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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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PA Health Policy Update for August 9

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

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 issued two Medical Assistance bulletins relating to prior authorization for pharmacy services.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced it distributed 50,000 xylazine wound care kits to provide relief for people with xylazine-associated wounds. The kits have been distributed to more than 200 medical and harm reduction organizations across the commonwealth. Find additional information in this press release. 

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has released a new research brief, Hospitalizations for Pennsylvania Children with Cancer. The research brief examines inpatient hospitalizations for Pennsylvania children who were admitted to a Pennsylvania general acute care hospital with a diagnosis of cancer. 

Insurance Department 

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has announced that 2025 rate changes requested by insurance companies currently operating in Pennsylvania’s individual and small group markets are now available here. Find additional information in this press release. 

Around the State   

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer has published an article about Crozer Health’s potential sale to New Jersey-based CHA Partners, and its conversion back into a non-profit. WHYY also wrote an article about the planned sale 
  • Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to pick Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro received a lot of media coverage this week, including this article published by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  • PennWatch has published an article about the Shapiro administration’s efforts to distribute 50,000 xylazine wound care kits across the state. 

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Dual Diagnosis Conference – September 11

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) have announced the Dual Diagnosis Conference Services, “Insidious Trauma: Context, Impact, and Considerations for Care.” The conference will be held September 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Find additional information and registration details here. 

DHS – OLTL Transportation Summit – September 17

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) will host a transportation summit on Tuesday, September 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The summit is an open forum for anyone interested in discussing transportation related issues in the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program. The summit will be held virtually. Find registration details here. 

DOH – Spinal Cord Injury Research Advisory Committee – September 18

The Spinal Cord Injury Research Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in person at Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (910 Allentown Road, Sellersville, PA 18960) and virtually by means of Microsoft Teams. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-08-10T00:03:40+00:00August 9th, 2024|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for August 9
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PA Health Policy Update for July 12

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 8 – 12.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

FY 2024-2025 Budget Update 

Late Thursday evening the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1001 – the General Appropriations Act – to fund Pennsylvania’s FY 2024-2025 budget. Governor Shapiro promptly signed Senate Bill 1001, as well as the various enabling pieces of legislation necessary to implement the budget, which marked the completion of the FY 2024-2025 budget process, more than 10 days after the commonwealth’s constitutionally mandated deadline.

In total, the FY 2024-2025 budget spends $47.6 billion, which represents a $2.7 billion, or 6.6 percent, increase over the prior fiscal year. It is nearly $700 million less than Governor Shapiro’s initial budget proposal. The FY 2024-2025 budget increases spending for K-12 and higher education. It also makes targeted investments in health and human services. The budget doesn’t include any tax increases or the Governor’s proposal to legalize cannabis. The final budget does include Governor Shapiro’s economic development proposal to create the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) program and authorize up to $500 million in new funding to invest in site development, preparation, and readiness for businesses to locate or expand in Pennsylvania.

The following are key budget-related pieces of legislation.

General Assembly

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

  • The Senate passed House Bill 1993, which seeks to reform certain practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that have an adverse impact on pharmacies and patients, by a vote of 48-1. The House of Representatives subsequently voted to concur with the Senate’s amendments and sent the bill to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 1633, which establishes restrictions on non-compete covenants for certain health care practitioners, on third and final passage. The House of Representatives subsequently voted to concur with the Senate’s amendments and sent the bill to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
  • The House of Representatives voted to concur with the Senate’s amendments to House Bill 1664, which prohibits insurers from restricting their method of payment to participating health care providers so that the only payment method is by credit card. The bill will now be sent to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 1853, which requires the Department of Health to meet annually with licensed nursing facilities in an effort to improve communication and collaboration around facility surveys, on third and final consideration. The bill will now be sent to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 2339, which establishes hospital price transparency reporting and disclosure requirements. The bill also stipulates penalties for noncompliance. The bill, which passed by a vote of 168-34, will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives also passed House Bill 2344, which imposes more reporting requirements and additional oversight on health care facility mergers and acquisitions, on third and final consideration. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1425, which directs the Department of Human Services to develop a five-year plan to offer evidence-based maternal home visiting programs for eligible families. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. 

The House and Senate have recessed until Monday, September 23 and Monday, September 16, respectively. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that DHS will increase fees for certain ophthalmology services on the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule, effective for dates of services on and after August 1, 2024. 

