Nicholas Audi

The meeting covered updates on several key areas. Discussions included the Community Health Choices RFA, which is currently on hold. There was a detailed presentation on Governor Shapiro's State Housing Action Plan, established by Executive Order 2024-03, aimed at addressing housing shortages and homelessness. Legislative updates focused on testimony regarding desired changes to the Older Adult Protective Services Act and opposition to House Bill 2320 concerning Medicaid pendency and nursing home reimbursement. Furthermore, the transition to the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) for nursing facility Medicaid case mix rates, replacing the RUG 3 system, was announced, with proposed regulations forthcoming. Finally, updates were provided on communications, including the relaunch of the survey for the home and community-based services rate and wage study, with an extended deadline of November 15th.

This document outlines the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services' proposed budget and priorities for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The plan focuses on five key themes: strengthening health foundations, stabilizing families, building future opportunities, tackling Commonwealth-wide challenges, and reinforcing the workforce infrastructure. Key investments include expanding access to intellectual disability and autism services, enhancing mental health resources, supporting vulnerable populations through food and housing assistance, and investing in childcare and direct care professionals, all aimed at fostering economic vitality and improving the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.

This document provides an overview of Pennsylvania's strategic plan for suicide prevention and the implementation of the 988 helpline. Developed by a statewide task force and launched in September 2020, the plan set eight comprehensive goals for a public health approach to suicide prevention, focusing on awareness, training, and cross-agency collaboration. Key initiatives include public awareness campaigns for 988, increasing capacity for chat and text services, and targeted efforts to address at-risk populations, including youth, black youth, and older adults. The state is currently updating this plan following its term conclusion.

This strategic plan, known as 'Keystones of Health, Bridges to Success, Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania' and operating as an 11:15 demonstration waiver, aims to improve health outcomes and housing stability across Pennsylvania. It focuses on four key components: re-entry supports, housing supports, food as medicine, and targeted continuous eligibility policies. The plan targets high-risk populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, pregnant/postpartum individuals, incarcerated individuals at risk of homelessness, and those with specific chronic health conditions like cancer, end-stage renal disease, chronic pulmonary disease, and type 1/2 diabetes. It will leverage new tools such as case management, housing navigation, tenancy supports, one-time transition costs, and short-term rental assistance, with a phased implementation to build capacity and demonstrate outcomes.

The meeting focused on Doulas and Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) within Pennsylvania's Health Choices program. Key discussions included providing a framework for doulas regarding the Medicaid Managed Care Program, which is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). It was clarified that doula services will initially be covered under the Physical Health Choices program through MCOs. The presentation detailed the five regions of Pennsylvania, how MCOs serve members within those zones, and the fact that doulas must contract directly with each MCO they wish to work with. Furthermore, the process requires doulas to first enroll with DHS to receive a provider ID before beginning the credentialing and contracting process with MCOs, a process that can take up to 60 days. Attendees were also briefed on key healthcare payment terms such as fee schedule, value-based purchasing, and bundled payments. Representatives from UPMC and Avera Health Keystone presented on their respective contract application and credentialing processes.