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Medical Rehab

Novitas Solutions, the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Pennsylvania, has announced the introduction of a new and improved Medicare Navigator program for providers.

The program includes webinars focused on supporting providers so they can successfully navigate Medicare program requirements and submit complete, accurate transactions. March’s Medicare Navigator Program also spotlights the Foundations of Compliance:

  • March 24, Foundations of Compliance: Locating and Utilizing Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs)
  • March 26, Foundations of Compliance: Purposeful Documentation

Members are encouraged to review Novitas’s event calendar for the full listing of events and opportunities to register.

An Overview of Sexuality & Disability in Pediatrics
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST;
10:00 am – 11:00 am MST; 9:00 am – 10:00 am PST
Register Here

A Discipline Specific Approach to Sexuality & Disability in Pediatrics
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST;
10:00 am – 11:00 am MST; 9:00 am – 10:00 am PST
Register Here

Presenters:
Amanda Appel, MD, MPH (Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine)
Amanda Chestnut, MS, OTR/L, BCP (Occupational Therapy)
Alison Colbert, PhD (Neuropsychology)
Caroline Freer, CCC-SLP (Speech Therapy)
Carolyn Kelley, DPT, PCS (Physical Therapy)
Ann Lantagne, PhD (Rehab Psychology)
Christine Petranovich, PhD (Neuropsychology)

Led by Amanda Appel, MD, MPH, a pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician at Children’s Hospital Colorado, this engaging team will discuss the multi-disciplinary facets of discussing sexuality with children with disabilities.

Objectives — Part 1: At the end of this session, the learner will:

  • Understand disparities in reproductive health care and sexual health education for individuals with disabilities;
  • Understand the importance of addressing reproductive health and sexual dysfunction for patients with disabilities; and
  • Apply the information and feel empowered to start conversations with patients and their families about sex.

Objectives — Part 2: At the end of this session, the learner will:

  • Have an increased awareness of sexuality as a component of holistic care;
  • Understand discipline-specific considerations related to sexuality and disability;
  • Learn practical guidance to promote interdisciplinary collaboration; and
  • Apply the information and feel empowered to start conversations with patients and their families about sex.

Audience: This webinar is intended for all interested members of the rehabilitation team.

Level: Beginner-Intermediate

Certificate of Attendance: Certificates of attendance are available for all attendees. No CEs are provided for this course.

Complimentary webinars are a benefit of membership in IPRC/RCPA. Registration fee for non-members is $179. Not a member yet? Consider joining today.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) has developed a communications toolkit available at DHS’s website to help Pennsylvanians understand SNAP work and reporting requirements as well as how to meet them.

SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) services are important for Pennsylvanians who are applying for or receiving SNAP and who must meet federal work and reporting requirements because these services will help them meet the requirements.

SNAP recipients must work, volunteer, or participate in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) AND report to PA DHS they are meeting this requirement. If SNAP recipients do not meet the work and reporting requirements, they can only receive three months of SNAP benefits in a three-year period.

Please contact RCPA Policy Associate Emma Sharp with any questions.

RCPA is excited to once again host our Annual Conference from September 29 – October 2 at the Hershey Lodge. Our 2026 Annual Conference, Power in Purpose: Promoting Possibilities, will be a highlight for the Pennsylvania behavioral health, brain injury, children’s, early intervention, intellectual and developmental disabilities, medical rehabilitation, and physical disabilities and aging provider communities.

RCPA staff and the Conference Committee have released this year’s Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Advertiser Brochure, which features many opportunities to get in on the action and network with providers. Booth self-selection will also be available for exhibitors and exhibiting sponsors. In order to be considered for self-selection, a completed contract with payment must be submitted.

Network and Compete in Connections Hall
Connections Hall activities take place during the two busiest days of the conference, and many networking opportunities are available throughout the event. You’ll also be able to compete and have a chance to win “Best of Show!”

Exciting Sponsorship Opportunities
RCPA is privileged to have the backing of the finest organizations in the field for our conference. Through the use of sponsorship circles, RCPA is able to honor all supporting organizations.

Sign Up Now!
Sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers who wish to be listed on the website, on the mobile app, and in the conference program must submit all materials by Tuesday, September 8.

The association looks forward to welcoming you at the conference! Space and opportunities are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and no reservation is considered complete without payment. If questions remain, please contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator.

As the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) prepares for the upcoming changes in the federal Medicaid standards set for implementation in January 2027, DHS has convened a statewide HR1 Steering Committee. This group is tasked with reviewing policy and practice drafts from the Department as it relates to their response to the pending Medicaid changes, including new eligibility and work requirements for recipients and communicating the implementation of Pennsylvania’s overall plan.

The steering committee is comprised of state leadership, advocates, and payers. RCPA providers will be represented by RCPA President and CEO Richard Edley. RCPA’s involvement will bolster our role as a lead advocate for members and stakeholders as it relates to Medicaid HR 1 activities. Additionally, RCPA has contracted with former Pennsylvania Medicaid Director Leesa Allen to assist in developing our internal strategies and advocacy platform.

The steering committee had its initial meeting yesterday, March 5, 2026, to lay out the groundwork for the group and presented an initial PowerPoint presentation that looks at some of the foundational information around Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP changes.

If you have questions or feedback, please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director or COO Jim Sharp.