DHS has published the transcript and a recording of the July 2 meeting of the Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee. 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 

The Centers for Medical and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed amending the Medicaid clinic services regulation, which currently permits Medicaid payment for clinic services furnished outside of the four walls of a clinic only to individuals who are unhoused, to authorize federal reimbursement for services furnished outside the four walls of a freestanding clinic by IHS/Tribal clinics.  In addition, at state option, federal reimbursement also would be available for services provided by behavioral health clinics and services provided by clinics located in rural areas.  For clinics located in rural areas, CMS is not proposing a specific definition of rural but is seeking public comment on different alternative definitions for consideration in final rulemaking. 

Stakeholder Events   

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – August 8

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – July 24

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on July 24 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. It will be located in the Forest Room of the Keystone Building – 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – July 25

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on July 25 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in person. It will be located in the Forest Room of the Keystone Building – 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120.

2024-07-12T20:34:18+00:00July 12th, 2024|Federal Medicaid issues, Financial, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for July 12
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PA Health Policy Update for June 7

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

General AssemblyHarrisburg, PA capital building

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

  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 1102, which increases the availability of long-term care training courses for nurse aides and expands eligibility for individuals to take the nurse aide competency exam, by a vote of 42 – 8. The bill was subsequently sent to the House and referred to the Health Committee.
  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 1104, which allow high school juniors and seniors to earn up to two credits toward their graduation requirement for employment in a congregate health care setting, by a vote of 29 – 21. It was subsequently sent to the House and referred to the Education Committee.
  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 1165, which makes certain statutory changes that will enable the state to join, among others, the medical and nursing interstate licensure compacts, by a vote of 46 – 4. The bill will now be sent to the House for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 2234, which creates a pilot program to give small grants to individuals to assist them with purchasing health insurance on Pennie, Pennsylvania’s state-based insurance exchange, by a vote of 106 – 96. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 2137, which establishes the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program, by a vote of 123-79. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 851, which establishes the menstrual hygiene products grant program under the Public School Code, by a vote of 117-85. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 1867, which prohibits health insurers from restricting the method of payment for in-network clinical services, by a vote of 181 – 21. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Alzheimer’s Disease and other related dementias on Monday, June 3. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Insurance Committee convened on Monday, June 3 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1754, which requires public and private insurers to cover biomarker testing, and Senate Bill 739, which provides for coverage of telemedicine services. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The Senate Aging & Youth Committee met on Tuesday, June 4 and favorably reported Senate Bill 840, which creates an Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Division in the Department of Aging, and House Bill 1853, which requires the Department of Health to meet annually with licensed nursing facilities in an effort to improve communication and collaboration around facility surveys. A recording of the meeting in viewable here.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee convened on Tuesday, June 4 and favorably reported Senate Bill 1000, which seeks to reform certain practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that have an adverse effect on pharmacies and patients. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Children & Youth Committee met on Wednesday, June 5 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 2037, which enables pharmacists to administer injectable medications, biologicals, and immunizations, and House Bill 2175, which creates a permanent Office of Child Advocate. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Health Committee convened Wednesday, June 5 and favorably reported House Bill 2283, which requires operating rooms to utilize surgical smoke evacuation systems. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene for voting session again next Monday, June 10 through Wednesday, June 13.

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers of the updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) program dental fee schedule.

DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip #207 with information about fee schedule updates to Act 62, the Autism Insurance Act, procedure codes. 

Department of Health

  • DOH, in partnership with the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center and Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), has announced the start of the Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment Survey, which is a biannual survey conducted to evaluate health needs, health disparities, and barriers to care impacting LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians. 

Department of Aging 

The Department of Aging has announced the release of Aging Our Way PA, which is the state’s 10-year strategic plan that will help transform service delivery and serve as a roadmap for older adult services in Pennsylvania, ensuring services meet the needs of older adults as they address everyday issues such as healthcare, transportation, housing, long-term care and social connections. 

Department of State 

Several of the state’s professional licensure boards have adopted a statement of policy regarding conversion therapy. Following are the respective boards’ conversion therapy statements of policy.

 Stakeholder Events   

Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board – June 17

The Department of Aging’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Monday, June 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

 

2024-06-07T20:44:00+00:00June 7th, 2024|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for June 7
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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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