pennsylvania medical assistance advisory committee Archives - Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

PA Health Policy Update for October 3

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 29- October 3 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update

As the state budget impasse continues on, with added pressure of a federal shutdown, this week the House positioned a budget bill, SB 160, into the House Appropriations Committee for future potential action. Additionally, the House amended HB 1331, Capital Debt Itemization legislation, with additional capital projects for future consideration.

General Assembly

Both the House and Senate will return for voting session beginning on Monday, October 6^th, the first time both chambers will be in voting session together since June. For the week ahead, the following hearings and voting meetings are scheduled:

On Monday, the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold a voting meeting on Chairwoman Maureen Madden and Chairman Steve Mentzer’s HB 1894, legislation which would enhance educational efforts for the LIFE program during the Medicaid long-term care enrollment process. The committee will also consider HB 1528, Grandfamilies Assistance legislation to benefit grandparents raising grandchildren.

On Tuesday, the House Insurance Committee will meet to consider HB 1828 which would set into law the Governor’s recent actions requiring private insurance coverage of vaccines without cost-sharing that are FDA-approved and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Physicians (ACOP), or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) according to their immunization schedules. The committee will also consider HB 1123, updating the recommended age for insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screenings from 50 to 45.

On Wednesday, the House Professional Licensure Committee will consider adding a pharmacy technician and a second acute care institutional pharmacist to the State Board of Pharmacy through HB 980. Also, the committee will also consider HB 1881 which would guarantee that Pennsylvania pharmacists’ vaccination practice authority can be guided by recommendations from Pennsylvania’s health authorities that may be informed by our state’s professional medical societies.

Below are some health care-related legislation introduced or co-sponsorship memos circulated this week:

Rep. Marla Brown circulated a co-sponsor memo for legislation to remove staffing ratios for nursing homes in Pennsylvania.

Sen. Judy Ward released a co-sponsor memo on legislation to address lags in MA enrollment in long-term care.

Sen. Cris Dush filed SB 125 proposing a Constitutional Amendment giving the General Assembly the authority to establish laws on venues for civil litigation in the Commonwealth as a way to address venue shopping in malpractice cases.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has shared an update for Community Service Support Provider fee-for-service rates for the start of the new federal fiscal year.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) issued a health alert with recommendations for health care providers to take in preparation for the 2025-2026 Respiratory Season, including details on reporting requirements. The Department also updated its Respiratory Virus Outbreak Toolkit, which gives recommendations to long-term care facilities on how to prepare for and respond to outbreaks of influenza, RSV, COVID-19, adenovirus, and more.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) approved final regulations from the State Board of Nursing making additions to the continuing education requirements for certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNP) and registered nurses (RN) in the areas of opioid prescriptions and organ donation.

Around the State

On Thursday, Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order at the Children’s Hospital at Philadelphia directing the Department of Health to develop a plan to preserve access for children in the Vaccines for Children program without cost sharing if future Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) changes impact access, aligning vaccine guidance with American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), creating a website for vaccine information and guidance, ensuring insurance coverage without prior authorizations or cost sharing, among other points.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS will hold their scheduled MAAC meeting on October 23, 2025, at 10am. Prior Authorization Guideline briefing documents are linked here (downloaded as zip file) for review and public comments are due as indicated on each document.

DOH announced upcoming meetings of several of its advisory committees:

Organ Donation Advisory Committee – November 6

Renal Disease Advisory Committee – October 24

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – October 23

PA Safety Net Admin2025-10-03T21:07:51+00:00October 3rd, 2025|Governments, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for September 26

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 22- 26 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update

The state budget impasse continues to drag on. This week, the Senate was not in session but the House met for non-voting session. The Senate has scheduled a non-voting session day on October 3^rd and voting session on October 6^th through 8^th. As highlighted in this Penn Capital Star article, with transit funding handled through other means, counties and schools will become the pressure point as negotiations continue.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the creation of a $500 million loan fund for counties and Head Start providers as a bridge for funding through the budget stalemate.

