The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from October 16 – 20. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)
General Assembly
The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session this week. Following is an overview of selected health policy-related legislative activity.
- The House of Representatives voted 199-4 to concur with the Senate’s amendments to House Bill 1351, which reauthorizes the hospital Quality Care Assessment, increases Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance transportation, and makes changes to the skilled nursing facility case-mix rate. The bill has been presented to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
- The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 941, which enables certain flexibilities for addiction treatment providers. The bill has been received in the House and referred to the Professional Licensure Committee.
- The House of Representatives’ Health Committee met on Wednesday, October 18 and favorably reported the following bills.
- House Bill 1417, which restores dental coverage for Medical Assistance recipients.
- House Bill 1585, which establishes access and coverage for tele-dentistry in Pennsylvania.
- House Bill 1694, which requires the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs to create an annual report on the use of opioid settlement funds by state and county governments.
- Senate Bill 500, which requires Medicaid coverage for medically prescribed pasteurized donor human milk.
The Senate will return to session next Monday, October 23 through Wednesday, October 25. The House of Representatives is recessed until Monday, October 30.
Department of Human Services
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through November. Find the updated calendar here.
Department of Health
The Department of Health has recommended long-term care facilities use its COVID-19 Infection Control and Outbreak Response Toolkit for Long-Term Care when preparing for and responding to a COVID-19 outbreak. A 2023-2024 Influenza Toolkit is also available. For assistance on COVID-19 infection prevention and control, providers are strongly encouraged to reach out to LTC-RISE and Project Firstline.
The DOH Bureau of Family Health has announced a funding opportunity for community-based, non-profit organizations to provide direct, individualized services to families who qualify for the Community to Home (C2H) program. The application will be open through December 19, 2023. Find additional information here.
Independent Regulatory Review Commission
The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has issued comments on the State Board of Chiropractic’s proposed rulemaking. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding
- DHS is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.
- 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 – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – October 26
The Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on Thursday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
DHS – Consumer Subcommittee of the MAAC – October 25
The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a meeting on Wednesday, October 25 at 1:00 p.m. To participate virtually, register here.
DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) – October 26
The MAAC will hold a meeting on Thursday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m. To participate virtually, register here.
DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – November 2
The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, November 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
DOH – Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board Meeting – November 3
The Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, November 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA in the Cambria conference room. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.