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PA Health Policy Update for June 13

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

General Assembly

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

  • The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 95, which permits EMS providers to leave naloxone with a caregiver of a patient who overdosed. The bill also places certain disclosure requirements on pharmacies related to the retail and generic versions of prescribed medications. The bill was subsequently received in the House and referred to the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1549, which increases the state’s minimum wages, by a party-line vote. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1460, which provides for more oversight of health care entity merger and acquisition activities. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1088, which expands maternal blood pressure monitoring coverage. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee met on Wednesday, June 11 and favorably reported, among other bills, Senate Bills 535 & 536, which amend the Osteopathic and Medical Practice Acts to enable genetic counselors to order genetic tests as appropriate.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met on Wednesday, June 11 and favorably reported, among other bills, the following.
    • Senate Bill 461, which seeks to improve testing and insurance coverage for Lyme disease testing.
    • Senate Bill 715, which extends the Rare Disease Advisory Council’s sunset date to 2028.
    • House Bill 27, which requires operating rooms to utilize surgical smoke evacuation systems.
    • House Bill 640, which updates annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP).

A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

  • The House Human Services Committee met on Tuesday, June 10 and favorably reported House Bill 1100, which creates a grant program to provide eligible public-school entities with funding to acquire and distribute menstrual hygiene products, and House Bill 1590, which supports Pennsylvania’s implementation of a new federal Medicaid flexibility that waives the longstanding “four walls” requirement for outpatient behavioral health clinics. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The House Health Committee met on Tuesday, June 10 and favorably reported House Bill 1442, which places requirements on coroners to report Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), and House Bill 1527, which extends the Rate Disease Advisory Council’s sunset date to 2028. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee met on Tuesday, June 10 for an informational hearing on the Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA) and financial exploitation of older adults. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The Legislative Budget & Finance Committee (LBFC) met on Wednesday, June 11 and released its report on the effect of home and community-based workforce shortages on commonwealth-supported Medicaid waiver programs. The full report is viewable here and highlights from the report are viewable here. 

The state House of Representatives will reconvene in Harrisburg for voting on Monday, June 16. The Senate is recessed until Monday, June 23.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced it will hold another listening session in its “Food is Medicine Stakeholder Engagement Series,” which is part of the Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health demonstration waiver. The next session, which will focus on medically tailored meals, will take place on June 16 at 1:00 p.m. Find additional information and registration details here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers about updates to the Statewide Preferred Drug List (PDL) related to glucose sticks made at the April 23 Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee meeting. The PDL changes are effective July 7, 2025.
  • DHS has announced changes to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule. The department is adding and end-dating codes as a result of the 2025 updates published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). The changes are effective for dates of service on and after June 16, 2025. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has released a document with revisions to the participating drug companies list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through the month of July. Find the updated calendar here.
  • DHS has issued a Remittance Advice Alert regarding action needed to continue submitting claims and eligibility requests electronically with PROMISe™. 

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has published notice of intent to issue a final notice to temporarily schedule any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of the several Nitazene substances. This final notice to temporarily schedule will place this group of substances in Schedule I under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. 

Independent Fiscal Office

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) has published a budget brief highlighting Pennsylvania Medicaid enrollment and funding trends from FY 2018-19 through the administration’s proposal for FY 2025-26. It also provides projections of the impact for certain Medicaid provisions included in the federal reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Insurance Department 

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced that the largest health insurers operating in the commonwealth are taking steps to expand coverage for medications used to treat postpartum depression and related maternal mental health conditions. Find additional information in this press release. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has shared an opportunity from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA),  the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program. The program offers up to $250,000 in student loan repayment for eligible professionals who commit to six years of full-time work providing direct SUD treatment or recovery support at an approved facility. The program is open to a range of providers, including medical, behavioral health, and peer support professionals. Applications are due July 10, 2025. 

Around the State  

  • Spotlight PA has published an article on the potential impact of the budget reconciliation bill being considered by the U.S. Congress on the state’s Medicaid program. 
  • The Wall Street Journal has written an article about the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s efforts to enact legislation creating more scrutiny over health care entity transactions involving private equity. 
  • LancasterOnline covered Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Scott Martin’s comments about the state budget unpredictability created federal budget discussions. 