General Assembly

The House will return for voting session beginning on Monday, September 29^th. For the House session week ahead, the following hearings and voting meetings are scheduled:

Monday, Sept. 29, 9:30am – The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational meeting on the PA CareKit Program. The Department of Aging will offer testimony.
Monday, Sept. 29, 10:45am – House Human Services Committee will meet to consider HR 290, a resolution recognizing the month of September 2025 as “National Recovery Month” in Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 10am – The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee will hold a voting meeting to consider HB 1530 which would create privacy and transparency requirements genetic data collected through direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
Tuesday, Sept. 30, off-the-floor – The House Health Committee will hold a voting meeting on the following legislation:
HB 880 – Updating and closing loopholes within Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act.
HR 271 – A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee and conduct a comprehensive study regarding the indoor air quality for seniors and children in this Commonwealth.

Below is some health care-related legislation introduced or co-sponsorship memos circulated this week:

Arvind Venkat introduced HB 1881 which would guarantee that Pennsylvania pharmacists’ vaccination practice authority can be guided by recommendations from Pennsylvania’s health authorities that may be informed by our state’s professional medical societies.
Rich Irvin filed a co-sponsor memo which proposed transferring the pharmacy delivery model in Medical Assistance (MA) from Managed Care back to a Fee-For-Service model as a means to impact reimbursements for pharmacies.
Cris Dush filed a co-sponsor memo proposing a Constitutional Amendment giving the General Assembly the authority to establish laws on venues for civil litigation in the Commonwealth as a way to address venue shopping in malpractice cases.
Lynda Schlegel Culver filed a co-sponsor memo to provide MA coverage for rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS) for critically ill infants up to one year of age who are admitted to an inpatient intensive care unit with a complex illness.
Senators Michele Brooks and Lisa Boscola filed a co-sponsor memo for a resolution urging Congress to provide Pennsylvania with any and all assistance to help comply with the recent federal changes following the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued guidance to providers related to “Date of Death Recovery” following a recent audit noting recipient date of death discrepancies where recipients were deceased prior to the dates of service being billed.

DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs issued guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID vaccinations.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) issued general immunization guidance to clinicians in response to last week’s federal ACIP meeting. The list clarifies organizations for doctors and families to consult on vaccine recommendations.

DOH issued a health alert to providers with guidance on when and how to exclude health care personnel from direct patient care when they are experiencing respiratory illness symptoms.

DOH reminded long-term care facility providers that the annual long-term care questionnaire is due by October 24. Facilities were contacted directly with instructions to complete the web-based questionnaire. Any questions should be directed to Aicha Hassane Noma at ahassaneno@pa.gov or email RA-dohbhssurveys@pa.gov.

Insurance Department

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has confirmed the private insurance companies operating in the Commonwealth will continue to cover all of the vaccines covered under ACIP’s 2024 recommendations.

Around the State

A group of statewide researchers have compiled a website which aims to track opioid settlement fund spending data in Pennsylvania, which is driven out primarily through counties.

Stakeholder Meetings

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee

The following materials presented at the September 25^th meeting of the MAAC have been posted on the MAAC website:

PA Safety Net Admin2025-09-26T19:05:37+00:00September 26th, 2025|Governments, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues, Uncategorized|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for August 22

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

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

There was no legislative activity surrounding the state budget this week, with both houses in recess, but officials continue their informal negotiations. The budget impasse is expected to extend into mid-September.

The House stands adjourned until September 22 and the Senate until September 8.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) added a new PROMISe Banner page with information on a New Batch EDI Translator effective September 2025. For additional information see the EDI as a Service FAQ here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health alerted providers and public health officials about a late-summer surge in COVID-19 cases that is expected to peak in September. Find information on how to handle this sharp increase in cases in this health alert.

The Department of Health alerted Pennsylvanians that an individual from another state who was contagious with measles visited multiple locations across the state, creating a potential for exposure to others in this health alert.

Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 publicly released new County-Level Condition-Specific and County-Level Utilization reports today, giving insight into ambulatory/outpatient usage and hospitalization rates of high interest conditions, using the most recent data available.

Around the State

The Altoona Mirror reported on the efforts of PA legislators to introduce the state’s own Medicaid work requirements in response to the federal requirements passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Counties and providers of human services explain how they are bracing for the protracted state budget standoff in this article from the Pennsylvania Capital Star.

City + State profiled State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in this article after she announced her candidacy for governor in 2026.

Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that an agreement has been finalized that ensures free access to personal medical records for thousands of patients — including Medicaid patients — formerly treated at Crozer Health hospitals.

Stakeholder Meetings

HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – September 10

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting (in-person and virtually) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For registration information click here.

