New USPHS Chief Dental Officer Named

The United States Public Health Service has named Rear Admiral Michael Johnson as the 21st Chief Dental Officer. Rear Admiral Johnson concurrently serves as the Chief Dental Officer of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. We look forward to how he can further elevate oral health in his new position.

USDA Rural Development Invests More Than $789 Million in Rural Pennsylvania

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Bob Morgan highlighted the ways the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering on its promises to build a better America and rebuild the backbone of the country, the middle class in rural Pennsylvania.

“Today, we are highlighting USDA Rural Development’s actions in 2022 to rebuild our economy and rural communities, minimize the impacts of climate change, create good-paying jobs for American workers, and invest in our families,” Morgan said.

In fiscal year 2022, USDA Rural Development invested more than $789 million in rural Pennsylvania. You can view the national level news release on the USDS Rural Development website.

Here is a look at USDA Rural Development’s actions in 2022 to rebuild our economy and rural communities, minimize impacts of climate change, create good-paying jobs for American workers, and invest in our families.

  • Single Family Housing Program: $412 million
  • Multi-Family Housing Program: $55 million
  • Water & Environmental Programs: $27 million
  • Community Facility Program: $74 million
  • Business Programs: $182 million
  • Electric Program: $37 million

For detailed information you can view the newly launched Rural Data Gateway website.

ARC Announces 2023 POWER Initiative Funding

ARC issued a Request for Proposals for our POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative.

POWER investments help create economic growth and diversification in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries. Since 2015, ARC has invested more than $396 million in 449 projects across 360 coal-impacted communities through POWER.

In 2023, ARC is investing up to $65 million in partners and projects boosting broadband, entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture, and other budding sectors.

POWER Pre-Application Workshops

ARC is hosting several upcoming workshops to answer questions and share best practices so prospective grantees can submit strong applications.

Questions?

If your organization could use assistance in project development and/or grant writing, please contact your Local Development District (LDD) or email Jennifer Lench at DCED at jlench@pa.gov.

Public Health Emergency Resource Update Released by CMS

On January 30, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced its intent to end the national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic on May 11, 2023. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has resources available to help you prepare for the end of the PHE, some of which have been updated based on recent action by Congress .

On December 29, 2022, H.R. 2716, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 was signed into law. This legislation included an extension of the major telehealth waivers and the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) individual waiver that were initiated during the PHE.

We will continue to execute the process of a smooth operational wind down of the flexibilities enabled by the COVID-19 emergency declarations. The following materials reflect recent changes and are currently available on the CMS Emergencies Page:

Updates will continue to be provided as we approach the end of the PHE. We encourage you to regularly visit the CMS Emergencies Page for the most up to date information.

Volunteer Opportunity for Dental Professionals in Pennsylvania

The Remote Area Medical (RAM) Volunteer Corps is hosting a clinic on March 25th and 26th at Penns Valley Elementary Intermediate School in Spring Mills, PA. Free dental, vision, and medical services will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. RAM is seeking volunteers to work the event. They offer first-come, first-serve free lodging for out-of-town providers, and meals are provided to volunteers during the clinic day.

Click here to view the event flyer.
Click here for more volunteer information.

Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. Check out the American Dental Association website for posters, postcards, flyers, and activity sheets.

Click here for resources and to learn more.

Pennsylvania Report Addresses Rural Oral Health Access Issues

The Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) released a report that analyzed the state of dentistry in rural Pennsylvania and found that the state has a growing problem with access to dental care. To combat those trends and problems, the report suggests some financial changes, as well as expanding technological use.

PCOH was excited to assist the LBFC on this report as the lead stakeholder.

Click here to download the report.

FAQs Published on SEP for Consumers Losing Medicaid Coverage due to Medicaid Unwinding

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for qualified individuals and their families who are losing Medicaid coverage due to the end of the “continuous enrollment condition” – also known as “unwinding.”*

This SEP, referred to as the “Unwinding SEP,” will allow individuals and families in states served by HealthCare.gov and who are impacted by unwinding, to enroll in Marketplace coverage. CMS will update Marketplace enrollment platforms (HealthCare.gov and Direct Enrollment/Enhanced Direct Enrollment pathways) so that Marketplace-eligible consumers who submit a new application or update an existing application between March 31, 2023 and July 31, 2024 and attest that they have lost Medicaid or CHIP coverage at any point during this time period are eligible for this Unwinding SEP. Consumers who are eligible for the Unwinding SEP will have 60 days after they submit or update their application to select a plan with coverage that starts the first day of the month after they select a plan. For example, if someone selects a plan on August 20, their coverage will start on September 1.

To read the FAQs about this new SEP, click the link. Medicaid Unwinding SEP FAQs

As a reminder, millions of consumers may soon be eligible for Marketplace coverage, and you should be ready to assist them! Many consumers who lose Medicaid coverage will be directed to apply for coverage through the Marketplace. Redeterminations can begin as early as February 1 with the first terminations effective April 1. People who receive advance notice of an April 1 termination may start enrolling in Marketplace coverage immediately to ensure continuity of coverage.

The Marketplace will continue to share updates and information for assisters throughout the coming months regarding the Unwinding Period. To learn more, see this CMS Informational Bulletin.

New CAH Coordination of Care Brief Released

The Flex Monitoring Team released a new policy brief, Care Coordination and Community Partnerships for Cancer Care in Critical Access Hospitals. This brief presents data from a survey of 135 CAHs across the U.S. and provides specific data on care coordination services provided in CAHs and staff providing these services, as well as information related to CAH partnerships with community organizations in community cancer initiatives.