The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report on Medicare and Medicaid enrollees’ access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. counties lack opioid treatment programs or any office-based providers of buprenorphine, a lifesaving MOUD. Rural areas are among the highest need areas that lack opioid treatment programs. Substance use and misuse issues are exacerbated by several unique challenges for rural communities. This includes behavioral health and detoxification services that are not as readily available, treatment access for substance use disorder may require travel long distances to access services, lack of education and resources to provide these services, and the disproportionate impact on rural communities by social determinants of health.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is acting against the state’s high maternal mortality rate through the development of a statewide Maternal Health Strategic Plan. They are looking to learn more about what people experience and what needs they have before, during, and after a pregnancy, or when receiving maternal health care such as check-ups and preventive services. This survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, and all questions are optional. The survey closes on November 4. Click here to take the survey.

The HHS Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) is in the process of developing the 2026–2030 national strategic plans for sexually transmitted infections, vaccines, and viral hepatitis. The office is also collaborating with the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) to develop the 2026–2030 National HIV/AIDS Strategy. For the plans to be most relevant and effective, OIDP and ONAP are inviting input from a wide variety of individuals and organizations with an interest in addressing these critical public health issues. As was the case with the current versions of the three national strategic plans and with the current and all the prior editions of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, gathering input from community members, public health partners, and others is a key first step in the development process. You can submit your ideas via the online form until Dec. 6, 2024, at 5:00 pm.

Emergency department visits for pneumonia have been increasing, particularly among children and young adults. Some hospitals and college student health centers have reported clusters of cases of pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. National laboratory surveillance for respiratory viruses is also noting an increase in percent positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus in PA. Testing for respiratory pathogens should be performed to guide appropriate management and treatment. PCR-based molecular tests are preferred for rapid and accurate diagnosis of both M. pneumoniae and rhinovirus/enterovirus. Antibiotics should not be used to treat viral infections. Macrolides are the first line of treatment for M. pneumoniae infections. Macrolide-resistant strains are emerging, but susceptibility testing is not generally available. Consider using tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones if a macrolide does not appear to be effective. Use transmission-based precautions (droplet and contact) to reduce spread in health care and community settings. Promote respiratory hygiene and encourage symptomatic individuals to stay at home. Encourage vaccination for influenza and other respiratory viruses to reduce the risk of co-infections. Report unusual clusters or outbreaks of respiratory illnesses to the Pennsylvania Department of Health by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or your local public health department. Individual cases of M. pneumoniae and rhinovirus infection are not reportable to the Department. The full HAN is available.

The purpose of this bulletin is to advise Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) that the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is continuing the alternative payment methodology to pay the Medical Assistance Program Fee Schedule rate for the administration of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine during a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-only visit. In addition, this bulletin contains an updated The PROMISe™ Provider Handbook 837 Professional/CMS-1500 Claim Form, Appendix E – FQHC/RHC Handbook (FQHC/RHC Handbook) to clarify the payment methodology for vaccine-only visits.

The managed care delivery system has grown to be the primary model for delivering healthcare services to approximately 75% of the Medicaid population. The newest Issue Brief, created in collaboration with Population Health Alliance (PHA), summarizes key provisions from CMS’ 2024 final Medicaid managed care rule. Sellers Dorsey Managing Director Leesa Allen and Director Brian Dees, alongside PHA contributors, assess potential impacts and opportunities for states, MCOs, providers, and solution partners to improve access to and quality of care for Medicaid enrollees. Click here to download the Issue Brief.

Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor recently visited Erie to speak with pharmacists locally on the struggles they face and talk about the reform needed. DeFoor released a performance audit in August that outlines how Pennsylvania taxpayers paid $7 million more for Medicaid prescription drug benefits than they should have in 2022. Read more.

On September 12, Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s office announced Executive Order (EO) 2024-03, which outlines a statewide housing action plan on affordable housing aimed at addressing homelessness. The Housing Action Plan will be a data-driven statewide plan with recommendations to the governor for increasing housing supply and supporting the preservation of existing housing.