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PA Health Policy Update for May 2

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 28 – May 2.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate will reconvene in Harrisburg next Monday, May 5 through Wednesday, May 7. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled.

  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational meeting on Monday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. regarding Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA). The meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building and livestreamed here.
  • The House Judiciary Committee will meet on Monday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. to consider, 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. The meeting will be livestreamed here.
  • The Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee will hold an informational hearing on Wednesday, May 7 at 9:30 a.m. regarding hospital and health system sustainability in Pennsylvania. The hearing will be held Room 8E-B and livestreamed here.
  • The House Health Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 7 at 9:00 a.m. to consider, among other bills, House Bill 1269, which establishes a Brain Injury Advisory Board at the Department of Health (DOH). The hearing will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building and livestreamed here.
  • The House Insurance Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. to consider House Bill 1088, which expands maternal blood pressuring monitoring coverage, and House Bill 1140, which expands access to contraceptives. The meeting will be held in Room B-31 of the Capitol and livestreamed here. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued an updated Pennsylvania Medicaid Managed Care Directory.

DHS has issued its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of March 2025. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) commemorated its 120th Anniversary this week, reflecting on its history and mission of safeguarding the public’s health, and strengthening its commitment to improving health outcomes for all Pennsylvanians. Find additional information in this press release. 

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue has announced Pennsylvania collected $6.2 billion in General Fund revenue in April, which was $363.2 million, or 6.2 percent, more than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $39.4 billion, which is $328.8 million, or 0.8 percent, above estimate. 

Around the State  

  • City & State Pennsylvania has published an article about the federal funding challenges currently confronting medical and higher educations institutions.
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Harold Brubaker has written an article about the closure of Crozer Chester Medical Center in Delaware County. 
  • The Erie Times-News has published an article about Pennsylvania health experts’ reflections of COVID-era missteps amid an increase in measles cases. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – HIV Planning Committee – Meeting Cancelled

The Statewide HIV Planning Group public meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Thursday, May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. has been cancelled. Find additional information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-05-02T20:27:52+00:00May 2nd, 2025|Financial, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 2
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PA Health Policy Update for April 25

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 21 – 25.  (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 269, which requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, to develop opioid overdose public education materials.
  • The House Insurance Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, April 23 to examine infertility care in Pennsylvania. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • Senator Hughes hosted an intergovernmental roundtable with federal, state, and local policymakers and various health care stakeholders to discuss various proposals being considered in Washington, D.C. that could impact Pennsylvania’s Medicaid funding and the state’s health care system. Find additional information and a recording of the meeting in this press release. 

The House of Representatives and Senate are currently in recess. Both chambers will return to Harrisburg on Monday, May 5. 

Department of Human Services

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 791) to alert health care providers of an expected increase in tick bite-related health care visits and to exercise a heightened clinical suspicion of tickborne illnesses.  

DOH has published notice of its intent to effectuate the recommendation of the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board to add ‘Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Chronic Symptoms’ and ‘Type II Diabetes Mellitus’ to the list of serious medical conditions for Chapter 20 research purposes only. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Around the State

  •   The Morning Call has published an article about the impact of a potential $500 million loss of federal funding for Pennsylvania that has supported public health efforts and local health agencies.
  • An article written by WHYY details the current state of operations at Crozer Health amidst its impending closure. The Philadelphia Inquirer also published an article about this.  

Stakeholder Meetings

The Patient Safety Authority – April 29

The Patient Safety Authority board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, April 29 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – May 2

The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on May 2 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 17112 in the Cumberland conference room. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – HIV Planning Committee – May 14

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold public meetings on Wednesday, May 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Thursday, May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-04-25T22:14:16+00:00April 25th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for April 25
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PA Health Policy Update for April 18

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 14 – 18.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro 

An arsonist attacked the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg on Sunday, April 13, which forced the Governor and his family, who were present at the time of the attack, to be evacuated. The suspect has been arrested and formally charged with attempted murder, terrorism, and other charges. Find additional details, and the Governor’s statement on political violence, in this press release. 

