The Department of Human Services is issuing an important reminder that major changes are being made to the HealthChoices Physical Health Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) offering Medical Assistance benefits on September 1, 2022.

A large number of Medical Assistance consumers must select a new MCO by August 16, 2022. If they do not make a selection, a new MCO will be automatically chosen for them. 

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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

TO: Members and interested Parties of the
Medical Assistance Advisory Committee and Consumer Subcommittee

FROM: Eve Lickers, Director
Bureau of Policy, Analysis and Planning

Good afternoon,

As you may know, the American Rescue Plan of 2021 (ARP) provides a temporary 10% increase to the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for certain Medicaid expenditures for home and community-based services (HCBS). The funding must be used to enhance, expand, or strengthen HCBS beyond what is available under the Medicaid program as of April 1, 2021. 

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Good Morning,

We are pleased to announce the MMIS 2020 Platform Project website is now live! The direct link to the MMIS 2020 homepage is: 30T30TUUhttps://www.dhs.pa.gov/MMIS/Pages/default.aspx<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/MMIS/Pages/default.aspx>UU30T30T.

You may have also noticed the previous MMIS 2020 webpage link, located within the 30T30TProviders > Sort by Industry section<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Pages/Sort-by-Industry.aspx>30T30T of the DHS website, now appears as "*New* MMIS 2020." This link will now take you to the new MMIS 2020 website. 

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In keeping with public health officials' instructions to limit in-person meetings, all MAAC and subcommittee meetings will be held virtually until further notice. Please see the attached document with information regarding how to connect to each of the upcoming meetings.

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

The FAQs will be sent to all enrolled MA and CHIP providers, as well as, the physical and behavioral health HealthChoices, CHC and CHIP managed care organizations (MCOs) on behalf of the Department of Human Services (department). In light of the recently reported presumed positive cases of the 2019-novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Pennsylvania, the department provided guidance surrounding clinical information, payment of services related to the treatment of the virus and is requesting information related to the MCOs' preparations. 

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[Logo - Community Health Choices]

Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's mandatory managed care program for individuals who are 21 years of age or older and have both Medicare and Medicaid or receive long-term services and supports through Medicaid. One of CHC's goals is to improve coordination between Medicare and Medicaid so participants experience better services and outcomes. Billing will not change for Medicare services, but it may change how service providers bill Medicaid and Medicare for coinsurance and deductibles. For more information on Medicaid and Medicare billing, view the attached fact sheet. 

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[Logo - Community Health Choices]

Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's mandatory managed care program for individuals who are 21 years of age or older and have both Medicare and Medicaid or receive long-term services and supports through Medicaid. It is important that providers verify eligibility for all participants seeking services to ensure services are being billed to the correct entity. The PROMISe(tm) Eligibility Verification System (EVS) allows providers to determine a participant's eligibility and scope of coverage. For more information on EVS, view the attached fact sheet. 

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[Logo - Community Health Choices]

Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's mandatory managed care program for individuals who are 21 years of age or older and have both Medicare and Medicaid or receive long-term services and supports through Medicaid. Third party liability (TPL) is when responsibility for all or part of a participant's health care expenses rests with an individual entity or program other than the CHC managed care organization (CHC-MCO), such as Medicare or commercial insurance. For more information on TPL and coordination of benefits, view the attached fact sheet. 

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Over the next few weeks, the Department of Human Services will launch a redesigned website. The format of this website will match other state agencies under the Governor's jurisdiction. At this time, this migration only affects pages under the www.dhs.pa.gov website. Our homepage will still be accessible at www.dhs.pa.gov, but existing hyperlinks will change under the new structure. If you have bookmarked pages, they may no longer work. If you are trying to access a page and the link no longer works, please go to the DHS homepage at www.dhs.pa.gov and use the search function to find the page you 

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[Logo - Community Health Choices]

Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's mandatory managed care program for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) and Medicaid. CHC also covers individuals 21 years of age or older with physical disabilities who receive long-term services and supports through Medicaid.