PHC4 Committee Meetings – August – September

The PA Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) announced the following meetings

Education Committee meeting (August 28, 2025, at 10 a.m.)
Council meeting (September 4, 2025, at 10 a.m.)
Payment Data Advisory Group meeting (September 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.)

Individuals who wish to participate may contact rgreenawalt@phc4.org at least 24 hours in advance.

MAAC – July Meeting Materials

The Department of Human Services (DHS) published the meeting materials from the July meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC):

Meeting Minutes
Office of Long-Term Living presentation
Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services presentation

PA Safety Net Admin2025-08-23T01:22:42+00:00August 22nd, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

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

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has made the Fiscal Year 25-2026 Social Services Block Grant Intended Use Plan available for public review and comment. Details on how to comment may be found in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

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

DHS has shared the following prior authorization guideline briefing documents that were the subjects of this week’s Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee meeting.

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.

Following the arsonist attack on the Governor’s Residence, Governor Shapiro has published a guest essay in The New York Times entitled, “Finding Moral Clarity After an Arsonists Attack.”

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.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-04-25T22:14:16+00:00April 25th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for December 13

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania December 9 – 13. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate have released their respective 2025 session calendars. Find the House’s calendar here and the Senate’s calendar here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the addition of doula services to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule and the submission of a State Plan Amendment (SPA) to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). DHS will issue an MA Bulletin to inform providers enrolled in the MA program of the addition of doula services and how to bill for the provision of doula services. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has released the Partial Hospitalization Regulatory Compliance Guide. The guidance is intended to help agencies providing partial hospitalization services with the goal of ensuring safe environments and effective services to individuals.

DHS has shared the following presentations used at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on December 5.

DHS has issued revisions to the participating drug company list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. The revisions are viewable here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) have reminded Pennsylvanians of the importance of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication for HIV prevention. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that HIV PrEP be covered at zero cost-sharing for insured consumers. Find additional resources and information in this press release.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has released a “Family Members Training Needs Survey.” DDAP has requested feedback from family members and/or significant others of individuals who may be suffering from drug or alcohol use, receiving substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, or in recovery to better understand what would help them navigate SUD services. The survey will remain open until January 6, 2025.

Around the State

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has written an article about the expected increase in the number of Pennsylvanians diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in the next 15 years and the challenges the current treatment system will face according to a recent analysis conducted by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Capitol-Star published an article about the potential increase in insurance premiums for Pennsylvanians on Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace, if federal subsidies expire.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Aging – Pharmaceutical Assistance Board – December 16

The Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, December 16 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. For connection information or any questions, please contact Megan McDaniel (memcdaniel@pa.gov).

DOH – Health Policy Board – December 19

The Health Policy Board will hold a meeting on Thursday, December 19 at 12:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to consult with the board of the department’s draft proposed hospital regulations. The meeting will be held virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-12-13T21:47:50+00:00December 13th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for September 20

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

Governor Shapiro

This week the Shapiro administration recognized September as Suicide Prevention Month. Leaders from multiple state agencies, including Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, highlighted the various resources dedicated to suicide prevention and efforts underway to address behavioral health challenges. Find more information in this press release.

General Assembly

The Senate convened in Harrisburg for session this week. Following is a selection of relevant health care-related legislative activity.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 1255, which amends the definition of an “advanced practice professional” to include a physician assistant in the Outpatient Psychiatric Oversight Act. The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee met on Tuesday, September 17 and favorably reported, among other bills, Senate Bill 1281, which establishes scope of practice and licensing standards for medical imaging specialists, radiation therapists, and radiology assistants.

The Senate Aging & Youth and Banking & Insurance Committees met on Wednesday, September 18 for a joint informational hearing on protecting seniors from financial exploitation and updating the state’s Older Adult Protective Services Act. The meeting’s agenda, testimony, and a recording of the are viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate will be recessed next week. Both chambers will reconvene for voting session on Monday, September 30.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that it will be increasing fees for certain ophthalmology services on the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule effective for dates of service on or after September 15, 2024.

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has announced it will need to delay the addition of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRS) to Pennsylvania’s Medicaid state plan until 2026. PRS will continue to be covered as an in-lieu of service within the Behavioral Health HealthChoices program while OMHSAS continues to work on implementation.