Stakeholder Meetings

Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board – June 16

The Department of Aging has announced the Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, June 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Find information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Patient Safety Authority – June 17

The Patient Safety Authority has announced it will hold a meeting of the Authority’s board on Tuesday, June 17 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to the public. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Preventative Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee – June 17

The Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, June 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to present the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Workplan and budget information. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-06-13T19:46:49+00:00June 13th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for June 13
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PA Health Policy Update for May 30

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 26 – 30.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro joined Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger in Pittsburgh this week to discuss supporting Pennsylvania’s life science and innovation economy. Governor Shapiro highlighted his administration’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal to invest $50 million to support large-scale innovation and life science sector growth. Find additional information in this press release.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate were recessed this week. Both chambers are scheduled to return to Harrisburg on Monday, June 2. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled for next week.

  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will meet on Monday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building for a public hearing on House Bill 1310, which establishes a minimum budget adjust factor (BAF) floor at $0.90 for skilled nursing facilities. The meeting will be livestreamed here.
  • The House Health Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 3 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 523 of the Irvis Building to consider the following bills. The meeting will be livestreamed here.
    • House Bill 425, which establishes a J-1 visa waiver primary care physician grant program.
    • House Bill 583, which requires the Department of Human Services to establish a benefit package for dental services for Medicaid.
    • House Bill 1460, which provides for more oversight of health care entity merger and acquisition activities.  
  • The House Human Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 4 at 9:15 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building to consider two suicide prevention related bills, House Bill 415 and House Bill 564. The meeting will be livestreamed here. 

Department of Human Services

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OHMSAS) has issued a bulletin announcing it has revised the forms for voluntary and involuntary commitment evaluations and created a unified procedure for updating all forms utilized under the Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA) to ensure consistency statewide. The revised forms include the following.

  • MH 781 Consent for Voluntary Inpatient Treatment
  • MH 783 Application for Involuntary Emergency Examination and Treatment
  • MH 783A Explanation of Rights under Involuntary Emergency Treatment
  • MH 783B Explanation of Warrant
  • MH 785 Petition for Involuntary Treatment (Sections 304 and 305)
  • MH 788 Petition to Transfer for Persons in Involuntary Treatment (Section 306) 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has shared the following materials utilized at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on May 22.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has given notice that the temporary scheduling of several Nitazene substances, compounds, and mixtures will expire on June 3, 2025. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has announced that it approved the State Board of Pharmacy’s final-form regulation that implements Act 140 of 2020, which establishes criteria for pharmacy technician training programs, as well as the standards of practice and registration fees for pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees.

IRRC has also approved the State Board of Medicine’s final-form regulation effectuating Act 79 of 2021. The regulation provides for definitions, written agreement requirements, responsibilities of supervising physicians, countersignature requirements, and prohibitions on practice and prescribing by physician assistants. It also updates terminology and removes outdated provisions. 

State Board of Psychology 

The State Board of Psychology has published proposed rulemaking to update, revise, and clarify continuing education requirements for psychologists. Find the proposed rulemaking in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Around the State  

  • Senate President Tempore Kim Ward’s (R-Westmoreland) comments about the state budget process and commitment to not raise taxes were the focus of an article by the Tribune-Review. 
  • Spotlight PA has published an article about the current debate to legalize recreational cannabis and whether a deal will be reached by the June 30 budget deadline. 
  • WHYY has written an article about a rally held by health care advocates in Pennsylvania to caution about the potential impact of certain Medicaid proposals included in the federal reconciliation bill that recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Long-Term Services & Supports Subcommittee – June 4

The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold its next public meeting on June 4 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

Patient Safety Authority – June 17

The Patient Safety Authority has announced it will hold a meeting of the Authority’s board on Tuesday, June 17 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to the public. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-06-02T14:24:10+00:00May 30th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 30
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PA Health Policy Update for May 9

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

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session this week. The following is an overview of selected legislative activity that occurred.