For more about who is eligible for CHC, view the attached fact sheet. 

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(Logo, Community HealthChoices)
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's mandatory managed care program for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and individuals 21 years of age or older with physical disabilities who receive long-term services and supports through Medicaid. CHC participants have protections if they do not agree with a CHC managed care organization's (CHC-MCO) decision to deny, decrease, or approve a service or item different than what was requested. Participants can also voice dissatisfaction with their CHC-MCO or a provider. These concerns or issues can be voiced through the complaints and grievance process. 

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(Logo, Community HealthChoices)
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's mandatory managed care program for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and individuals 21 years of age or older with physical disabilities who receive long-term services and supports through Medicaid. Under CHC, long-term care services and each participant's person-centered service plan are managed by a service coordinator. Service coordinators work with the CHC managed care organizations as a single point-of-contact to help participants obtain health services and supports. 

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Please register for EVV Public Meeting on Jul 16, 2019 1:00 PM EDT at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2796917188088350987

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

[cid:image001.png@01D53899.0FA80900]
(Logo, Community HealthChoices)
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's mandatory managed care program for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and individuals 21 years of age or older with physical disabilities who receive long-term services and supports through Medicaid. Through this program, individuals previously served by the Aging Waiver and individuals residing in a nursing facility are eligible for behavioral health services through Behavioral HealthChoices. 

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(Logo, Community HealthChoices)

On June 30, 2019, the continuity of care period for long-term services and supports in the Southeast Region ended. This impacts approximately 50,000 participants.

This may prompt questions from CHC participants on:
* A change to their service provider due to the managed care organization (CHC-MCO) ending their contact with a provider;
* A change in service coordinator due to their CHC-MCO ending its contract with a service coordination entity;
* A change to the amount, duration, or frequency of service they are receiving.
A CHC-MCO must alert the Office of Long-Term Living in writing of 

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Valued partner,
Thank you for your initial feedback on draft updates to the Department of Human Services' website. We are now seeking opinions on a second option developed from this initial feedback. Can you please take this brief survey<https://pa-interactive.optimalworkshop.com/questions/dhs_wayfinding> (https://pa-interactive.optimalworkshop.com/questions/dhs_wayfinding) to help us evaluate a potential navigation design?

We would appreciate your feedback by Friday, May 31. If you have technical difficulties with the survey, please email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> and our staff will try to assist, but this is a test platform so issues will not be reflected in any future changes DHS' website. 

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[cid:image001.png@01D515FC.2036C5A0]
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's mandatory managed care program for individuals who are dually-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and individuals 21 years of age or older with physical disabilities. Managed care is new for long-term services and supports, but Pennsylvania has provided physical and behavioral health care through a managed care model for many years. 

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Valued partner,
The Department of Human Services is evaluating options to make our website more accessible for citizens, providers, and stakeholders. This is a long-term transition, and changes will not be implemented until Fall 2019. As we consider options, we want to consider feedback from partners who use our website most often. Can you please take this brief survey (https://pa-interactive.optimalworkshop.com/questions/dhs_sitemenu) to help us evaluate a potential navigation design? We would appreciate your feedback by Friday, May 17.
Thank you for your assistance!
The Department of Human Services Communications Office 

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(Logo, Community HealthChoices)

Registration is now open for the upcoming Community HealthChoices (CHC) Educational Provider Sessions for Phase Three regions. Locations for each region are available at the RSVP pages:

* May 13-15: Lehigh/Capital Region Provider Summits<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTzVMnKnPTUOnABeneogbhyBExfbe_KIOpBeywhPgxZIz-Eg/viewform?usp=sf_link>

* May 20-22: Northwest Region Provider Summits<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVpPTG5iUqdKEqSEDron0faLogVAYP714CmTvMjX5VDWqpDw/viewform?usp=sf_link>

* June 4-6: Northeast Region Provider Summits<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvmIFmbLZCMvrxcuuXEUJIcEaHuqxKZ9I4HUtkI70Bq7kaBQ/viewform?usp=sf_link>

Additionally, one day-long transportation summit will be held in each region. RSVP for this summit here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScouLqGWRfH1GZ_9ERsnsSGlxvdOOO6ADV3Pk3uXP3WH182uQ/viewform?usp=sf_link>. 