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

DHS has issued revisions to the participating drug company list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. The revisions are viewable here.

DHS has published notice of its intent to make additional supplemental ventilator care and tracheostomy care payments to qualified non-public and county skilled nursing facilities, which remain open as of July 11, 2024, that qualified for supplemental ventilator care and tracheostomy care payments in FY 2014-2015 with a percentage of Medical Assistance recipient residents who required medically necessary ventilator care or tracheostomy care greater than 90%. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has announced that it intends to continue to make Medical Assistance Day One Incentive (MDOI) payments to qualified non-public nursing facilities for FY 2024-2025. The MDOI payments will provide incentives to nursing facilities to provide services to individuals who are Medicaid eligible on the day of admission. The MDOI payments are intended to encourage non-public nursing facilities to increase access to care for the poor and indigent citizens of this commonwealth. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced skilled nursing facilities throughout the commonwealth are eligible to train up to two staff members through a DOH-funded infection prevention and control training course offered by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The course is available through December 2024 and continuing education credits may be available. Click here for more information and to enroll in the program.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has announced that it has begun studying the prevalence and impact of non-compete agreements in Pennsylvania as directed by Act 74 of 2024 (formerly House Bill 1633). PHC4 is collecting public comments for analysis and inclusion in its final report. Comments are due by October 21, 2024. Find details on how to comment in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PHC4 has published a list of diseases, procedures, and medical conditions for which it will require data collection. Find the comprehensive list in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin of actions taken at its September 11 meeting, including its review of existing regulations and determination that some are outdated and no longer in the public interest. Among those IRRC determined to be outdated are clinical laboratory, health care facility identification badge, and hospital regulations. IRRC’s comprehensive review, including its recommendations, can be found here.

IRRC has announced it received final form regulations from the State Board of Nursing that address requirements for reactivation of a license and add provisions related to licensure by endorsement, provisional endorsement license, and licensure by endorsement fee. IRRC will consider these regulations at its October 24 meeting. Find a copy of the final form regulations here.

Around the State

Harold Brubaker has written an article for The Philadelphia Inquirer about an increase in medical malpractice filings in Philadelphia due to a change that has allowed cases to be filed in Philadelphia even if the incident occurred outside the city.

The Philadelphia Inquirer also reported about St. Luke’s University Health Network’s discussions to acquire Grand View Health in Bucks County.

The Tribune-Review has published an article about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical field.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – September 25

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on September 25 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – September 26

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on September 26 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

DOH – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – October 18

The Renal Disease Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly public meeting on Friday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-09-20T19:15:56+00:00September 20th, 2024|Financial, Governments, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for September 13

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 9 – 13. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed two executive orders this week related to gun violence prevention and affordable housing.

Governor Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-02 updating an executive order issued by former Governor Tom Wolf and re-establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Find more details in this press release.

Governor Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-03 directing the administration to create Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive housing action plan to address the state’s housing shortage, address homelessness, and expand affordable housing options. Find more details in this press release.

General Assembly

The state Senate will convene for voting session Monday, September 16 through Wednesday, September 18. The House of Representatives will remain recessed until Monday, September 30.

The Senate Aging & Youth and Banking & Insurance Committees will meet on Wednesday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 156 of the Main Capitol for a joint informational hearing on protecting seniors from financial exploitation.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to announce changes to the Medical Assistance fee schedule, including changes resulting from clinical review, provider request, and recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These changes are effective for dates of service on or after September 9, 2024.

DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers of updates to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for certain family planning and family planning-related services. The updates are effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2024.

DHS has announced updates to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for ophthalmology services. The updates are effective for dates of service on or after September 15, 2024. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has announced its intent to allocate $258 million for FY 2024-2025 inpatient disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has published final notice of its intent to increase funding for a class of supplemental payments for qualifying acute care general hospitals for FY 2023-2024 that treat a high volume of opioid use disorder patients in their emergency rooms. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has released an updated Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) Directory.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced it will host a webinar next Monday, September 16 at 10:00am to discuss the details of new respiratory illness data submission that is required by CMS beginning in October. This event is meant for compliance staff, emergency management staff, IT professionals, and hospital leadership. DOH will explain its plans to continue using PA HIMS (currently Juvare’s EMResource) and automatic upload processes to meet these requirements. Click here to register to attend.

