The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 11 – 15.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro 

The Shapiro administration has published its semi-annual agenda of regulations under development or consideration across the various state agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction, including the Departments of Health and Human Services. Find the comprehensive regulatory agenda in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene for a voting session next week. Following is a selection of health care policy-related legislative activity currently scheduled.

  • The House Professional Licensure Committee will hold an informational hearing on Monday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss House Bill 1354, which enables boards and commissions within the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to issue advisory opinions to licensees. The meeting will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office building. It will also be livestreamed here.
  • The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care and Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Corrections will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 20 at 9:00 a.m. regarding the criminal justice implications of adult-use cannabis legalization. The meeting will take place in Room G50 of the Irvis Office building. It will also be livestreamed here.
  • The House Children & Youth Committee will hold an informational meeting on the Office of the Child Advocate. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 60 of the East Wing. It will also be livestreamed here. 

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a health advisory regarding elevated levels of lead in certain ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores. Prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe. Find additional information here.

DOH also issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 740) to make clinicians aware of updated recommendations for prenatal hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing. These infectious conditions can lead to profound consequences for pregnant individuals and their infants. Hepatitis B and C testing and linkage to care in pregnancy is critical to the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in Pennsylvania. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the extension of an alternative payment methodology for services provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), including FQHC look-alikes in Philadelphia, that serve a high volume of Medicaid beneficiaries. The alternative payment methodology will be extended through March 31, 2029. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Insurance Department

The Insurance Department has announced it will hold a public informational hearing regarding Highmark Health’s request to modify the department’s 2013 order and terms approving the merger of Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health. Find additional information, including details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it has contacted individuals that 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

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – March 27

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on March 27 at 1:00 p.m. Register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on March 28 at 10:00 a.m. Register to participate here.