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NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

[cid:image001.png@01D4A427.190A9230]
(Logo, Community HealthChoices)
Approximately 94 percent of Community HealthChoices (CHC) participants are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Better coordination between both entities is one of the primary goals of CHC.

Under CHC, Medicaid remains the payer of last resort for dual-eligibles, and providers who previously billed frequently to Medicaid must enroll in Medicaid per federal guidance. The CHC Managed Care Organization (CHC-MCO) will encourage providers to enroll. CHC-MCOs will also offer companion managed care plans for dually eligible participants. 

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Dear valued stakeholder,

The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently released a Request for Information (RFI) to explore existing individual or family needs assessments, methods of connecting individuals and families to community resources, and models for providing whole-person or whole-family case management. Our goal is to build a system that addresses each family's needs and amplifies the work of health care providers and community organizations. 

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NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

[cid:image001.png@01D46201.79BAED90]

(Logo, Community HealthChoices)
The PROMISe Eligibility Verification System (EVS) enables providers to determine a participant's Medical Assistance eligibility, as well as the participant's scope of coverage. It is vital for providers to check EVS to verify a participant's eligibility each time services are provided because a participant's eligibility is subject to change. EVS methods, inquiries, and response formats will not change with the implementation of Community HealthChoices (CHC). 

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(Logo, Community HealthChoices)

On June 30, 2018, the continuity of care period for long-term services and supports in the Southwest Region ended. This impacts approximately 19,000 participants.

This may prompt questions from CHC participants on:

* A change to their service provided due to the managed care organization (CHC-MCO) ending their contact with a provider;
* A change in service coordinator due to their CHC-MCO ending its contract with a service coordination entity;
* A change to the amount, duration, or frequency of service they are receiving.
A CHC-MCO must alert the Office of Long-Term Living in writing of 

[More ...]

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

[cid:image002.jpg@01D3CCEA.BB42B100]

Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery,
and Philadelphia counties.
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is coming in January 2019.

Here is what you need to know: 

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The Wolf Administration is committed to serving more people in the community. Community HealthChoices (CHC) is a new initiative that will increase opportunities for older Pennsylvanians and individuals with physical disabilities to remain in their homes that rolled out in the southwest region on January 1, 2018.

CHC was developed to: (1) enhance access to and improve coordination of medical care and; (2) create a person-driven, long-term support system in which people have choice, control, and access to a full array of quality services that provide independence, health, and quality of life. Long-term services and supports help eligible individuals to 

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Please find the attached Community HealthChoices (CHC) one pager on eligibility.
Additionally, please click here<http://www.healthchoices.pa.gov/info/about/community/commpart/index.htm> to find our most recent participant document, "CHC: Here's What You Need to Know." That document is available for download in English and Spanish.
If you have any questions, please visit www.HealthChoices.pa.gov<http://www.HealthChoices.pa.gov> or call our CHC Provider Hotline at 833-735-4417. 

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Coming to the Southwest Zone in January 2018
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is committed to open and frequent communication to educate and inform individuals who will move to Community HealthChoices (CHC). It is critical that they are aware of the upcoming changes and are able to make an informed decision on their plan selection. We are using multiple channels to get the message out, and want to ensure that you are aware of upcoming information that potential participants will receive. 

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Community HealthChoices includes provisions to help maintain continuity of care and avoid interruptions of service for participants when they are first enrolled, as well as when choosing to switch from one managed care organization (CHC-MCO) to another.
Please find the attached one pager on continuity of care.

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

In March 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of Health amended its regulations to school immunizations, which became effective Aug. 1, 2017. The regulations changed the department's existing requirements for school immunizations, and are based in part upon recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an advisory committee of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

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Later today we will mail out the attached flyer to Community HealthChoices (CHC) participants in the Southwest - the first to transition to CHC in January 2018.