The Shapiro administration has announced that all school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools will receive funding to provide free period products to students. Funding will be proportional to the total number of students enrolled in a school and based on a rate of $1.75 per student. Schools may use the funding for period product purchases made between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Find additional information here.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced the availability of more than $26 million in funding to expand drop-in center services for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) across Pennsylvania. DDAP will award approximately 14 grants of up to $1,875,000 each. Eligible applicants, including existing community organizations, Single County Authorities, and DDAP-licensed treatment providers, can find the grant application here. Find more details in this press release.

DDAP joined individuals in recovery, advocacy organizations, and providers this week to kick off National Recovery Month in Pennsylvania. Throughout September, DDAP will be holding several other recovery-focused events. Find those events and additional recovery resources offered by DDAP here.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has conducted a review of existing regulations at the request of legislative standing committees, including the House Health and Aging & Older Adult Services Committees. The review covered rulemakings from 10 different agencies, including 40 prior rulemakings, 103 additional Chapters of regulations, and two subchapters. IRRC’s final report, including its recommendations, can be found here.

Stakeholder Events

DOH – Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – September 18

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board has provided notice that it will meet on Wednesday, September 18 and Wednesday, November 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The meetings will be held in the Capitol Media Center with an option for board members to participate virtually. These meetings will be broadcast live for the public through Commonwealth Media Services. Find additional details here.

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – September 25

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on September 25 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – September 26

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on September 26 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-09-13T19:50:01+00:00September 13th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for July 26

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 15 – 26. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro has signed several bills into law, including the following health care bills.
- House Bill 1664 (Act 58 of 2024), which prohibits insurers from restricting their method of payment to participating health care providers so that the only payment method is by credit card.
- House Bill 1633 (Act 74 of 2024), which establishes restrictions on non-compete covenants for certain health care practitioners.
- House Bill 1853 (Act 75 of 2024), which requires the Department of Health to meet annually with licensed nursing facilities in an effort to improve communication and collaboration around facility surveys.
- House Bill 1993 (Act 77 of 2024), which seeks to reform certain practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that have an adverse impact on pharmacies and patients.
- House Bill 2200 (Act 79 of 2024), which makes certain changes to Pennsylvania statute that will enable the state to join, among others, the medical and nursing interstate licensure compacts.

Governor Shapiro joined Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys, members of the General Assembly, and local pharmacists in Lawrence County this week to tout the recent enactment of House Bill 1993, which establishes increased oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Read more in this press release.

The Shapiro administration has published its semi-annual agenda of regulations under development or consideration across the various state agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction, including the Departments of Health and Human Services. Find the comprehensive regulatory agenda in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate are recessed until Monday, September 23 and Monday, September 16, respectively.

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 August 2024. Find the updated calendar here.

DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip #85 with eligibility and enrollment information for the Breast & Cervical Cancer Prevention & Treatment (BCCPT) program, which provides eligible individuals treatment for confirmed cases of breast and cervical cancer or precancerous conditions of the breast or cervix.

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has shared an important announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about a recall of Clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets due to mislabeling.

DHS has shared the following presentations used at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on July 25.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded providers who operate mobile clinics to complete a brief survey, which can be found here. The results of the survey will help DOH better understand the breadth of mobile services provided across the state, identify interest in collaboration among mobile service providers to share best practices and identify unmet needs/resources, and to identify opportunities to promote and support the mobile clinics, including opportunities for expansion of services.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued a Licensing Alert to notify licensed treatment facilities and recovery houses of the new process for submitting licensing regulation exceptions and facility requests to DDAP.

Around the State

The Citizen’s Voice has published an article about Pennsylvania’s Cancer Drug Repository Program and barriers to its utilization.

The Patriot-News has written an article about President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the U.S. presidential race and what it means for Governor Shapiro.

Governor Shapiro’s signing of House Bill 1993, which establishes increased oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and its potential impact on local pharmacies and patients was featured in an article published by the Times Leader.

The Pittsburgh Business Times has published an article about the challenges confronting rural health care and efforts to find solutions.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-07-26T20:18:58+00:00July 26th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for May 17

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 13 – 17. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

The House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees held a series of hearings this week on health care-related topics. Following are links to the respective hearings and the testimony offered at each one.

The House will return to voting session next week Tuesday, May 21 through Wednesday, May 22. The Senate is currently in recess until June 3. Following is a selection of health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled for next week.

