Impact: Change — Relias Webinar to Be Held November 14
Changes to Amount in Controversy Announced for Appeals in 2025
Novitas Solutions has announced that there are changes to the Amount in Controversy (AIC) for appeals filed on or after January 1, 2025. The AIC requires the claims value in dispute to meet the threshold for obtaining an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing and a judicial review in federal district court. The AIC is recalculated and published on an annual basis and is identified in a provider’s appeal notice of decision.
The AIC for appeals filed on or after January 1, 2025:
- ALJ hearing will increase to $190.
- Federal district court will increase to $1900.
The amount in controversy is calculated in the following manner:
- Amount Charged minus Medicare Payments Already Made or Awarded = Subtotal Balance
- Subtotal Balance minus Any Applicable Deductible/Coinsurance = AIC
Novitas Solutions is the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Jurisdiction JL, which includes DC, DE, MD, NJ, and PA.
Microsoft Technology Grants and Discounts Available for Nonprofits
Microsoft Tech for Social Impact is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible technology to help nonprofits of all sizes achieve their mission. That’s why they offer grants and discounts for their products and services to eligible nonprofits around the world, including solutions like Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365.
Download the Microsoft Nonprofit Grants Proposal to learn about their most popular nonprofit offers:
- Improve cybersecurity, reduce costs, and empower staff and volunteers to work from anywhere with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams. Free for up to 10 users and discounted pricing of $5.50 (USD) per user/month for additional users.
- Move to the Cloud with the Azure grant for nonprofits. Leverage $2,000 (USD) Azure services credits per year and access the complete portfolio of Azure products and cloud services.
- Easily develop mobile and web apps to support your mission — even if you have no technical or development experience. Power Apps is now free for up to 10 users with discounted pricing of $2.50 per user per month for additional users.
Get started with free technology grants and discounts!
Get grants and discounts across Microsoft’s Cloud products, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365. To get started, register and confirm your organization’s eligibility. Already registered as a nonprofit? Login to your Microsoft Nonprofit page and access Admin Center. Watch our guided demo to help you get your free Microsoft 365 licenses.
Learn more about nonprofit offers:
For general information on eligibility, accessing offers, the Nonprofit Hub, and technical support, please submit your question, and a Microsoft representative will contact you shortly. Contact us.
PA DOH Notifies Citizens of Possible Measles Exposure
The Office of Developmental Programs has shared this important announcement from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) related to possible exposure to an individual positive for measles.
On October 11, the Pennsylvania DOH was notified by the New Jersey DOH that Pennsylvania residents could have been exposed to measles.
The New Jersey Health Department’s confirmed measles case is a resident of Monmouth County who presented with measles following recent international travel. The individual developed a rash and was subsequently confirmed to have measles via positive measles PCR results. He visited several healthcare facilities and public venues while infectious for measles.
DOH notes that anyone who visited the following New Jersey locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed and should contact a health care provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness.
- Location: Livoti’s Old World Market, 200 Mounts Corner Drive, Freehold, NJ 07728;
Date & Time: September 30, 2024, between 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm - Location: El Rancho Mexican Restaurant, 28 W Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728;
Date & Time: October 1, 2024, between 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm - Location: International Longshoreman Association Strike, Elizabeth Chassis Depot, 1510 S. Bay Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, and the area near the “Welcome to Elizabeth Terminal;”
Date & Time: October 1-3, 2024, all day - Location: Atlantic Health Immediate Care, 479 Route 520, Suite A103, Marlboro, NJ 07746;
Date & Time: October 6, 2024, between 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm - Location: Jersey Shore University Medical Center – Emergency Department, 1945 NJ-33, Neptune City, NJ 07753;
Date & Time: October 7, 2024, between 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Potentially exposed individuals, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as October 29, 2024.
When to Suspect Measles
Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with a febrile rash illness lasting three days or more, a temperature of 101ºF (38.3ºC) or higher, and clinically compatible symptoms (cough, coryza, and/or conjunctivitis), particularly if the patient was potentially exposed to a case of measles or has recently traveled to an area with an on-going measles outbreak and are not fully vaccinated.
RCPA Celebrates Success of 2024 Conference — Save the Date for the 2025 Conference!
RCPA staff and Conference Committee members are grateful to all of our attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors for a great experience at the Hershey Lodge this past September. We are happy to report that we had 800 people in attendance throughout the week!