In order to better prepare you for the potential questions you, as providers, may receive, we drafted the attached "How to Talk to Participants about Community HealthChoices." Additional training information will be made available to you within the next few weeks. 

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Please find the attached document with information on the delivery of service coordination for Community HealthChoices (CHC).

Service coordination includes activities to identify, coordinate, and assist participants in obtaining access to needed health services and in-home supports, as well as social and housing services needed to help participants live in their communities. Under CHC, a service coordinator is a managed care organization's (CHC-MCO) designated, accountable point-of-contact for each participant receiving long-term care services, their person-centered service plan (PCSP), and service coordination. 

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NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

Attached please find a one-page summary on Third Party Liability (TPL). TPL is when the financial responsibility for all or part of a participant's health care expense rests with an individual entity or program other than the Community HealthChoices managed care organization, such as Medicare or commercial insurance. Please forward to all relevant parties in your organization. 

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Community HealthChoices (CHC) is coming to the Southwest zone in January 2018. In preparation, we are hosting three Southwest Provider Summits in July.

The Southwest zone is comprised of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland.

These events are open to all providers in the Southwest zone and will be held on the following dates/locations: 

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For years, Pennsylvania has provided physical and behavioral health care through a managed care delivery model. That did not include long-term services and supports - that is changing. Pennsylvania will be providing services for older adults and persons with physical disabilities through three Community HealthChoices managed care organizations (CHC MCOs). The Department of Human Services (DHS) will have full, ongoing oversight and monitoring. DHS will review and approve processes, policies, manuals, and procedures of each CHC MCO. 

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Community HealthChoices (CHC) is a managed care program that will better coordinate the way participants receive their physical health services and long-term services and supports (LTSS) so that Pennsylvania can serve more people in their homes and their communities. CHC will serve Medicaid participants 21 years of age or older who also receive Medicare, need LTSS in their home or community, or are in nursing facilities. Today, there are five waivers in which participants receive LTSS. In the future there will be two ways. 

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For your information, please find an attached letter that was sent to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on April 26, 2017 expressing our concerns about the budget recently passed by the House Republican Caucus (House Bill 218, Printer's Number 1236).

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

The Wolf Administration is committed to serving more people in the community. Community HealthChoices (CHC) is a new initiative that will increase opportunities for older Pennsylvanians and individuals with physical disabilities to remain in their homes.

CHC was developed to: (1) enhance access to and improve coordination of medical care and; (2) create a person-driven, long-term support system in which people have choice, control, and access to a full array of quality services that provide independence, health, and quality of life. Long-term services and supports help eligible individuals to perform daily activities in their home such as bathing, dressing, preparing 

[More ...]

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

October 11, 2016 meeting has been moved to:
Temple University at
Strawberry Square
4th and Walnut St
2nd Floor Rooms 246-248
Harrisburg, Pa 17105
10 am-1pm

April Leonhard | Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Financial Representative
Department of Human Services | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor| P.O. Box 8025| Harrisburg, PA 17105-8025
Phone: 717.783.8412 | Fax: 717.265.7698
www.dhs.pa.us<http://www.dhs.pa.us> 

[More ...]

April Leonhard | Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Financial Representative
Department of Human Services | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor| P.O. Box 8025| Harrisburg, PA 17105-8025
Phone: 717.783.8412 | Fax: 717.265.7698
www.dhs.pa.us<http://www.dhs.pa.us>

Pennsylvanians who suspect welfare fraud should call 1.800.932.0582

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message. 

[More ...]

April Leonhard | Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Financial Representative
Department of Human Services | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor| P.O. Box 8025| Harrisburg, PA 17105-8025
Phone: 717.783.8412 | Fax: 717.265.7698
www.dhs.pa.us<http://www.dhs.pa.us>

Pennsylvanians who suspect welfare fraud should call 1.800.932.0582

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message. 

[More ...]

