleviate medical debt.
  • The continued challenges related to keeping Crozer Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital in Delaware County open were covered by The Pennsylvania Capital-Star in this article.
  • WHYY has reported about Philadelphia’s first confirmed case of measles, unrelated to the recent case in Montgomery County. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – Health Policy Board – March 21

The Health Policy Board of the Department of Health will meet on Friday, March 21 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – March 25

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – March 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on March 26 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on March 27 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.