Simplify Compliance and Empower Staff at a Discounted Price With Relias
Congress Passes Bill to Cut Medicaid and Marketplace Insurance Out of Budget Committee
Message from Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN):
Last night, the House Budget Committee advanced its Budget Reconciliation bill that would terminate healthcare for over half a million Pennsylvanians who get their health coverage through Medicaid and the marketplace and double health insurance premiums for many more.
Next, the bill is scheduled for a vote in the Rules Committee on Wednesday night and a possible floor vote on Thursday.
Now is the time to take action. Please contact members of the House of Representatives this week and let them know that your organization opposes the bill. It is particularly important to contact Representatives Fitzpatrick, Bresnahan, and Mackenzie. Let us know how your conversation went by emailing Bill England.
OMHSAS Issues Bulletin Series Update
The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is pleased to announce the OMHSAS Bulletin Series Update, OMHSAS-25-01, effective May 14, 2025. Obsoleted bulletin lists are updated every few years. This listing identifies bulletins that are no longer in effect. Providers should no longer be referring to them for guidance.
Contact RCPA Policy Associate Emma Sharp with any questions.
Sponsor, Exhibitor Opportunities Available for AATOD Conference in October in Philadelphia
The online Exhibitor and Sponsor Portal for the 2025 AATOD Conference, set for October 4 – 8 in Philadelphia, is now open.
The 2025 AATOD Conference will attract more than 1,800 physicians, social workers, nurses, counselors, program administrators, executive directors, and other treatment providers from many countries. The registrants are decision-makers with purchasing power for their treatment centers and are looking for new products, services, and information to improve patient treatment.
Exhibit booth space, select sponsorship opportunities, and registration can be purchased directly through the portal. More information about exhibitor opportunities and benefits can be found on the conference website.
A full list of sponsorship items and exhibit details can also be found in the exhibitor brochure.
OMHSAS Updates Behavioral Health MA Fee Schedule: Telehealth Group Psychotherapy Codes Added
Last year, RCPA met with its provider members regarding the provision of group psychotherapy services via telehealth in the client’s home. RCPA then met with the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) to discuss the possibility of allowing this flexibility in an effort to fully realize the use of telehealth technology to enhance access.
Today, the Department of Human Services’ Medical Assistance (MA) Bulletin #99-25-02 outlines revisions to the MA fee schedule. The following changes are specific to behavioral services and are effective May 1, 2025:
- Procedure code 99452 (Interprofessional Services) is now open for provider type (PT)/Specialty combination 08/184 (Outpatient Drug and Alcohol).
- Place of Service (POS) 10 — Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home is now available to use with the procedure code 90853 (group psychotherapy) for PT/Specialty combination 08/110 (Psychiatric Outpatient).
Please see the section titled “Behavioral Health Services” on page 6 of the bulletin for additional information related to these revisions.
If you have questions about these changes, please reach out to OMHSAS electronically or RCPA COO and Policy Director Jim Sharp.
Governor Shapiro Proclaims May as Mental Health Awareness Month
RCPA, in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, requested that Governor Shapiro proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. RCPA received the following proclamation from the Governor’s office, and we thank Governor Shapiro, his administration, providers, and systems stakeholders for their commitment to serving this vulnerable population.
Democrats Send ‘Dead-on-Arrival’ Marijuana Legalization Bill to PA Senate
Advocacy Alert from National Council: Help Protect Mental Health and SUD Funding
Spotlight PA Article: You asked about Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis and settlement funds. We’ve got answers (RCPA mentioned as a resource)
RCPA Member TrueNorth Wellness Services Appoints Interim CEO
TrueNorth Wellness Services announces the appointment of Chuck Smith as Interim CEO, while the Board of Directors begins a search for the next Chief Executive Officer. Along with Chuck, the leadership team of Cheryl Jones (CFO), Elspeth Williams (COO), and Senior Directors Michelle Shearer, Erin Glenn, and Cori Reed will continue to be available to stakeholders and staff alike. During this transition, we remain committed to the same level of quality and responsiveness that you’ve come to expect from TrueNorth. As we recognize the milestone of delivering services for 50 years, we are looking forward to the exciting possibilities that the future holds for our organization.
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