April Leonhard | Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Financial Representative
Department of Human Services | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor| P.O. Box 8025| Harrisburg, PA 17105-8025
Phone: 717.783.8412 | Fax: 717.265.7698
www.dhs.pa.us<http://www.dhs.pa.us>

Pennsylvanians who suspect welfare fraud should call 1.800.932.0582

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message. 

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The Department is experiencing a problem with the listserv that distributes Medical Assistance Bulletins (MAB) to providers. We do not have an estimated time of repair.

Until we can fix the MAB listserv, this email serves to outreach to our stakeholders on the MAAC and its subcommittees to explain the problem, and share links to the MAB's which have been published via the DHS website since the problem was identified. 

[More ...]

April Leonhard | Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Financial Representative
Department of Human Services | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor| P.O. Box 8025| Harrisburg, PA 17105-8025
Phone: 717.783.8412 | Fax: 717.265.7698
www.dhs.pa.us<http://www.dhs.pa.us>

Pennsylvanians who suspect welfare fraud should call 1.800.932.0582

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message. 

[More ...]

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

Traditional Medicaid expansion is coming to Pennsylvania! This will allow us to provide health care coverage in a streamlined manner to Pennsylvanians who are most in need.
There are several milestones that we want you to know about.

Public Notice of the Adult Benefit Package
Public notice of the new Adult benefit package is now available on the DHS website at http://www.dhs.state.pa.us/cs/groups/webcontent/documents/document/c_158047.pdf.
This notice begins the public comment period on the transition to the traditional Medicaid expansion and the new adult benefit package.
You are encouraged to make comments as early as possible to ensure we are able to address 

[More ...]

April Leonhard | Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Financial Representative
Department of Human Services | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor| P.O. Box 8025| Harrisburg, PA 17105-8025
Phone: 717.783.8412 | Fax: 717.265.7698
www.dhs.pa.us<http://www.dhs.pa.us>

Pennsylvanians who suspect welfare fraud should call 1.800.932.0582

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message. 

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Dear Stakeholders:

I am pleased to share with you that today Governor Wolf announced Pennsylvania's transition to a simple traditional Medicaid expansion plan. Below is the press release with more information on the transition. It's important to note that no coverage will be immediately impacted. As we transition individuals to traditional Medicaid, they will be notified. 

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To my friends and colleagues:

I wanted to take this time to thank everyone for the wonderful partnerships and friendships we have formed over my tenure as Secretary for the Department of Human Services.

This has been an amazing year and a half as secretary and an amazing year and a half prior to that as the deputy secretary for our Office of Children, Youth and Families - three years that I will treasure and look back on fondly. 

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Valued Stakeholders,
As we continue implementation of Healthy PA, The Commonwealth remains dedicated to effectively serving the citizens of Pennsylvania through the final stages of federal approval. As part of this, we want to ensure that you have the information and resources you need.

The Department has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin outlining an interim benefit plan and scope of benefits for those individuals currently eligible for the Healthy benefit plan. Effective January 1, 2015 and until CMS approves the proposed Healthy benefit plan, the Department will apply the State's current categorically needy scope of benefits and limits and benefit 

[More ...]

From: Leonhard, April
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 9:55 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: August 12, 2014 LTC Sub MAAC meeting minutes and handouts

April Leonhard | Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Financial Representative
Department of Human Services | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor| P.O. Box 8025| Harrisburg, PA 17105-8025
Phone: 717.783.8412 | Fax: 717.265.7698
www.dhs.pa.us<http://www.dhs.pa.us> 

[More ...]

April Leonhard | Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Financial Representative
Department of Human Services | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor| P.O. Box 8025| Harrisburg, PA 17105-8025
Phone: 717.783.8412 | Fax: 717.265.7698
www.dhs.pa.us<http://www.dhs.pa.us>

Pennsylvanians who suspect welfare fraud should call 1.800.932.0582

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message. 

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Dear Stakeholders,

The Commonwealth has been working hard to get ready for the implementation of Healthy PA, getting the word out about the changes that are coming, and training staff so we are ready to help the people of Pennsylvania. As part of this, we want to ensure that you have the information and resources you need. 

