RCPA Shares Overview of the IRRC Response to PRTF Public Comments
RCPA Shares Third Party Liability Member Survey
In an effort to gain a better understanding of providers’ ongoing needs and challenges in addressing third party liability (TPL) claims, RCPA is requesting that our members complete the following TPL Survey. This survey was designed to capture critical barriers so as to develop strategic pathways to ensuring access and equity.
In January 2024, Governor Shapiro announced that commercial insurers would be required to meet their obligations under Pennsylvania law to provide coverage for autism benefits by categorizing autism services as a mental health benefit. With this action, all autism services will be treated as mental health services, leading to greater mental health parity for those with autism spectrum disorders. The goal of the Shapiro Administration’s legislation is to improve much-needed access to services for individuals diagnosed with autism, a challenge that the Commonwealth has faced for decades.
As providers of mental health, autism services, and substance abuse disorders, our members treat a vast array of individuals who are insured by either commercial insurance, Medicaid insurance, or both. For those who have just Medicaid, billing is simple: providers bill the Medicaid payor, and they pay the claim. The same is true for those who have just commercial insurance if the provider is in network with the commercial insurance carrier.
Complications occur when an individual has both commercial insurance and Medicaid. Coordination of Benefits (COB) requires that the commercial insurance is billed first, and then Medicaid pays what is not covered. Services like the delivery of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) are two good examples of services that can fall into this category.
With this survey, we hope to gather information that will assist RCPA and members in addressing the barriers in insurance coverage for children, families, and individuals in Pennsylvania. We thank you for taking the time to complete the survey so that we can continue to seek solutions to access services in our communities.
If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Associate Emma Sharp.
RCPA Conference “Striving to Thrive” in 2025!
Happy New Year! Now that you have turned the page to your 2025 calendars, we want to be sure that you do not miss saving the dates for the RCPA Annual Conference in 2025. We will be holding the conference earlier than we traditionally have, so we want to be sure you know the date. We will be meeting again at the Hershey Lodge, September 9 – 12, 2025! But not to worry — we will be offering the same high level of quality you have come to expect from our selection of workshops, speakers, and activities! Stay tuned to our social media and Conference website for future developments.
OMHSAS Quarterly Peer Support Services Meeting to Be Held January 14
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) will be holding a quarterly public meeting on January 14, 2025, for anyone interested in discussing the topic of peer support services (PSS) while working in the mental health field. These meetings will provide a regularly scheduled opportunity for OMHSAS representatives to provide PSS updates and information as well as answer questions and obtain essential insight and feedback from stakeholders.
The quarterly meeting will be held on January 14, 2025, at 10:00 am – 11:00 am. The Microsoft TEAMS Meeting link for this meeting can be found below. OMHSAS will continue to send the meeting invitation to include the meeting link and an agenda in advance. This information will continue to be sent via the OMHSAS listserv.
TEAMS MEETING INFORMATION:
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 223 156 162 141
Passcode: QkkY9M
Dial in by phone
+1 267-332-8737,,482893574# United States, Philadelphia
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 482 893 574#
Please reach out to RCPA COO and Mental Health Policy Director Jim Sharp with any questions.
IRRC Submits Comments on PRTF Regulations and Public Feedback
PCHC to Host Bipolar Disorder Training
Tine Hansen-Turton, President and CEO of RCPA Member Woods System of Care, Named to City & State PA’s 2024 Power of Diversity: Women 100 List
Reminder: Discover RCPA Membership Benefits on January 15
RCPA is excited to host a Membership Benefits webinar on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm, as an opportunity for members to orient themselves with all that RCPA membership includes. This is not just for new and future members. For current members, there may be benefits associated with our membership that you may not be aware of, including targeted meetings and groups that occur throughout the year.
Registration is required; please register here to attend the webinar. Items we will review include the below and much more:
- Virtually meet the dedicated RCPA Policy Staff and RCPA lobbyists;
- Discuss the 2025 Legislative and Administrative priorities;
- Preview RCPA divisional committee and subcommittee meetings and what they offer;
- View the RCPA member-only website;
- Review exclusive yearly educational and networking events; and
- Understand the value of the National Association memberships included with RCPA membership.
Visit the RCPA member benefits web page for more information, or contact Tieanna Lloyd for benefit details.
Community Safety and Wellness: We All Belong Here — Positive Approaches Journal Volume 13, Issue 3 Now Available
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are pleased to announce the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal.
This issue of the Positive Approaches Journal takes a deep dive into the importance of community safety and wellness for individuals and families. Topics include emergency preparedness, interventions and programs for youth, justice and community supports and services, and navigating crises situations. Remember, a community that prioritizes health, safety, and well-being is one that thrives and prospers.
This issue of Positive Approaches Journal is in digital form, available for viewing online or for downloading at MyODP’s website. To print a copy of the PDF, online journal, or a specific article, you will find these options within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page. A new window will open with your selected document. In your browser, you may click the Print button in the top left corner of the page, or by using the Print capability within your browser.
Please submit feedback regarding your experience with the Positive Approaches Journal on MyODP by selecting the feedback image on MyODP within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page.
The Positive Approaches Journal is published quarterly. For additional information, please contact ODP Training’s inbox.
Webinar on Benefits Solution With the RCPA Captive Health Plan to Be Held January 22
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