Medical debt is an issue that disproportionately impacts rural Pennsylvanians. Efforts to reduce medical debt have been thwarted by legislators representing those communities. Read more.

Reality has again failed to support the spin surrounding the 340B Drug Pricing Program. For 2023, discounted purchases under the 340B program reached a record $66.3 billion—an astounding $12.6 billion (+23.4%) higher than its 2022 counterpart. The gross-to-net difference between list prices and discounted 340B purchases also grew, to $57.8 billion (+$5.5 billion). 340B purchases are now almost 40% larger than Medicaid’s prescription drug purchases. Hospitals again accounted for 87% of 340B purchases for 2023. Purchases at every 340B covered entity type grew, despite drug prices that grew more slowly than overall inflation. Read the article for full details and our analysis.

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. CMS has released resources for partners to use when encouraging patients to review their Medicare plan. Key resources includes an open enrollment and social media toolkit.

The Pennsylvanian Insurance Department announced that the 2024 transparency in coverage report is now available online, including helpful information for consumers on what to do if their insurance company denies their claim. The report also outlines data on claims, claim denials, and appeals information for health insurers doing business in the Commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) announced increases to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) income and benefit limits in Pennsylvania, following a yearly adjustment from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). DHS also announced that the replacement of stolen SNAP benefits – which DHS began offering in 2023 – has been extended to benefits stolen through December 20, 2024.

Open Enrollment for Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace, Pennie, on November 1. For customers to get coverage for Jan. 1 coverage, they must enroll and choose a plan by December 15. Although Open Enrollment does not end until January 15 it is important customers pay their first premium payment before the first date of coverage for it to be active. Financial savings through tax credits assist with lowering premiums and coverage costs. Enrollment Assisters can also request outreach materials from

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is asking physicians to provide detailed and accurate information on the self-reported survey as part of the license renewal process. Maintaining accurate and current information on providers is essential for effectively analyzing, designing, and designating areas with health care workforce shortages across Pennsylvania. The Primary Care Office relies on these data to ensure that health care resources are allocated where they are needed most. Read this notice for more information.

The Pennsylvania Primary Care loan repayment program is open for applications. All practitioner applications are due by 11:59 pm on Friday, November15, 2024. This generous loan repayment program pays primary care physicians, dentists, and psychologists up to $80,000 for full time and up to $40,000 for half time. Other practitioners – including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dental hygienists, licensed clinical social workers, and more, can receive up to $48,000 full time and up to $24,000 for half time. Read the loan repayment fact sheet for more information.

The American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association updated 2014 guidelines for primary prevention of stroke. The new guidance aligns with the AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 for optimizing cardiovascular and brain health and adds sex-specific suggestions for screening and prevention of stroke, including assessment of social determinants of health. The full guidelines are available.