The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from October 14- October 17 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update 

The budget process has remained at a stalemate this week with no changes following House action last week. The Senate is scheduled to return this upcoming week. The House is set to return on October 27^th.

General Assembly

Rep. Melissa Shusterman introduced HB 2005, which would remove the counseling and waiting period requirements for abortions in Pennsylvania. This legislation along with several other abortion-related bills will be considered by the House Judiciary Committee on October 22^nd.

The Senate Labor & Industry Committee will convene on October 22^nd to consider  Sen. Wayne Langerholc’s SB 69, which would create a “Recovery-To-Work” pilot program.

Rep. Jessica Benham introduced HB 1939, which would require DHS to update fee schedule rates for home and community-based services provided through intellectual disability and autism programs based on the Consumer Price Index.

Senator Michele Brooks introduced SB 1043 and SB 1051, both designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s eligibility for new federal Rural Health Transformation Fund dollars. The funding application offers states additional points in their total application score if they have adopted certain policy priorities of the Trump Administration or introduced legislation to do so. SB 1043 would require nutrition continuing medical education (CME) for clinicians to ensure providers are better equipped to address diet-related chronic disease. SB 1051 would require PA to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact to expand our rural workforce by making it easier for PAs from other states to practice in Pennsylvania.

Sen. Brooks also introduced SR174, which would urge Congress to establish a national database or  system to share wage, employment, unemployment compensation and other relevant eligibility data with the states to improve compliance with the recent eligibility verification changes in the federal HR1.

Senator Tina Tartaglione introduced SB 1054, which would require all high schools in Pennsylvania to maintain opioid antagonists, such as naloxone or Narcan, onsite.

Department of Human Services

The DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued a request for proposals from non-profit organizations interested in expanding the Fairweather Lodge (FWL) model in the commonwealth. The FWL model is a structured, community-based program that supports individuals with serious mental illness reintegrate themselves into the community after facing homelessness or transitioning from state hospitals, correctional facilities, or long-term care settings. FWL providers offer emotional support, a place to live, and employment. OMHSAS is interested in establishing two to five new lodges that would serve up to 18 individuals. Find details and application materials here.

DHS issued Remittance Advice guidance for providers that do not receive a check or Remittance Advice (RA) within established time frames for each RA cycle.

DHS proposed rulemaking on minimum standards for the issuance of licenses to provide emergency behavioral health crisis intervention services in alignment with national best practices for crisis services. This proposed rulemaking also establishes new requirements related to service modalities including facility requirements, quality monitoring, staffing qualifications, services provided and training.

Department of Health

DOH issued a request for proposals from eligible community-based health care clinics (CBHCs) to fund the development of new CBHCs or the expansion of existing clinics to enhance maternity and postpartum care, hospital partnerships, or alternative care delivery systems. The deadline for applications is November 17. Find the RFP with more details and budgeting materials here.

Pennsylvania Insurance Department

PID announced the releasing of the final Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance rates for 2026, which reflect significant price increases for Pennsylvanians if Congress fails to extend enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs).

Department of Aging

The Department of Aging (PDA) announced a new tool for screening in-home care workers to increase hiring transparency and protect older adults.

PDA reminded older Pennsylvanians that Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, with free insurance counseling available through Local Aging Agencies.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS is hosting its next Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee meeting on October 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Interested attendees can register here.  The full MAAC will meet at 10 a.m. on October 23^rd in the Keystone Building, Harrisburg.

DHS and the Treasury Department are partnering on a webinar on a PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program for OLTL Service Coordinators, Direct Service Providers, MCO Staff, and anyone working in employment support services. The webinar is scheduled for October 29^th from Noon to 1pm. Individuals can register here.

Federal Update 

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