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Dear Stakeholders,

I am thrilled to let you know that we have an agreement with the federal government to implement Healthy Pennsylvania. So many dedicated DPW staff worked for months and, in some cases, years to make this happen. I can't thank them, and you, enough for the continued commitment to helping improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania's individuals and families! 

[More ...]

John Esposito | Healthcare Program Analyst
Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Department of Public Welfare | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor | P.O. Box 8025 | Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717.265.7572 | Fax: 717.772.2527
www.dpw.state.pa.us<http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/>
NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific
individual(s) purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited.
If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message. 

[More ...]

John Esposito | Healthcare Program Analyst
Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Department of Public Welfare | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor | P.O. Box 8025 | Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717.265.7572 | Fax: 717.772.2527
www.dpw.state.pa.us<http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/>
NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific
individual(s) purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited.
If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message. 

[More ...]

John Esposito | Healthcare Program Analyst
Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Department of Public Welfare | Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor | P.O. Box 8025 | Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717.265.7572 | Fax: 717.772.2527
www.dpw.state.pa.us<http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/>
NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific
individual(s) purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited.
If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message. 

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Tammi Kissinger l Human Services Program Specialist
Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management
Department of Public Welfare/Office of Long-Term Living
Forum Place - 6th Floor l P.O. Box 8025 l Harrisburg, PA 17105-8025
Phone: 717.425.2982 l Fax: 717.772.2527
www.dpw.state.pa.us<http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/>

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

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Long Term Care Delivery System Subcommittee

I. Call to Order and Introductions.

· LTC Subcommittee members agreed to have the meeting tape recorded. Randy Sipe provided evacuation instructions to the group in the event of an emergency.

II. Approval of April 2010 and June 2010, File Notes

· The April 2010 and June 2010 file notes for the LTC Subcommittee Meetings were approved. 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 06/11/2008
I. Call to Order and Introductions
II. Approval of Minutes
III. Issues, Reports and Updates
MAAC Meeting Report. (Chris Allen)
Ms. Allen said there were updates given on the Office of Long Term Living reorganization and the Chronic Care Commission.
Long Term Care Subcommittee Member Orientation. (Chris Allen)
Ms. Allen said that there is an attempt being made to reinvigorate the MAAC and Subcommittees in regards to increased attendance and requests for more and relevant agenda items. Ms. Allen noted that although the LTC Subcommittee has no problems with attendance and volume of 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Minutes - 12/08/2009

I. Call to Order and Introductions.

Ms. Vicki Hoak introduced the new members of the Long Term Care Subcommittee,
Carl Bailey with AARP and Russel Jirik with PADHSA.

ll. Approval of June & August 2009, File Notes.

The file notes from June and August 2009, Long Term Care Subcommittee meeting were approved 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 12/05/2007
I. Call to Order and Introductions
II. Approval of Minutes
August minutes approved.
III. Issues, Reports and Updates
Office of Long Term Living Update
Mr. Hall reported that the Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) is moving forward with its reorganization at a rapid pace. The organizational structure continues to evolve and to date seven positions have been approved for Civil Service exemption. OLTL received authority via an Executive Order to establish the various bureaus and to start appointing individuals into senior management positions. Mr. Hall said he anticipates the reorganization package will 

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The October 14, 2009 Long Term Care Subcommittee has been cancelled.

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.

Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 10/12/2005
Call to Order and Introductions:
Ms. Christine Allen, Chair, called the meeting to order.
Approval of June Minutes:
A motion was passed to approve the June minutes.
Issues, Reports and Updates:
MAAC Meeting Report
Ms. Allen noted that the MAAC meeting was comprised mostly of presentations by the Department of Aging. Issues included outreach activities relating to education and an overview of benefits. The Preferred Drug list and prior authorization issues were also discussed.
Medicare Part D
Mr. Jim Hardy provided an update on Medicare Part D. Mr. Hardy said there will be 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 10/11/2006
Call to Order and Introductions:
Ms. Christine Allen called the meeting to order.
Approval of June Minutes:
The June and August minutes were approved.
Issues, Reports and Updates:
MAAC Meeting Report
Ms. Allen reported that Pennsylvania will participate in a multi-state drug buying pool starting January 1, 2007. The Department will be joining Louisiana, Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, Idaho and Wisconsin. An analysis was completed which showed the Department would enhance the Supplemental Rebate by approximately $15 million on an annual basis. Ms. Allen noted that the Department will retain complete control over 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 10/10/2007
I. Call to Order and Introductions
II. August Minutes
Not available for approval.
III. Issues, Reports and Updates
MAAC Meeting Report
Ms. Vicki Hoak said that a grant request was submitted to CMS on September 31, 2007, to provide alternative services for people who are frequent users of emergency rooms. The grant is intended to provide an incentive to get PCPs to do more chronic care management in hopes of reducing hospitalizations and emergency room use.
Protection of Spousal Assets Relating to LTC Insurance
Ms. Trudy Johnson said that on July 17, 2007, 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Minutes - 08/12/2009
I. Call to Order and Introductions
ll. Approval of June File Notes
The June file notes were not voted on for lack of a quorum.
III. Issues, Reports and Updates
MAAC Meeting Report. (Russ McDaid)

* At the July MAAC meeting Mike Nardone discussed the budget impasse and its possible effect on programs and cautioned that further budget cuts could be forthcoming.
* Stephanie Pashman discussed the Federal health care reform proposal.
Estate Recovery. (Carole Procope) 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 08/09/2006
Call to Order and Introductions:
Ms. Christine Allen called the meeting to order.
Approval of June Minutes: The June minutes were not completed at the time of the meeting.
Issues, Reports and Updates:
MAAC Meeting Report
Ms. Allen reported on the June and July Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meetings. Among the relevant presentations were the changes to the Medicare Part D 5-day supply program, citizenship requirements, Selective Contracting, Budget update, and the National Provider Identifier.
At the June MAAC meeting Mr. Michael Campbell, from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project, gave a tribute 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 08/08/2007
I. Call to Order and Introductions
II. Approval of April & June Minutes
The April and June Minutes were approved.
III. Issues, Reports and Updates
MAAC Meeting Report
Ms. Chris Allen noted that a resolution was passed to recognize Don Yearsley for his years of service to the Department. Mr. Yearsley retired at the end of June.
There were updates on the nursing facility assessment renewal, assisted living legislation, and the LTC Partnership legislation. There was also discussion on the recent CMS rule requiring the use of tamper-proof prescription pads by October 1, 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Minutes - 06/14/2006

Call to Order and Introductions:

Ms. Christine Allen called the meeting to order.

Approval of April Minutes:

A motion was passed to approve the April 12, 2006 minutes.

Issues, Reports, and Updates:

Ms. Allen gave a report on the April and May 2006 MAAC meetings. Ms. Allen mentioned that a lot of the agenda items that are on today's agenda were discussed at the two MAAC meetings. Other major items of the MAAC meetings included discussions on behavioral health expansion, COMPASS, and PROMISe billing issues. 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 06/13/2007

I. Call to Order and Introductions:

Ms. Christine Allen called the meeting to order.

II. Approval of April Minutes:

The April minutes were not yet available and therefore will be presented for approval, along with the June minutes, at the next meeting.

III. Issues, Reports and Updates:

MAAC Meeting Report 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Minutes - 06/10/2009

I. Call to Order and Introductions

Ms. Vicki Hoak announced the resignation of Maureen Long from the Long Term Care Subcommittee effective immediately. Ms. Long cited her work on the Integrated Care Initiative and resultant time needed to devote to the project as her reason for resignation. 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 06/08/2005
Call to Order and Introductions:
Ms. Vicki Hoak, Co- Chair, called the meeting to order.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was passed to approve the February minutes.
Issues, Reports and Updates:
MAAC Meeting Report
Ms. Hoak reported that the Deputy Secretary gave an update on the budget and cost containment issues. Jim Hardy gave an update on Medicare Part D.
Mr. Mike Campbell expressed his concern on the impact that Medicare D would have on long term care pharmacies and MA recipients. Mr. Campbell said that recipients enrolled in HealthChoices might be steered 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 04/14/2004

Call to Order and Introductions:

Ms. Vicki Hoak, Co-Chair, called the meeting to order. Ms. Patricia Brady, the new Executive Director of the Bureau of Long Term Care Programs and Ex-Officio Co-Chair of the Long Term Care Subcommittee was introduced.