General Assembly

  • The state House of Representatives and Senate were recessed this week. The House of Representatives will return to Harrisburg on Tuesday, April 22. The Senate will remain recessed until Monday, May 5.
  • The House Majority Policy Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, April 14 examining the impact of the life science sector on advanced manufacturing and health care workforce development. Find additional details and a recording of the meeting here.
  • The House Majority Policy Committee also held an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 15 examining midwifery modernization and maternal health deserts in Pennsylvania. Find additional details and a recording of the meeting here.
  • The House Insurance Committee has scheduled an informational meeting on Wednesday, April 23 at 9:15 a.m. to examine infertility care in Pennsylvania. The meeting will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Building and livestreamed here. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers enrolled on the Medical Assistance (MA) program of updates to the MA program fee schedule, including the addition of new procedure codes and the end-dating of certain codes based on provider request and clinical review. These changes will take effect May 1.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics (RHCs) of the procedure codes, modifiers, and places of service to utilize when billing for covered services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries.
  • DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh along with other health-related cabinet officials participated in the Western Pennsylvania Regional Rural Healthcare Summit to discuss opportunities and challenges communities face accessing health care services. Find more information in this press release.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through the month of May. Find the updated calendar here. 

Department of Health 

  • The Department of Health has announced that an individual from another state tested positive for measles while visiting Lancaster County after a trip to Texas, creating a potential for exposure to others. Find additional details and information about measles from DOH here.
  • The Newborn Screening and Follow-up Technical Advisory Board had voted to recommend the addition of Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a lysosomal storage disorder, to the commonwealth newborn screening panel effective January 1, 2026. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DOH has announced it will hold four public comment sessions to provide stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the development of the 2026 State Plan for the Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC Program). Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Around the State  

Crozer Health’s ongoing challenges, as well as efforts to transition certain service lines were the subject of an article published by The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

PA has published an article about measles, the increasing cases nationally, and growing vaccine hesitancy. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee – April 23

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has cancelled the April 23 Drug Utilization Board meeting and will instead hold an ad hoc P&T Committee meeting. Find registration information and details here. 

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – April 23

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 23 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 24

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 24 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

The Patient Safety Authority – April 29

The Patient Safety Authority board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, April 29 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – May 2

The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, May 2 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 17112 in the Cumberland conference room. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-04-18T17:47:31+00:00April 18th, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for April 18
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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.

2025-03-21T20:37:58+00:00March 21st, 2025|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 21
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PA Health Policy Update for March 14

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 10 – 14.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate Democratic Policy Committees held a joint hearing on health care access and the impact of hospital closures this week. The hearing was held in Delaware County and largely focused on the current challenges at Crozer Health/Prospect Medical Holdings. A recording of the hearing and written testimony are viewable here.

The House of Representatives will convene for session Monday, March 17 through Wednesday, March 19. The Senate is recessed until Monday, March 24. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin with the procedure that the department will follow in assessing and collecting the MCARE surcharge for FY 2024-25. 

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the final annual case-mix per diem payment rates for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for non-public and county nursing facilities that participate in the Medical Assistance (MA) program. The final annual per diem rates are available on DHS’ website here.
  • DHS has announced the peer groups, peer group medians, and peer group prices for non-public nursing facilities, including hospital-based nursing facilities and special rehabilitation facilities. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has issued revisions to the participating drug company list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. The revisions are viewable here. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs 

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued a Licensing Alert to notify licensed narcotic treatment programs (NTPs) that DDAP has aligned with 42 CFR part 8 to allow an NTP to utilize telehealth for an initial exam and initiate FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder treatment. 

Around the State  

  • Spotlight PA has published an article about legislative efforts in Pennsylvania to alleviate medical debt.
  • The continued challenges related to keeping Crozer Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital in Delaware County open were covered by The Pennsylvania Capital-Star in this article.
  • WHYY has reported about Philadelphia’s first confirmed case of measles, unrelated to the recent case in Montgomery County. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – Health Policy Board – March 21

The Health Policy Board of the Department of Health will meet on Friday, March 21 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – March 25

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

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.