Participants were able to hear from over 150 speakers, and RCPA was able to record many of the workshops as well as the keynote and plenary sessions. The recordings are available to attendees who previously registered for the conference in the mobile app. For those who are interested in earning CEs, you can earn over 110 credits!
We were honored to host 86 exhibit booths in our Connections Hall, representing a variety of services and products from pharmacy initiatives to technology, furniture to HR services, insurance and electronic health record systems to education, and so much more.
Our conference in 2025 will be held in September once again! We ask you to save the date — the 2025 RCPA Conference will be held September 9 – 12, 2025.
Brain Injury Advisory Board to Convene on November 1
The Department of Health’s Brain Injury Advisory Board, established under section 1252 of the Federal Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. § 300d-52), will hold their next public meeting on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The meeting will be held in person at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112 in the Cambria conference room.
Meeting materials will be sent out before the meeting and will also be available on the Board’s website and at the meeting location. Questions should be directed to Nicole Johnson.
The Department of Health’s Head Injury Program (HIP) strives to ensure that eligible individuals who have a traumatic brain injury receive high quality rehabilitative services aimed at reducing functional limitations and improving quality of life. The Board assists the department in understanding and meeting the needs of persons living with acquired brain injuries, both traumatic and nontraumatic, and their families. This quarterly meeting provides updates on a variety of topics, including the number of people served by HIP. In addition, meeting participants will discuss budgetary and programmatic issues, community programs relating to traumatic and nontraumatic brain injuries, and available advocacy opportunities.
For additional information or for persons with a disability who wish to attend the meeting and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation to do so, contact Nicole Johnson, Division of Community Systems Development and Outreach, 717-772-2763. For individuals with speech and/or hearing impairments, contact V/TT 717-783-6514 or the Pennsylvania Hamilton Relay Service at 800-654-5984. This meeting is subject to cancellation without notice.
DHS Issues Important Notice: Immediate Action Required for Regulatory Compliance
Providers who hold a license to operate a facility licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) are being notified of a change to the Civil Rights Compliance process. There is a new Civil Rights Compliance form when submitting a new licensing application as well as a new Civil Rights Compliance Renewal form when submitting a licensing renewal application.
Entities seeking a new license will utilize a Civil Rights Compliance (CRC) form (HS2126). The prior Civil Rights Compliance (CRC) form is now obsolete and will be returned back to providers. This form must be included in the packet submitted as part of any new license request. The new application, supporting documents, and CRC form must be emailed to the DHS office that issues your license; the email address can be found in the chart below.
Entities licensed by OCDEL or ODP who use CLS or PELICAN to submit new applications must submit the form by email. The CRC forms are not part of the electronic CLS/PELICAN new application process. The updated CRC form for new applications can be found on the DHS website under the “Application for License” page.
For licensing renewals, a licensee will now submit a CRC Renewal form (HS 2125). The prior Attestation form is now obsolete and will be returned back to providers. The renewal form must be submitted as part of a renewal licensing application, and the renewal notice will still be sent out 130 days prior to expiration. The renewal application must be emailed to the DHS office that issues your license; the email address can be found in the chart below.
Entities licensed by OCDEL or ODP who use CLS or PELICAN to submit renewal applications must submit the renewal by email. The renewal is not part of the electronic CLS/PELICAN renewal application process. The CRC form for can be found on the DHS website under the “Application for License” page.
Previously, the DHS Bureau of Equal Opportunity (BEO) would issue you a letter verifying that you are compliant with applicable civil rights laws. With the new process, a letter from BEO will no longer be sent out to licensed entities. Instead, the issuance of the new license or renewal license will indicate that your CRC form or renewal form submission was approved. If there are issues or questions on the submitted CRC or renewal form, a staff member from BEO or DHS will contact you.
| If your license is issued by… | Submit your application AND your CRC form (if new license) or CRC Renewal (if license renewal) to: |
| The Bureau of Human Services Licensing (Renewals) – PCH & ALR | [email protected] |
| For NEW applications for Personal Care Homes or Assisted Living Residences | Send the application, supporting documents, Civil Rights Compliance Form (HS2126) and the application fee, check or money order payable to DHS to:
Via USPS: Or via courier: DHS/BHSL DHS/BHSL Room 623 Health & Human Services Bldg. PO Box 2675 Rm 623 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675 625 Forster Street Harrisburg, PA 17120 |
| The Office of Children, Youth, and Families | [email protected] |
| The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services | [email protected] |
| The Office of Developmental Programs* | [email protected] |
| The Office of Child Development and Early Learning* | Child care providers should include their MPI number in the subject line and email the appropriate regional office:
Northeast Region: Central Region: Counties: Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, York, Adams, Lebanon and York Counties: Snyder, Perry, Juniata, Centre, Mifflin, Tioga, Lycoming, Northumberland, Union and Clinton South Region: |
| Western Region:
Counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, Warren, Washington and Westmoreland Counties: Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset |
*Licensees who use CLS or PELICAN to submit renewal applications must submit the renewal by email. The renewal is not part of the electronic CLS/PELICAN renewal application process.