Approval Of Minutes:

The minutes for the February meeting were approved. 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 04/12/2006
Call to Order and Introductions:
Ms. Christine Allen called the meeting to order.
Approval of March Minutes:
A motion was passed to approve the March 3, 2006 minutes.
Issues, Reports and Updates:
Ms. Allen announced that Long Term Care Subcommittee member Barbara Coffin's husband passed away on April 7th and the services were to be held on April 12th. Ms. Coffin requested no flowers be sent, but rather donations could be sent in John's name to the St. Ignatius Scholarship Fund, St. Ignatius Church, 2810 St. Albans Drive, Sinking Spring, PA 19608. Condolences 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 04/11/2007
I. Call to Order and Introductions:
Ms. Christine Allen called the meeting to order.
II. Approval of December Minutes:
The December 2006 minutes were approved.
III. Issues, Reports and Updates:
MAAC Meeting Report
Ms. Christine Allen reported on the January, February, and March MAAC meetings. The National Provider Identifier (NPI) was discussed at all three meetings. The goal of the initiative is to implement a national identifier for health care providers. It will replace all legacy provider numbers. The implementation date for NPI is May 23, 2007. At the January meeting, it was 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 04/08/2009
I. Call to Order and Introductions
II. Issues, Reports and Updates
Meeting Report. (Chris Allen)
The MAAC meeting provided updates on Integrated Care, the establishment of the Department of PDA and OLTL, and a Budget presentation.
Future Agenda Process. (Chris Allen)

* Agenda items should be received by OLTL two weeks before the date of meeting in order to allow time to schedule presenters and prepare documents and data.
* Agenda to be finalized and emailed to the members the Friday before the scheduled meeting.
* Members should specify the information/data that they 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Meeting - 03/03/2006
Call to Order and Introductions:
Ms. Christine Allen called the meeting to order.
Approval of December Minutes:
A motion was passed to approve the December 2005 minutes.
Issues, Reports and Updates:
MAAC Meeting Report
Ms. Vicki Hoak reported that Mr. James Hardy from the Department of Public Welfare (Department) is drafting a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services urging them to re-conduct readiness reviews of the Prescription Drug Plans and the special needs plans prior to the end of the 90 day transition period.
Mr. Hardy also discussed the Department's 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Minutes - 06/15/2010

I. Call to Order and Introductions.

* LTC Subcommittee members agreed to have the meeting tape recorded
Mr. Sipe provided evacuation instructions to the group to follow in the event of an emergency.

ll. Approval of April 2010, File Notes.

* The April meeting file notes were not addressed during the meeting. 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Minutes - 04/13/2010
I. Call to Order and Introductions.

ll. Approval of December 2009 and February 2010, File Notes.

* File notes from December 2009 and February 2010, Long Term Subcommittee meeting were approved.
III. Issues, Reports and Updates.

a) MAAC Meeting Report. (Chris Allen)

* Joan Erney is leaving state government and this was her last meeting
* OIM presentation "Office of the Future"; the new process and organizational structure is expected to streamline operations and improve the application timeframe. 

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Long Term Care Subcommittee Minutes - 02/09/10

I. Call to Order and Introductions.

II. Approval of December 2009, File Notes.

The File Notes for December 2009 are pending April's meeting

III. Issues, Reports and Updates.

a) MAAC Meeting Report. (Chris Allen)
No updates were provided

b) OLTL Update. (Mike Smith)
Assisted Living

* Assisted Living Regulation Update, final publication of regulations to be published tentative in April 2010. 

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