2025-03-14T20:47:35+00:00March 14th, 2025|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 14
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PA Health Policy Update for March 7

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 3 – 7.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General AssemblyHarrisburg, PA capital building

  • The state House of Representatives and Senate concluded their hearings on Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal this week. The following are the health-related agency budget hearings that occurred this week.
  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) appeared before the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, March 4. A recording of that hearing is viewable here and here.
  • DHS also appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 5. A recording of that hearing is viewable here and here.
  • The Pennsylvania Insurance Department and PENNIE appeared before the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 5. A recording of that hearing is viewable here. 
  • The House Health Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, March 3 to examine the practice of community health workers. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Human Services Committee held a voting meeting on Wednesday, March 5 and favorably reported the bills below. A recording of the hearing is viewable here. 
  • House Bill 269, which requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, to develop opioid overdose public education materials. 
  • House Bill 640, which updates the annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs.
  • House Bill 749, which requires the Department of Human Services to conduct a study of Pennsylvania’s SNAP payment distribution. 
  • The Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a meeting on Monday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m. to discuss “health care accessibility and the impacts of hospital closures.” The meeting will be held at Neumann University in Aston, PA and virtually. Find additional details here. 
  • The House and Sente are currently recessed until Monday, March 17 and Monday, March 24, respectively, 

Department of Health 

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the 2024-25 Patient Safety Surcharge (MCARE) letter and invoices for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, abortion facilities, and birthing centers have been emailed. Payment is due by June 1, 2025. If you have any questions, please call the Division of Acute and Ambulatory Care (DAAC) at 717-783-8980 or email RA-DAAC@pa.gov.
  • DOH has announced the Event Reporting System (ERS) has been updated with a new Flu A and separate Flu B, as well as RSV reporting enhancement to streamline the reporting of these event types. DOH has shared a Quick Start Guide (opens as a separate Microsoft Word document) for the new enhancement. This enhancement will function in the same manner as the COVID-19 enhancement initiated in March of 2021.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has shared the following presentations utilized at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on February 27.

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue has announced Pennsylvania collected $2.9 billion in General Fund revenue in February, which was $44.0 million, or 1.6 percent, more than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $27.0 billion, which is $104.3 million, or 0.4 percent, below estimate. 

Around the State  

WHYY has published an article about Prospect Medical Holdings’ plan to file a preliminary request to begin closing its remaining Delaware County hospitals. 

The Patriot-News has reported about potential for significant Medicaid cuts in Washington, D.C. and the concern that has raised in Pennsylvania with medical professionals and state legislators. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – Health Policy Board – March 21

The Health Policy Board of the Department of Health will meet on Friday, March 21 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – March 25

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

 

2025-03-07T22:13:24+00:00March 7th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 7
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PA Health Policy Update for February 28

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 24 – 28.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro 

Governor Shapiro has announced that all $2.1 billion in Congressionally-appropriated federal funding identified in the administration’s lawsuit against the federal government has been unfrozen. 

General Assembly

  • The state House of Representatives and Senate continued their hearings on Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal this week. The following are the health-related agency budget hearings that occurred this week.
  • The Department of Aging appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, February 25. A recording of that hearing is viewable here.
  • The Department of Aging also appeared before the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday, February 27. A recording of that hearing is viewable here.  
  • The House of Representatives and Senate will continue budget hearings next week. The Department of Human Services will appear before the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, March 4 and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 5. The House Appropriations Committee’s full hearing schedule is viewable here and the Senate Appropriations Committee’s full hearing schedule is viewable here. 
  • The House Health Committee has scheduled an informational meeting next week on Monday, March 3 at 1:00 p.m. to explore the practice of community health workers. The meeting will be held in Room 60 of East Wing.
  • The House Human Services Committee has also scheduled a meeting for next week on Wednesday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building to consider the following bills.  
  • House Bill 269, which requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, to develop opioid overdose public education materials. 
  • House Bill 640, which updates the annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Protections.
  • House Bill 749, which requires the Department of Human Services to conduct a study of Pennsylvania’s SNAP payment distribution. 

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing its intent to allocate funds in FY 2024-25 for a new supplemental payment to qualifying rural hospitals in a county of the fourth, fifth, six, seventh, or eighth class. The total amount of funding available (state and federal) is $36.7 million. Find additional details in the bulletin notice.
  • DHS has published a Provider Quick Tip (176) to inform presumptive eligibility providers that the income guidelines used to determine presumptive eligibility for pregnant women have been updated effective January 1, 2025.
  • DHS has also issued an updated Provider Quick Tip (121) to remind all enrolled provider types who dispense hearing aid supplies to Medical Assistance (MA) beneficiaries to submit a copy of their renewed Department of Health certification to MA Provider Enrollment by March 16, 2025. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the 2024-25 MCARE surcharge letters and invoices will be emailed to nursing home administrators on or about March 3. Included in each email attachment will be a statement with the amount due to DOH by June 1, 2025. 

