Modernization of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) aims to create a more fair, safe, and effective organ donation, procurement, and transplantation system. At the heart of this effort is stakeholder engagement, an essential component for ensuring that reforms are grounded in real-world experiences and responsive to the needs of those most affected.

Patients, clinicians, donor families, organ procurement organizations (OPOs), transplant centers, histocompatibility labs, and others invested in the success and safety of the system bring critical perspectives that help us build a stronger system together. Input from the people who wait on a lifesaving phone call, the people who wake up in the middle of the night to care for a patient at bedside, and the people who transport an organ from a compassionate donor to a sick patient, provide firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities that may arise from proposed changes.

By actively listening to stakeholders, HRSA is working to improve OPTN system performance through on-the-ground expertise from healthcare providers and facilities. This approach promotes fairness by identifying and addressing barriers within the organ procurement and transplant process—and ensures patient-centered outcomes by aligning reforms with the real needs of both donors and transplant recipients.

Modernizing the OPTN isn’t just about updating technology or policies, it’s about building a system that reflects the voices and needs of the broader organ procurement and transplant community. Stakeholder engagement ensures this process is not only informed but also collaborative.

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) reimburse employees for medical expenses and are offered and funded by employer contributions. If an employer offers an HRA the employee can use that benefit to enroll in health coverage through Pennie, but this may affect their eligibility for tax credits. This information must be added to their Pennie application and the Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTC) amount adjusted to prevent tax liability.

There are several types of HRAs, including individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRA) and qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangements (QSEHRA). Individuals offered an ICHRA are not eligible for APTC, but those offered a QSEHRA might be based on other factors. If an individual is offered an HRA, they should receive information from their employer regarding the type of HRA offered. This information will also include the amount of the benefit, effective dates, other family members who may be covered, if minimal essential coverage is required, and any other terms set forth by the employer.

The Pennsylvania House Health Committee is supporting legislation to help hire international medical school graduates to work in underserved areas. House Bill 425, sponsored by Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) and Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny), authorizes state grants to pay a share of a graduate’s salary in exchange for three years of practicing in medically underserved areas of Pennsylvania. If passed, this funding could help rural health centers meet the prevailing wage requirements of visa waiver programs.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is notifying unlicensed fixed wireless (ULFW) providers who currently operate in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the opportunity to demonstrate that BEAD funding is not required for specific locations they currently serve. This effort aligns with requirements outlined in the BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice issued by NTIA on June 6, 2025.   

 

For more information on how to submit evidence and the deadlines, please visit the BEAD Program page. You will find the “Unlicensed Fixed Wireless and BEAD Location Eligibility” policy notice at the top of the page.