  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1200, which legalizes and regulates adult-use cannabis, by a party-line vote of 102 – 101. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 926, which seeks to prevent health care workplace violence by placing several requirements on health care facilities, by a vote of 124 – 79. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1117, which updates language defining DDAP’s duties and responsibilities. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 115, which requires the Department of Human Services to offer a skills competency exam in lieu of  high school diploma or GED requirements for individuals seeking employment as direct care staff in personal care homes or assisted living residences. The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, May 5 regarding updates to Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA). A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Judiciary Committee met on Monday, May 5 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 282, which authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to establish a medical assistance (i.e., Medicaid) reentry program for incarcerated individuals who are scheduled to be released and returning to the community. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Professional Licensure Committee met on Tuesday, May 6 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 554, which authorizes the commonwealth to join the Social Work Licensure Compact.
  • The Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 7 regarding hospital and health system sustainability in Pennsylvania. Testimony presented to the committee and a recording of the hearing are viewable here.
  • The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1269, which establishes a Brain Injury Advisory Board at the Department of Health (DOH). A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The House Insurance Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 and favorably reported House Bill 1088, which expands maternal blood pressure monitoring coverage, and House Bill 1140, which expands access to contraceptives. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Judiciary Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 for an informational meeting on the Mental Health Procedures Act. A recording of the meeting is viewable here. 

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

Department of Human Services 

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

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

Department of Aging  

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

Around the State  

  • The House of Representatives’ passage of an adult-use cannabis legalization measure and its prospects in the Senate is the subject of an article published by Spotlight PA. Cannabis legalization and the revenue it would generate are a hallmark of Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal. 
  • An article written by City & State Pennsylvania highlights the Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee’s hearing on the financial health of hospitals. 
  • Spotlight PA has published an article about security enhancements the Pennsylvania State Police will be making in response to the arson attack at the Governor’s Residence last month. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – May 21

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

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 22

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

2025-05-09T20:27:09+00:00May 9th, 2025|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 9
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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 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 January 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania January 6 – 10.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly 

The General Assembly convened on Tuesday, January 7 to officially commence the 2025-2026 legislation session. Members of the state House of Representatives and Senate who were newly elected or re-elected were sworn in. In addition, the two chambers elected their respective presiding officers, adopted rules, and established standing committees.

At the conclusion of Tuesday’s legislative business, the House and Senate recessed until Monday, January 27. Following are their respective 2025 session calendars.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the remainder of the commonwealth’s request for a five-year section 1115 demonstration – Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania. You will recall Pennsylvania received approval from CMS back in November to implement multi-year continuous eligibility for Medicaid-eligible children through age six and one year of continuous coverage for Medicaid-eligible citizens returning from a state correctional facility. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has stated it, “will work through the state budget process to determine next steps for potential implementation.” Find CMS’ approval letter to DHS here. 

Department of Human Services 

  • DHS has issued updated handbook pages that include the requirements for prior authorization and the type of information needed to evaluate the medical necessity of prescriptions for Anticonvulsants submitted for prior authorization. Find additional information in this Medical Assistance Bulletin.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that it has updated the Admissions Notice Packet (MA 401) form due to an increase in the personal needs allowance (PNA) deduction amount. This bulletin applies to nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and long-term care facilities enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. 

Insurance Department

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced that 259 Pennsylvanians successfully appealed denied health service claims through PID’s new Independent External Review process. Of the total health service denials submitted for review in 2024, 50.1 percent were overturned.

PID has also shared information related to its efforts to increase health insurance transparency through several reports available to the public, including its annual Transparency in Coverage Report for ACA Health Plans, which outlines data on claims, denials, and appeal information, and its inaugural ACA and Qualified Health Plans (QHP) Summary. Find additional information in this press release.

Around the State

  • WHYY has written about the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s external review program which received 517 health service denial appeals in 2024. 259 of those denials were overturned. 
  • City & State Pennsylvania has published an article about the General Assembly’s first session day of 2025. 
  • The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has written an article about a study released by Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children that kids largely stayed insured despite uncertainties during the Medicaid eligibly redetermination process following the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – WIC Advisory Board – January 14

The WIC State Advisory Board will hold a meeting on January 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to collaborate to gather suggestions of strategies for increasing participation and improving the WIC program to better support participants. Find details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – January 22

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on January 22 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – January 23

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on January 23 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DOH – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Council – January 30

The Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP) Advisory Council will hold a public teleconference meeting on Thursday, January 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2025-01-10T20:27:58+00:00January 10th, 2025|Federal Medicaid issues, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for January 10
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PA Health Policy Update for December 20

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania December 16 – 20.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). Please note, the next health policy update will be Friday, January 3, 2025. 

