Pennsylvania Department of Aging Archives - Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

PA Health Policy Update for February 20

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 16 – February 20 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

Senate and House Appropriations Committee Hearings relevant to healthcare and human services are underway this upcoming week with key hearings are as follows:

Insurance Department: House – Feb. 24^th at 10am
Department of Health & Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs: House – Feb. 24^th at 1pm
Department of Human Services: Senate – Feb. 25^th at 10am; House – Mar. 4^th at 10am
Department of Aging: House – Mar. 10^th at 1pm
Governor’s Budget Office: Senate – Mar. 4^th at 1pm; House – Mar. 12^th at 10am

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

Rep. Frank Burns released a co-sponsor memo for legislation requiring prescriptions for MA recipients to be filled by any pharmacist in good federal & state standing.
Rep. Bridget Kosierowski and Rep. Natalie Mihalek issued a co-sponsor memo for legislation allowing the coverage of medically-tailored meals prescribed for Medicaid recipients.
A co-sponsor memo circulated by Senators Lynda Schlegel Culver and Nick Pisciottano

would provide for legislation to regulate and license medical imaging and radiation therapy.

Sen. Doug Mastriano has issued a co-sponsor memo for legislation to enhance EMS within PA by elevating the EMS Director position in DOH to a Deputy Secretary role, along with additional regulatory flexibilities and educational requirement changes.
PBM reforms highlighted in a co-sponsor memo released by Senators Wayne Langerholc, Judy Ward, and Pat Stefano would institute Attorney General reviews to the PBM contracting and adjudication process, allowing PBMs to appear in PA courts for legal cause of action, among other reforms expanding on the PBM reforms of Act 77 of 2024.
Rep. Emily Kinkead introduced House Bill 2226 which would ensure that all patient out of pocket costs like co-pays and other assistance are credited towards out-of-pocket cost limits of insurance plans.

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.

DHS released 2026 Income Limits for presumptive eligibility of pregnant women in Medicaid.

The Department issued its March 2026 remittance advice as well as remittance advice for date of death recovery.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Commission will review proposed updates to the State Board of Pharmacy’s Final Immunization Regulation Updates at a public meeting on March 19^th at 10am.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Newborn Screening and Follow Up Technical Advisory Board will meet on March 3^rd from 10am to Noon.

DOH’s Medical marijuana Advisory Board released their schedule of board meetings for 2026 with the first upcoming on March 26^th from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

The Department of Health’s WIC Advisory Board will hold their meeting rescheduled from January 26^th on March 5^th from 1pm to 2pm.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2026-02-20T21:51:13+00:00February 20th, 2026|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for January 9

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from January 5 – January 9 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

Appropriations Committee Budget Hearing Schedules for the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee have been released in advance of the Governor’s forthcoming 2026-2027 Budget Proposal.

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

Rep. Joe Webster issued a cosponsor memo for legislation requiring price transparency for all medical offices and ensuring compliance with federal price transparency legislation for hospitals;
Chairman Dan Frankel released a cosponsor memo seeking increased transparency on the 340B Drug Pricing Program

Department of Aging

The Department is soliciting public comment on an evaluation of the PA Link and a strategic refresh plan. A listening session will be held on Jan. 27^th at 2pm.

Department of Health

The Department published a listing of laboratories authorized to perform blood lead analysis or erythrocyte protoporphyrin content analysis.

Department of Human Services

The Department published final form regulations for Covered Outpatient Drugs effective as of Jan. 3^rd 2026.

DHS released a transcript of the December 4^th Medical Assistance Advisory Committee meeting.

The Department published annual notice of Inpatient Hospitals Qualifying for Medical Assistance Disproportionate Share Payments (DSH Payments).

DHS issued final notice of its $23 Million Supplemental Payments to Qualifying Hospitals funding allocation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 to establish a new class of supplemental payments to qualifying Medical Assistance (MA) enrolled general acute care hospitals to promote the availability of emergency department services to the MA population in an area of this Commonwealth with the highest number of MA beneficiaries.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC issued comments on DHS’ proposed Crisis Intervention Services Licensure Regulations.

The Commission also issued a Notice of Comments on the State Board of Optometry’s proposed Continuing Education Regulation changes.

The State Board of Social Work Examiners proposed rulemaking following (Act 4 of 2024) that directs the board to promulgate regulations to implement the amendments to the act, which provides for the licensure of Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Renal Disease Advisory Committee will meet for its quarterly public meeting on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

DOH’s Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold public meetings on Jan. 21-Jan. 22 from 9am-3pm on both days.

The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefit Program Advisory Council will meet on Thursday Jan. 29, 2026, from 10a.m. to 12p.m. The Council will offer guidance and recommendations to the Department on the program’s drug formulary, covered lab services, drug utilization review, clinical programs, eligibility and program management.

DOH’s Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, February 6^th 2026 from 10am to 3pm.

The Department of Health released its 2026 ABC-MAP Meeting Schedule.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2026-01-10T08:32:53+00:00January 9th, 2026|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for October 17

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^rdin 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.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-10-17T19:25:43+00:00October 17th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for June 27

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 23 – 27. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened in Harrisburg this week. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity that occurred.