The new process is effective on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Existing licensees and applicants must begin following the new process on or before that date.
If you have any questions about the new process, please contact the applicable DHS office, DHS Human Services Licensing Office at 717-705-0383, or, if your facility is a childcare facility, please reach the Office of Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) at Western Region 1-800-222-2149, Central Region (Harrisburg) at 1-800-222-2117, Northeast Region (Scranton) at 1-800-222-2108, or Southeast Region (North & South) at 1-800-346-2929.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the completion of your civil rights compliance application, please contact Bureau of Equal Opportunity Licensing office at 717-787-1579 or electronically.
Thank you for your commitment to protecting the rights of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens. If you have any additional questions, please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director.
Exclusive Onsite Opportunities at the 2024 RCPA Conference!
The 2024 RCPA Conference Embracing Challenges, Empowering Success kicks off in just a few days, and it’s your very last chance to contact RCPA and register to gain access to speakers who work on the cutting edge of health and human services.
In addition to keynote and plenary speakers as well as educational and interactive workshops, RCPA is hosting a variety of events throughout each day that will only be available to those onsite at the Hershey Lodge!
Tuesday, Sept. 24:
- During the afternoon, the Oral Health + Disability Exhibit will highlight the urgent need for inclusive dental care for people with disabilities.
- Attendees will join RCPA staff, Conference Committee members, and colleagues at the Welcome Reception for hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and plenty of networking opportunities!
Wednesday, Sept. 25:
- The Association Awards Luncheon will recognize Rep. Eric Nelson, Kim Sonafelt, and Mike Hopkins for their dedication, commitment, and leadership in health and human services.
- Throughout the day, the Bodhana Group, a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in York, will be on hand to discuss their mission of using tabletop games for education, skill building, and therapy.
Thursday, Sept. 26:
- With Connections Hall open, attendees will have the day between sessions to explore exhibit booths, participate in the mobile app game, and enjoy both breakfast and lunch with RCPA staff and colleagues.
- Silent Auction items will be distributed this day. Attendees will have a chance to earn prizes while supporting the RCPA PAC, which provides financial support to state legislators who have demonstrated a strong, consistent, and positive interest in our issues and priorities.
All of these and more will only be available onsite for in-person attendees. If you haven’t registered yet, registrations with credit card information included may be faxed to the office until September 20 at 5:00 pm, fax number 717-364-3287. Registration and payment for the RCPA conference is accepted on-site at the Hershey Lodge and Conference Center, provided space and materials remain available. Questions regarding registration should be directed to Allison Brognia, Conference Registrar.
Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, or RCPA with any additional questions. We look forward to seeing you at the Hershey Lodge!
BIAA Event to Focus on Brain Injury as a Chronic Health Condition
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) will be conducting an event via Zoom that will focus on the recent announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that formally designated brain injury as a chronic health condition. The session, “CMS Chronic Condition Designation — What it Means for You,” will be held on September 24, 2024, at 12:00 pm.
Panelists for this event include:
- Denver Supinger, BIAA’s Director of Advocacy and Government Relations;
- Karen Kimsey, former Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services;
- Paul Bosworth, brain injury survivor and member of BIAA’s Brain Injury Survivors Council; and
- Darcy Keith, brain injury survivor and member of BIAA’s Brain Injury Survivors Council.
To participate in the event, please register here.
Online Registration Closed! Contact RCPA to Register for the 2024 Conference
Online registration has officially closed for the 2024 RCPA Conference. Registrations with credit card information included may be faxed to the office at 717-364-3287 until September 20 at 5:00 pm. Registration and payment for the RCPA conference is accepted on-site at the Hershey Lodge and Conference Center, provided space and materials remain available. Questions regarding registration should be directed to Allison Brognia, Conference Registrar.
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