The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 18 –May 22 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Primary Election

Pennsylvania’s Primary Elections were held on Tuesday May 19th. Four sitting House members, Republican Bud Cook and Democrats Keith Harris, Ana Tiburcio, and Greg Vitali were defeated by their challengers.

In the Special Election to fill the vacant seat in the 196th Legislative District in York County, Republican George Margetas was elected to serve for the remainder of the legislative session. 

General Assembly

The following are healthcare-related bills or cosponsor memos released by legislators this past week:

  • Rep. Nate Davidson and Rep. Catherine Wallen released a co-sponsor memo for legislation to prohibit insurers from limiting access to drugs within the FDAs accelerated approval pathway.
  • Rep. Mary Jo Daley issued a co-sponsor memo for legislation to codify the right to access and use fertility treatments.
  • Se. Amanda Cappelletti circulated a co-sponsor memo for a resolution designating Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day.
  • Rep. Greg Scott introduced HB 2529 which would schedule Medetomidine as a Schedule III Controlled Substance in Pennsylvania.
  • Rep. Arvind Venkat introduced HR 534, a resolution to study Medical Student Choice in Primary Care.
  • SB 1334, introduced by Sen. Lynda Culver, would provide regulations and oversight to Medical Imaging & Radiation Therapy modalities.
  • Sen. Tracy Pennycuick and Sen. Nick Miller released SB 1315 which would ensure fertility preservation coverage for individuals in cancer treatment.

The House and Senate will return on Monday June 1st.

Pennsylvania Insurance Department

The Department announced the release of its report on the business practices and impacts therein of Pharmacy Benefit Managers required by Act 77 of 2024. The report examines the impacts of spread pricing, patient steering and the potentials for an increased dispensing fee. The report also highlights some policy recommendations for continued reforms related to PBMs. 

Department of Human Services

Check out DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

Federal Update

Click here for a review of this week’s federal activities.