The Senate unanimously voted to concur with the House’s amendments to Senate Bill 411, which provides the ability for the Pennsylvania Department of Health to create and utilize a stroke registry. The bill will now be sent to Governor Shapiro’s desk for his signature.

The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 640, which updates annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP). The amended bill will now be sent back to the House for concurrence.

The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 309, which amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to allow team physicians traveling internationally with their club or national team to treat their own players on site during games without needing a Pennsylvania medical license. The amended bill will now be sent back to the House for concurrence.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 715, which extends the Rare Disease Advisory Council’s sunset date to 2028. The bill was subsequently sent to the House and referred to the Health Committee.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 88, which provides coverage for supplemental screenings and diagnostic examinations without cost-sharing if a patient is at average risk or higher for breast cancer. The bill was subsequently sent to the House and favorably reported out of the Insurance Committee.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1100, which creates a grant program to provide eligible public-school entities with funding to acquire and distribute menstrual hygiene products. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1445, which prohibits an insurer from denying what would otherwise be a service covered by the policy simply because the health care service was received in a school setting. The bill was subsequently sent to the Senate and referred to the Banking & Insurance Committee.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1590, which supports Pennsylvania’s implementation of a new federal Medicaid flexibility that waives the longstanding “four walls” requirement for outpatient behavioral health clinics. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 583, which requires the Department of Human Services to establish a benefit package for dental services for Medicaid. The bill was subsequently sent to the Senate and referred to the Health & Human Services Committee.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1442, which places requirements on coroners to report Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The bill was subsequently sent to the Senate and referred to the Local Government Committee.

The House and Senate will reconvene on Monday, June 30 for voting session.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to notify providers that it will begin using Milliman Clinical Guidelines (MCG) as the screening guidelines to determine medical necessity for services, items, procedures, or level of care provided to Medical Assistance (MA) beneficiaries, effective July 18, 2025.

DHS has also issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers of changes to the MA program fee schedule. The department is adding and end-dating codes as a result of the 2025 updates published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). The changes are effective for dates of service on and after June 16, 2025.

DHS has announced the proposed assessment amount, the proposed assessment methodology, and the estimated aggregate impact on nursing facilities that will be subject to the assessment under the Nursing Facility Assessment Program beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has shared an alert from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) about a fraud scheme that uses phishing fax requests, which falsely claim to be from CMS staff, to obtain medical records and documentation for auditing purposes.

DHS has issued a revised MA 549 form to use for dental benefit limit exception (BLE) requests. Find additional information in this Medical Assistance Bulletin.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services has launched a public survey looking for feedback on and suggestions for improving women’s health care across the commonwealth. The 10-minute survey is open through July 7 and focuses on women’s preventive health care, like health screenings, birth control, pregnancy care, and mental health services.

Independent Fiscal Office

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) has published a revised document updating its prior impact of the Medicaid provisions included in the federal reconciliation bill package being negotiated by the U.S. Congress.

Department of State

The Department of State has announced that Pennsylvania will become a full participant in three health care compacts – physician, nursing, and physical therapy – beginning July 7. Click the respective compact link for more information regarding its implementation.

Department of Aging

The Department of Aging has announced that it is conducting an evaluation of the PA Link to inform the design of a strategic plan to refresh and improve the program to better serve older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

State Board of Nursing

The State Board of Nursing has released proposed regulations implementing Act 60 of 2021, which establishes title protection for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA). Find the proposed rulemaking in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

State Board of Pharmacy

The State Board of Pharmacy has issued final-form rulemaking to effectuate Act 140 of 2020, which establishes criteria for pharmacy technician training programs as well as the standards of practice and registration fees for both pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees. Find the final rulemaking in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Around the State

The Philadelphia Inquirer has published an article about the Pennsylvania Medicaid program’s cost growth and its role in current state budget talks.

Stakeholder Meetings

PHC4 – Council Meeting – July 3

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has announced it will hold a council meet on July 3 at 10:00 a.m. PHC4 will also hold an Education Committee meeting on June 25. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – HIV Planning Committee – July 16-17

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee has announced it will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 17. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – July 18

The Renal Disease Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly public meeting on Friday, July 18. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss new and ongoing issues relating to treatment of chronic renal disease and the Department of Health’s programs related to care and treatment. Find information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – July 31

The Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 31. The SPBP Advisory Council will provide program guidance and recommendations to the Department’s SPBP in regard to the following: drug formulary; covered lab services; drug utilization review; clinical programs; eligibility and program management. Find details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-06-27T21:30:45+00:00June 27th, 2025|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for May 9

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 5 – 9. (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. The following is an overview of selected legislative activity that occurred.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1200, which legalizes and regulates adult-use cannabis, by a party-line vote of 102 – 101. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 926, which seeks to prevent health care workplace violence by placing several requirements on health care facilities, by a vote of 124 – 79. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1117, which updates language defining DDAP’s duties and responsibilities. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 115, which requires the Department of Human Services to offer a skills competency exam in lieu of high school diploma or GED requirements for individuals seeking employment as direct care staff in personal care homes or assisted living residences. The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, May 5 regarding updates to Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA). A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Judiciary Committee met on Monday, May 5 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 282, which authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to establish a medical assistance (i.e., Medicaid) reentry program for incarcerated individuals who are scheduled to be released and returning to the community. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Professional Licensure Committee met on Tuesday, May 6 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 554, which authorizes the commonwealth to join the Social Work Licensure Compact.

The Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 7 regarding hospital and health system sustainability in Pennsylvania. Testimony presented to the committee and a recording of the hearing are viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1269, which establishes a Brain Injury Advisory Board at the Department of Health (DOH). A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Insurance Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 and favorably reported House Bill 1088, which expands maternal blood pressure monitoring coverage, and House Bill 1140, which expands access to contraceptives. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Judiciary Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 for an informational meeting on the Mental Health Procedures Act. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House of Representatives and the Senate will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 12 through Wednesday May 14.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced it will hold a listening session on May 19 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. entitled, “Food is Medicine: Screening and Referral.” This is part of DHS’ Keystone of Health Section 1115 demonstration waiver initiative. The listening session is intended for representatives from health care and other settings that interact with consumers that may be eligible for Food is Medicine programs. Find additional information and register here.

DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip #207 with Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule updates for Act 62 of 2008, the Pennsylvania Autism Insurance Act, procedure codes.

Department of Aging

The Department of Aging has announced a 30-day public comment period on its updated Intrastate Funding Formula (IFF), which is used to distribute federal funding to the commonwealth’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging. Find additional information and details on how to comment in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Around the State

The House of Representatives’ passage of an adult-use cannabis legalization measure and its prospects in the Senate is the subject of an article published by Spotlight PA. Cannabis legalization and the revenue it would generate are a hallmark of Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal.

An article written by City & State Pennsylvania highlights the Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee’s hearing on the financial health of hospitals.

Spotlight PA has published an article about security enhancements the Pennsylvania State Police will be making in response to the arson attack at the Governor’s Residence last month.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – May 21

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on May 21 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on May 22 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-05-09T20:27:09+00:00May 9th, 2025|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for March 21

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 17 – 21. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives convened for voting session this week. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 157, which establishes the Rural Health Care Grant Program to provide grants to entities in rural counties and designated medically underserved areas to pay for the education debt of certain health care practitioners. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 60, which allows pharmacies to make a one-time transfer of a prescription for a controlled substance to another pharmacy without requiring a new prescription. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 111, which prohibits insurers from denying coverage to individuals solely because they have an opioid reversal agent in their prescription profile. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 33, which implements greater oversight of medical marijuana labs and product testing. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House Insurance Committee met on Monday, March 17 and favorably reported the following package of bills, which seek to codify the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) patient protections in state statute.

- House Bill 404, which enables an adult child to receive insurance coverage until 26.
- House Bill 535, which prohibits annual and lifetime coverage limits.
- House Bill 618, which prohibits the denial of health insurance coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
- House Bill 755, which maintains access to preventative health care services.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational hearing on Tuesday, March 18 about the Department of Aging’s newly launched oversight program of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Human Services Committee held an informational hearing on House Bill 561, which expands Act 80 of 2015 to include all forms of FDA-approved medications for the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD). A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Majority Policy Committee held an informational hearing on Wednesday, March 19 examining sustainable long-term care. Testimony offered to the committee is viewable here and a recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The Senate Majority Policy Committee held an informational hearing on improving access to quality health care through technological innovation. Testimony offered to the committee and a recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and the Senate will convene in Harrisburg for voting session next Monday, March 24 through Wednesday, March 26.

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 April. Find the updated calendar here.

Department of Insurance

The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance (PID) has published a Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) adjustment, which is utilized as a benchmark for the maximum benefit for autism services required to be covered by an insurer. The CPI-U adjustment for policies issued or renewed in calendar year 2026 is a 2.9 percent increase, which results in a maximum benefit of $51,908. The department does not expect this to have any impact on the coverage of autism services in the commonwealth. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Aging

The Department of Aging has announced the rollout of its new platform to increase transparency and accountability of Pennsylvania’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network – Comprehensive Agency Performance Evaluation (CAPE). In addition, the department will begin publicly posting performance results on its website for the first cohort of AAAs to be monitored under CAPE.

Around the State

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published an article about the reopening of Sharon Regional Medical Center and legislation being considered in the General Assembly focused on rural health and health care mergers and acquisitions.

Spotlight PA has written an article about hospital charity care programs and their lack of standardization, which was the focus of a recent Health Affairs article.

Legislative efforts to provide more assistance for health care practitioners’ student loan repayment was the focus of an article published by The Center Square.

Harold Brubaker has written an article for The Philadelphia Inquirer about the most recent emergency court hearing held on efforts to keep Crozer Health open in Delaware County.

Stakeholder Meetings

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.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-03-21T20:37:58+00:00March 21st, 2025|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

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