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro has announced the appointment of Attorney General Michelle Henry to serve as Pennsylvania’s State Inspector General, effective January 21, 2025. The State Inspector General protects the integrity of commonwealth agencies by investigating fraud, misconduct, and abuse in executive agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction. Find additional information in this press release.

The Shapiro administration, including leaders from the Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, and the Department of Aging, came together this week to highlight mental health, substance use disorder, and other resources available to Pennsylvanians this holiday season. Find additional information in this press release. 

General Assembly 

The Joint State Government Commission has released a report, “Women Veterans Health Care in the Commonwealth,” as directed by Senate Resolution 46. The report evaluates the access to

and quality of health care for women veterans in the commonwealth. A one-page summary of the report is viewable here. 

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has issued a bulletin to update and clarify the procedure for submitting and processing waiver requests to OMHSAS. The bulletin also makes updates to regulatory waiver language and the process to appeal a waiver determination.
  • OMHSAS has announced updates to the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRS) regulations, which are scheduled for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on January 18, 2025.  The regulations will be effective upon publication in the bulletin. The final form regulatory package submitted to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) is viewable here. The updates include lowering the minimum age to 14 years old for PRS eligibility, the inclusion of individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders without requiring an exception process, and implementation of a weekly file note requirement.
  • DHS has announced the implementation of an alternative payment methodology for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and Rural Health Clinics (RHC) for a supplemental payment on the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule for a Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) device and its insertion, or the removal of a LARC device, in addition to payment for an encounter. The effective date will be the date that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approves DHS’ state plane amendment. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 779) to advise health care providers and stakeholders of severe and worsening presentations of withdrawal among people who use drugs in the Philadelphia area. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 08-2024 to outline the steps for a drug and alcohol treatment facility to obtain a telehealth-only license from DDAP. Although existing providers may provide telehealth services, a telehealth-only license is new in Pennsylvania. It is also important to note that, currently, it is not possible to participate in the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (MA) program as a 100 percent telehealth behavioral health clinic. 

State Board of Medicine 

Following approval from the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC), the State Board of Medicine has published final rulemaking which amends the Board’s regulations to allow the initial physical examination required for prescribing, administering, and dispensing controlled substances to be done via telehealth under certain conditions. The final rulemaking also conforms to regulations to the federal opioid use disorder treatment standards. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Around the StatePennsylvania State Map  

  • NBC local affiliate 21WFMJ has reported about Sharon Regional Medical Center’s filing to close after acquisition discussions with Meadville Medical Center failed to yield a positive outcome.
  • PennLive has written an article about the closure of Hershey Pharmacy in central Pennsylvania. The pharmacy’s owner cited the inability of “community pharmacy’s” to be profitable as a reason for its closure.
  • City & State Pennsylvania has written about the 60th Pennsylvania Electoral College meeting that took place in the Capitol on Tuesday. Nineteen electors convened to cast their votes for president and vice president, respectively. 

Stakeholder Meetings 

DOH – HIV Planning Group – January 15

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, January 15 and Thursday, January 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – February 7

The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, February 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-12-20T21:13:48+00:00December 20th, 2024|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for December 20
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PA Health Policy Update for December 6

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania November 25 – December 6.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro 

The Shapiro administration has held two recent roundtable discussions with maternal health stakeholders to inform the development of the administration’s Maternal Health Strategic Plan, which will address high rates of maternal mortality and ensure pregnant women in Pennsylvania receive necessary prenatal and postpartum care. Find additional information in this press release. 

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 issued its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of October. 

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has released a Respiratory Virus Outbreak Toolkit for long-term care facilities, including personal care homes and assisted living residences. The purpose of the toolkit is to provide recommendations for facilities before and during a respiratory virus outbreak.