Around the State  

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer has published an article detailing the $20 million Crozer Health’s independent receiver, FTI Consulting, is receiving.
  • WESA in Pittsburgh has written an article about Medicaid cuts being considered in Congress and their potential impact on Pennsylvania. CBS News similarly covered this story.
  • Private equity’s role in the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia health care markets are the focus of an article published by WHYY. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – LTSS Subcommittee – March 7

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting is being held virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate here.

2025-02-28T21:58:30+00:00February 28th, 2025|Financial, Governments, Meetings and notices|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for February 28
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PA Health Policy Update for February 7

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania February 3 – 7.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Proposal 

Governor Shapiro delivered his third annual budget address before the General Assembly this week. In total, the proposed FY 2025-26 budget spends $51.5 billion, a $3.6 billion or 7.5 percent increase over the current fiscal year. The governor’s speech included a mixture of accomplishments from his administration’s first two years in office and aspirational policy goals focused on economic competitiveness, education and workforce development, energy infrastructure, public safety, and health care access and affordability. The budget does not propose any broad-based tax increases, but it does rely on a significant amount of fund transfers and new revenue sources, including the elimination of the Delaware tax loophole, the legalization of recreational marijuana, and the taxing of skill games.

The following are budget-related documents released by the budget office, including a proposed line item appropriation spreadsheet.

Governor Shapiro 

Governor Shapiro signed Senate Bill 184, now known as Act 2 of 2025, into law this week following its passage in the Senate. Act 2 enables team physicians traveling internationally with their club or national team to treat their team players on site during games without requiring a Pennsylvania medical license. 

General Assembly

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

  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, February 3 on the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). A recording of the hearing is viewable here. 
  • The Human Services Committee held an informational hearing on Wednesday, February 5 on treatment and support for traumatic brain injuries. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.   
  • The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, February 5, a recording of which is viewable here, and favorably reported the following bills from committee.
    • House Bill 60, which aligns Pennsylvania with federal policies to permit the electronic transfer of certain prescribed controlled substances between pharmacies.
    • House Bill 157, which establishes a rural health care grant program to provide financial incentives to health care providers to practice in rural areas.
    • House Bill 409, which requires health care providers to inform patients that they will be receiving their test results in their electronic health record, or that they can request to receive the results in the mail. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has updated its Event Reporting System (ERS) with new flu and RSV reporting enhancements to streamline the reporting of both event types. This is similar to the enhancements made during COVID-19 in March 2021. As a reminder, all flu and RSV events are to be reported to ERS within 24 hours of the facility becoming aware of the diagnosis. Find additional information on the enhancement in this Quick Start Guide (opens as a Word document). 

Insurance Department 

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced it is conducting a medical professional liability insurance study to determine whether sufficient capacity exists to increase the basic coverage limits of insurance required by the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act. Find additional information and details on how to provide written comments to PID in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue has announced Pennsylvania collected $3.9 billion in General Fund revenue in January, which was $51.3 million, or 1.3 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $24.1 billion, which is $148.3 million, or 0.6 percent, below estimate. 

Around the State  

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer has written an article about the bankruptcy proceedings of Crozer Health’s parent company, Prospect Medical Holding, and the judge’s recent approval of the appointment of a temporary manager, FTI Consulting, for 30 days. 
  • An article published by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star highlighted Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal and the response by Republican leaders in the General Assembly. 
  • The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote an article about comments made by Governor’s Shapiro in his budget address about the need to remove private equity money from health care and implement a more stringent regulatory review process.
  • WHYY published an article about the health care issues receiving attention at the start of the 2025-2026 legislative session and in Governor Shapiro’s budget address.  

Stakeholder Meetings

Patient Safety Authority – February 18

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a meeting of the Authority’s board on Tuesday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to the public. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-02-07T21:45:49+00:00February 7th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for February 7
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PA Health Policy Update for January 24

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania January 20 – 24.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Pennsylvania Row Offices 

Pennsylvania’s three row officers – Attorney General Dave Sunday, Auditory General Tim DeFoor, and Treasurer Stacy Garrity – were sworn into office on Tuesday, January 21. This marks the first time all three row offices are held by Republicans. 

