RCPA to Officially Launch New Website, Member Portals on June 1
Implications of Governor Shapiro’s Executive Orders and Impact on HCBS Providers
House Passes Bill That Would Enshrine LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Protections in State Law
Key Details for First Rural Health Transformation Program Grant Opportunities
At midnight on May 1, 2026, the Department of Human Services will open applications for the first opportunity to receive Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding. $25M of grants will be awarded, with a $1M maximum per qualified hospital, healthcare provider, and rural health facility for equipment, supplies, renovations, or structural improvements.
Key Details:
- Application Dates: May, 1 2026 – June 1, 2026, or until the authorized funding cap has been met, whichever is sooner.
- Total Available Funding: $25 million
- Payment Amounts: $10,000 – $1,000,000
- Qualified Entities: Hospitals, healthcare providers, or rural health facilities within specific regions
To receive an RHTP payment, qualified entities must complete and submit the eligibility certification. The payment must stabilize or enhance rural health care access, promote rural well-being, and fall under one of the six initiatives in the Department’s federally approved RHTP application:
- Aging and Access;
- Behavioral Health;
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Transportation;
- Maternal Health;
- Technology and Infrastructure; or
- Workforce
Please note, this RHTP payment is an initial opportunity. If you do not qualify for this RHTP payment and want to apply for funding for other purposes, a future opportunity may be a better fit.
See the PA Bulletin announcement here. Please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp with any questions.
Basics of Medicaid HCBS Infographic
ADvancing States, in partnership with the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities and the National Association of Medicaid Directors, is excited to share a new infographic on the purpose, value, and impact of Medicaid HCBS. This resource includes an overview of key services, facts, and figures on HCBS utilization and spending, and trends and growth through rebalancing efforts. ADvancing States encourages members to use and share this infographic as a foundation for conversations about Medicaid HCBS. Use this link to view and download the infographic.
Governor Shapiro Signs Three New Executive Orders, Benefiting People With Disabilities
The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced that Governor Shapiro signed three new executive orders (EO) to benefit people with disabilities. The following information comes from the Office of Long-Term Living:
The first Executive Order rescinds and replaces EO 2002-5 and will protect the rights, dignity, and privacy of people with disabilities by reaffirming the Commonwealth’s longstanding nondiscrimination commitment and emphasizing the need that these protections require renewed attention and action, not just compliance. This order will ensure data collection by Commonwealth agencies is limited to the minimum data necessary and proper processes are followed by Commonwealth agencies, including collection in health care, research, and compliance in the law.
The Governor’s second Executive Order rescinds EO 2006-09 and EO 2016-03 and establishes the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities, which will consist of up to 30 volunteer members, appointed by the Governor, including individuals with disabilities, family members, or those with relevant expertise. The members will serve two-year terms. The new commissioners will recommend policy changes across the disabilities spectrum, engage with federal/state/local agencies, communicate Administration initiatives to the public, and compile information on programs, funding, and additional supports to create an inclusive resource for individuals with disabilities and their family members across Pennsylvania.
Individuals interested in the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities Executive Director position, may apply here or by visiting the Commonwealth of PA – Opportunities for All Job Seekers page.
The third Executive Order rescinds EO 1997-2 and reestablishes the Development Disabilities (DD) Council so that it can continue to fulfill Pennsylvania’s obligations under the federal Developmental Disabilities Act. The independently operated DD Council is more narrowly focused than the newly-created Commission and will advise the Governor on all matters affecting individuals with developmental disabilities in Pennsylvania, and advocate for improved independence, productivity, and community inclusion. The Council will continue to develop and implement a statewide plan and advocate for systemic change across the Commonwealth.
More information about the Governor’s press release and the three new Executive Orders can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Newsroom page.
Request for Your Support for the RCPA PAC
The Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association Political Action Committee (RCPA PAC) is asking members to consider making a personal contribution to the PAC. With these donations, we have been successful in supporting legislative leadership who understand the severe challenges facing many of our providers. These representatives are willing to stand up for our issues as we fight to move Pennsylvania forward.
We urge you to view our 2026 Legislative & Administrative Priorities to see how RCPA is working, and will continue to work, for you. We are able to achieve these goals thanks to our members’ dedication and contributions.
Make an online contribution and advocate for yourself today. While the request is voluntary, we encourage you to make a contribution of $100, $250, $350, $500, or more to the RCPA PAC. If you are interested, you can also consider making a recurring monthly donation.
If you have any questions regarding the RCPA PAC or making a donation, please contact Jack Phillips, Director, Government Affairs.
PA Commonwealth Court Invalidates DHS CHC Procurement
State Lawmaker Highlights Bill That Would Fund Social Services During a Budget Impasse
DHS Presents Rural Health Transformation Plan Implementation Overview
Yesterday, March 31, 2026, the Department of Human Services (DHS) held a “kickoff” webinar to discuss the Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP). The slides have not been released; however, RCPA will share the PowerPoint with members once they are available.
The webinar did not provide definitive next steps in terms of which category of Request for Proposal (RFP) would be released and when. RFPs will be periodically rolled out, and DHS indicated that the first RFP release would be in the next two weeks. The Department also shared the broad categories of project areas for consideration, stating that all RFP responses should closely tie back to their approved CMS plan.
DHS touched on the fact that RHTP funding and compliance will be achieved through continual cooperative agreements with CMS. Below is a broader timeline highlighting certain reporting and funding dates, as well as broader categorical areas the state is pursuing.
- End of First Reporting Period – July 31, 2026
- First Annual Report Due to CMS – August 31, 2026
- Obligation of Year 1 Funding – October 30, 2026
- Year 2 Funding – October 31, 2026
- Quarterly Reports Due to CMS – November 29, 2026; March 1, 2027, May 30, 2027
- Spending Deadline for Year 1 – September 30, 2027
- By March 31, 2028, CMS will begin determining the amount of unused funds from the prior period to redistribute them to other states.
Year 1 Funding Mechanisms will include:
- Expansion of existing programs;
- Program payments;
- Intergovernmental agreements; and
- Grant agreements.
If your organization has an interest in these RFPs, RCPA will provide updates as appropriate, but we also encourage you to sign up directly for the DHS listserv info. Direct RHTP inquiries can be sent here.
If you have further questions, please contact your RCPA Policy Director.