The House Health Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, May 21 at the call of the chair to consider, among other bills, House Bill 2127, which requires clinicians to distribute information related to postpartum depression and conduct a postpartum screening for depression.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. for an informational hearing on the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program. The hearing will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building and livestreamed here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the implementation of the 2024 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG), which are the basis for the income eligibility limits for several categories of Medicaid. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has issued Provider Quick Tips #176 to inform presumptive eligibility providers that the income guidelines used to determine Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women have been updated effective January 11, 2024.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the launch of a new online dashboard to provide Pennsylvania residents and health care providers with information about tickborne diseases.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced it will begin a four-month series, Conversations with Scott Boyles, on June 3 as part of the monthly ASAM technical assistance webinars. If you would like to sign up to be added to the monthly webinar, please email DDAP’s ASAM resource account, ra-daasam@pa.gov. Past webinars and additional ASAM 3^rd Edition resources are available on DDAP’s ASAM Transition page.

State Board of Medicine

The State Board of Medicine has published notice of its final-form rulemaking related to the registration of naturopathic doctors. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

State Board of Osteopathic Medicine

The State Board of Osteopathic Medicine has published notice of its intent to amend certain licensure requirements. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Around the State

Stephen Caruso has written an article for Spotlight PA about the status of FY 2024-2025 budget negotiations and the competing priorities of Republicans and Democrats.

City & State Pennsylvania has published an article detailing Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Scott Martin’s comments at the Pennsylvania Press Club’s monthly speaker series.

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has reported about Governor Shapiro’s signing of an executive order this week to attract skilled and experienced workers to state government.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – May 22

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold an in-person meeting on Wednesday, May 22 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Find the meeting’s agenda here. The meeting will be held in the Forest Room of the Keystone Building at 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 23

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold an in-person meeting on Thursday, May 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Find the meeting’s agenda here. The meeting will be held in the Forest Room of the Keystone Building at 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120.

DHS – Dual Diagnosis Conference – May 22-23

The Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, invites stakeholders to participate in the state-wide Dual Diagnosis Conference, which will be held virtually May 22-23. Find a preliminary agenda here and registration details here.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-05-18T00:20:37+00:00May 17th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for April 19

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 15 – 19. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

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

The House passed House Bill 1633, which prohibits non-compete agreements for health care practitioners and establishes certain notification requirements, by a vote of 150-50. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House Professional Licensure Committee met on Monday, April 15 and favorably reported House Bill 2200, which makes certain changes to Pennsylvania statute that will enable the state to join, among others, the medical and nursing interstate licensure compacts. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Children and Youth Committee met on Tuesday, April 16 and favorably reported House Bill 1059, which updates the definition of sexual abuse or exploitation in the Child Protective Services law, and House Bill 321, which establishes an implementation deadline for the Department of Human Services’ enterprise case management system. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, April 17 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1608, which extends Medicaid coverage to doula services and creates a doula advisory board, and House Bill 2097, which provides Medicaid coverage of blood pressure monitors for pregnant or postpartum beneficiaries. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Judiciary Committee met on Wednesday, April 17 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 2012, which establishes a state antitrust statute and expands notification requirements for health care facilities when there is a merger, acquisition, etc. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Democratic Policy Committee held a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, April 16 examining maternal health deserts. Find the agenda and testimony presented to the committee here.

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, April 15 examining pharmacy deserts. Find a recording of meeting and testimony presented to the committee here.

The state House of Representatives and the Senate are in recess until Monday, April 29.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 745) with information regarding recent increases in reported congenital syphilis. The department is recommending that pregnant individuals be offered a test for Syphilis at the first prenatal visit, at the third trimester of pregnancy, and at delivery.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin with the 2024 recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule.

DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that the department will begin paying for ground ambulance mileage for each loaded mile in addition to increasing the fees for certain ambulance services on the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule, effective with dates of service on or after January 1, 2024.

DHS has published the minutes of the March 28, 2024 Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting.

DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through May 2024. Find the updated calendar here.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – April 24

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 24 at 1:00 p.m. Find the agenda here and register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 25

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 25 at 10:00 a.m. Find the agenda here and register to participate here.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – May 1

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, May 1-2, 2024. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – May 2

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 2 from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and in person. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – May 3

The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-04-19T20:14:21+00:00April 19th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

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