This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to change how medical providers are reimbursed for specific services provided to public assistance recipients. It updates reimbursement rules for certain medical items and services while replacing outdated regulations that conflicted with these changes. The primary effect is on healthcare providers who bill state assistance programs, streamlining the process for claiming payments. The bill does not create new benefits but adjusts existing reimbursement procedures under public assistance programs.
HB 704 creates a new Neurodegenerative Disease Research Program and a dedicated funding mechanism within the Department of Health to support research on conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The bill directs the Department of Health to manage the program and administer the Neurodegenerative Disease Research Program Fund, which will provide grants for scientific studies. This legislation directly affects researchers, medical institutions, and patients seeking treatments for neurodegenerative diseases by establishing a formal structure for funding and coordinating research efforts. The bill passed the legislature in June 2025 and is now pending final action by the Governor.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's pilot program for non-narcotic medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in prisons and parole settings. It removes outdated rules about the program's establishment, clarifies requirements for county participation, and specifies how grant funds can be used for treatment services. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency gains new duties to oversee the program, and the bill includes administrative updates to the state statutes governing it. The changes directly affect counties administering the pilot program and individuals in prison or parole under the MAT initiative.
HB 79 requires hospitals to establish clear financial assistance programs for patients who cannot afford care, including standardized forms and easily accessible information about eligibility and coverage. It mandates that hospitals publicly share details about their financial aid policies and report their program rules to the Department of Health. These requirements directly affect hospitals operating in the state and patients seeking financial help with medical bills. The bill aims to standardize and increase transparency in hospital financial aid offerings.
HB 433 requires health insurance plans to cover mammograms and breast imaging services without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles) for policyholders. It directly affects women needing preventive breast cancer screenings and the insurance companies providing health coverage. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s 1921 Insurance Company Law to mandate this coverage for mammographic examinations and breast imaging under casualty insurance policies. This policy change ensures these essential preventive services are fully covered at no additional cost to patients.
HB 269 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to improve access to overdose response information. It requires the Department of Health to develop free online training materials, posters, and pamphlets about recognizing opioid overdoses and using reversal medications (like naloxone), with the materials available in multiple languages upon request. Specific public entities - including Commonwealth agencies, transit authorities, municipalities, and local transportation organizations - must display the poster in conspicuous public locations, such as bathrooms or lobbies. The Department covers all printing and distribution costs, and entities already displaying equivalent materials may substitute them with prior notice. This bill focuses on education and resource accessibility, not changing drug laws or medication access.
HB 409 amends Pennsylvania's Patient Test Result Information Act to require healthcare providers to give patients written notice at the time of diagnostic imaging services (like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds) about how to access their results, including online portals or mail (with a possible fee for mailing). It also mandates a follow-up notice within 20 days if a significant abnormality is found, including details like the test date and ordering doctor's name, unless exceptions apply. Exceptions include routine obstetrical ultrasounds, inpatient or emergency care, diagnostic radiographs (X-rays), and patients with chronic conditions who were previously notified. This bill directly affects patients receiving diagnostic imaging and the healthcare facilities performing these services.