DOH has published guidelines and fees that a health care provider or facility may charge in response to a request for production of medical charts or records. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. This notice updates the prior notice published on December 9, 2023. 

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue has announced Pennsylvania collected $2.9 billion in General Fund revenue in November, which was $87.2 million, or 2.9 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $16.4 billion, which is $9.9 million, or 0.1 percent, below estimate. 

Around the State  

  • With the conclusion of the 2023-2024 legislative session, City & State Pennsylvania has published an article highlighting the session’s accomplishments, as well as its unfinished business. 
  • NBC’s local affiliate 21 WFMJ has reported on efforts to keep Sharon Regional Medical Center open.
  • Spotlight PA has published an article about the range of health care workers who provide maternal care in Pennsylvania and their various roles. 

Stakeholder Events

Patient Safety Authority – December 12

The Patient Safety Authority Board will meet on Thursday, December 12 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Find details on how to participate here and a draft agenda here. 

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).

2024-12-06T20:21:33+00:00December 6th, 2024|Financial, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for December 6
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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.

2024-09-20T19:15:56+00:00September 20th, 2024|Financial, Governments, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for September 20
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PA Health Policy Update for August 16

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from August 12 – 16.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives’ Democratic Policy Committee met on Tuesday, August 13 for an informational hearing on expanding abortion access. The agenda and testimony are viewable here. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

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

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a reminder for long-term care facilities to report COVID-19 outbreaks to their respective local health jurisdiction. Only an initial report of a new outbreak, occurring greater than 14 days following the detection of the most recent case, should be made. A summary of COVID-19 data reporting is included under the Reporting Requirements and Recommendations section of the COVID-19 LTC Toolkit. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced it is conducting an assessment, in partnership with the Department of Health, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education. They are working together to expand existing xylazine-associated wound care training currently offered to health care and non-health care professionals across Pennsylvania. The assessment is being conducted to ensure the trainings meet the needs of individuals and organizations who serve people who use drugs. Stakeholders who are interested are asked to complete the assessment by August 30, 2024.

DDAP has announced it is offering the opportunity for public comment on the Pennsylvania Substance Use Prevention Treatment and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS) Block Grant application submission. The documents are accessible for review here. The login is “citizenpa” and the password is “citizen” 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has announced it received final form regulations from the Department of Human Services regarding psychiatric rehabilitation services. These regulations allow individuals who are 14 years of age or older but under 18 years of age who meet the admission requirements to access psychiatric rehabilitation services (PRS) and amends the diagnoses that allow an individual to access PRS without use of the exception process. The commission will be considering the regulations on September 19, 2024. Find the final form regulations here.

IRRC has also announced it received final form regulations from the State Board of Medicine that provide for licensure by endorsement for applicants from other states, territories, and countries. The commission will be considering the regulations on September 19, 2024. Find the final form regulations here. 

Around the State   

  • Stephen Caruso has written an article for Spotlight PA about the Independent Fiscal Office’s warning that Pennsylvania may deplete its General Fund surplus by the next fiscal year due to “expected spending, in-progress tax cuts, and revenue projections.”
  • Harold Brubaker has written an article for the Philadelphia Inquirer about Penn Medicine’s signing of a definitive agreement with Doylestown Hospital to become the health system’s seventh hospital.
  • PoliticsPA has published an overview of the most recent Franklin & Marshall College survey. The poll has Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump by three points in Pennsylvania; although, the margin does fall within the poll’s 3.8 percent margin of error. The poll also has Senator Casey leading his challenger, David McCormick.
  • Crozer Health’s announcement that it will shutter operating room services at Taylor hospital by September 1 was covered by WHYY. 

Stakeholder Events 

DOH – WIC State Advisory Board – August 21

The WIC State Advisory Board, which was established by Senate Bill 721 (Act 22 of 2024), will hold its first regular meeting on August 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details, as well as a schedule of its remaining meetings through January 2026 here. 

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – August 29

The statewide Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Planning Group will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and registration details here.

2024-08-16T21:10:19+00:00August 16th, 2024|Governments, Meetings and notices|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for August 16
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Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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