General Assembly

Following the unfortunate passing of Rep. Matt Gergely (D-Allegheny), Speaker McClinton has scheduled a special election for the 35th Legislative District to occur on Tuesday, March 25.

The state House of Representatives and Senate are scheduled to return to session on Monday, January 27, 2025. The following is a selection of health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled for next week. 

  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee is scheduled to meet “off the floor” on Monday, January 27 to consider Senate Bills 155, 156, and 157, which are part of a package of bills aimed at eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in public assistance programs.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will convene on Tuesday, January 28 at 9:30 a.m. for an informational meeting on direct care workers and the homecare industry. The meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building.
  • The House Insurance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, January 28 “at the call of the chair” to consider, among other bills, House Bill 111, which prohibits insurers from denying coverage to individuals solely because they have an opioid reversal agent in their prescription profile.  The meeting will be held in Room B-31 of the Main Capitol.
  • The House Human Services Committee will convene on Wednesday, January 29 at 9:00 a.m. for an informational hearing on traumatic brain injury care needs and coverage options. The hearing will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building.
  • The House Health Committee will convene on Wednesday, January 29 at 10:00 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building to consider the following bills.
    • House Bill 27, which requires health care facilities to adopt and implement policies to mitigate exposure to surgical smoke through the use of a smoke evacuation system for each procedure that generates surgical smoke.
    • House Bill 33, which implements greater oversight of medical marijuana labs and product testing.
    • House Bill 79, which establishes a medical debt relief program in the commonwealth. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of December.

DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through February. Find the updated calendar here. 

Department of Health  

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Patient Safety Authority have released draft recommendations to all hospitals and birthing centers to mitigate the risk of harm related to shoulder dystocia. Find the draft recommendations and instructions on how to comment in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs’ (DDAP) State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW), in partnership with Drexel University’s Department of Community Health and Prevention, has released two new reports.

State Board of Nursing  

The State Board of Nursing has issued proposed rulemaking that would amend regulations related to professional, practical, and certified registered nurse practitioner education programs. The proposed amendments also codify current board practice and update requirements to meet national standards. Find the proposed rulemaking in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has released new county-level utilization data and condition-specific reports, which provide greater insight into ambulatory/outpatient utilization and hospitalization rates for high interest conditions. Find the full reports here. 

Around the State  

  • Pennsylvania anticipates it will receive $212 million over 15 years from a multi-state opioid settlement recently reached with the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma. Read the Pennsylvania Capital-Star’s coverage here. 
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer has published an article about the challenges confronting Governor Shapiro, who is mid-way through his first term, including an anticipated $4.5 billion budget deficit.
  • The Patriot-News has written an article about Pennsylvania’s continued downward trajectory of vaccination rates among children.
  • Spotlight PA has published a detailed article about Bucktail Medical Center and its recent receipt of $1 million from the state in an effort to prevent its closure.

 Stakeholder Meetings

Council on Aging – 2025 Meeting Dates

The Pennsylvania Council on Aging, an independent advisory board under the Office of the Governor and supported by the Department of Aging, has released its meeting schedule for 2025. Find the full schedule and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-01-24T20:07:55+00:00January 24th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for January 24
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Wolf Makes Major Health Appointments

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has nominated Alison Beam to be Secretary of the state’s Department of Health.

Beam, currently Wolf’s deputy chief of staff, is a graduate of the Drexel University of Law.  If confirmed by the state Senate, Ms. Beam would replace Dr. Rachel Levine, who has been nominated by President Biden to serve as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Governor Wolf also has appointed Dr. Wendy Braund to be the state’s Interim Acting Physician General.  Dr. Levine currently serves in that capacity as well.  Dr. Braund, currently the COVID-19 response director in the state’s Department of Health, earned a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins and an M.D. from the Penn State College of Medicine.

Learn more about the two nominees from this news release from the Wolf administration.

2021-01-25T06:00:23+00:00January 25th, 2021|Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19|Comments Off on Wolf Makes Major Health Appointments
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  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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