Spit Test May Diagnose Concussions in Athletes
OLTL Announces Nov. 20 Act 24 Cost Reporting Webinar for Non-Nursing Facility Providers
The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has announced that they will be holding a webinar on November 20, 2020 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am to provide information on the Act 24 Cost Reports. The webinar is specifically for non-nursing facility providers, such as personal assistance agencies, residential habilitation providers, adult day care centers, personal care homes, and assisted living residences. Time will be allotted for questions and answers. The due date for the final report is December 21, 2020. No interim report is due for non-nursing facility providers.
To participate in this webinar, registration is required. There is a maximum capacity of 500 participants per webinar, so providers are encouraged to register early. Attendance is limited to no more than two individuals per organization or agency. The session will be recorded and made available for viewing. OLTL has made the Excel reporting templates for Personal Assistance Services and Home Health Agencies and Residential Habilitation Service Providers available.
Questions regarding Act 24 reporting can be sent here.
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Month
Legislation Introduced to Lessen Impact of Physician Fee Schedule Cuts
Recently, a bi-partisan group of members from the House of Representatives introduced a bill that addresses the tentative cuts in reimbursement for services paid for through the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule. This bill was published in the Federal Register on August 17, 2020 (comments were due by October 5, 2020). These cuts impact outpatient therapy in addition to inpatient physician services. This bill, “Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020”, would create a separate, dedicated fund that would pay providers the difference in their reimbursement and 2020 payment rates for two years. The Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) will continue to update members on the progression of this bill.
Insider Tips on PA ABLE
Wednesday, November 18
11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) gives families and individuals an opportunity to talk about money issues and set goals. The creation of the ABLE savings program in 2014 was a monumental win for people with disabilities. For the first time ever, people with disabilities had a safe way to save without jeopardizing their benefits. Diana Fishlock of the Pennsylvania Treasury Department will discuss some of the details of Pennsylvania’s ABLE program, and Dr. Josie Badger and Susan Tachau will share their first-hand experiences with using ABLE accounts.
Join us to learn about:
- Eligibility requirements for opening an ABLE account in Pennsylvania;
- Advantages of investing in an ABLE account;
- Real life experiences with using your ABLE account;
- What you can purchase with your ABLE savings;
- Insider tips for making large purchases (home, vehicle, vacation), and;
- Setting up ABLE investment strategies for your goals.
Learn more and register here.
For questions or help with registration, please contact Megan Bolin at 888-744-1938.
Join us and gain the tools you need to have an impact.
Each Money Talks webinar hosted by the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation will provide information and resources to handle the unique financial issues that impact individuals with disabilities, including new challenges that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are a person with a disability, a family member of someone with a disability, an advocate, an educator, or a service provider, this series is for you. Each session will be fully accessible, and recordings, transcripts, and slides will be made available.
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
Toll Free Voice: 888.744.1938
Voice: 484.674.0506
Fax: 484.674.0510
Email: patf@patf.us
DOH Announces Week-Five Rapid Antigen Test Card Distributions
No Longer Locked Away: Amplifying the Voices of Individuals with Mental Illness
MLTSS Subcommittee Meeting Scheduled for December 4
The next Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for December 4, 2020 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. The meeting will be conducted via webinar. Members can register to participate here. Public comments will be taken after each presentation, and questions can be entered into the chat box during the presentations.
To participate via telephone, please dial:
(415) 655-0060
Access Code: 570-909-331
Social Security Administration Online Tool
The U.S. Social Security Administration has created a new online tool for individuals with disabilities to complete required eligibility reviews. With the new tool, an individual who receives a request for an updated disability report in the mail may go online, complete the form, and sign it digitally.
Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19
Record High Testing of Over 49,500 PCR Tests
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 6, that there were 3,384 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 223,950. This is the highest daily increase of cases.
The most accurate daily data is available on the website with archived data also available.
The number of tests administered within the last seven days between October 30 and November 5 is 301,056 with 17,690 positive cases. There were 49,528 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m. on November 5. This is a record high number of PCR test results reported to the department.
There are 8,975 deaths attributed to COVID-19 with an increase of 38 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
There are 4,743 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.
There are 2,408,366 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date, the age breakdown is as follows:
- Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
- Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
- Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
- Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
- Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
- Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
- Nearly 21% are ages 65 or older.
There are 1,599 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 351 patients are in the intensive care unit. Most of the patients hospitalized are age 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients aged 65 or older. More data is available here.
The department has seen significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics. Increases among 19 to 24-year-olds from April through November are available below:
- NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 20 percent of cases so far in November;
- NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 13 percent of cases so far in November;
- SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 11 percent of cases so far in November;
- SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 10 percent of cases so far in November;
- NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 10 percent of cases so far in November; and
- SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 9 percent of cases so far in November.
In nursing and personal care homes, there are 27,104 resident cases of COVID-19 and 5,810 cases among employees for a total of 32,914 cases at 1,106 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,903 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.
Approximately 12,811 of our total cases are among health care workers.
Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon on November 5:
- Provided the latest CMU metrics report.
- Announced funding to protect homeless during a COVID resurgence.
- Provided Pennsylvania State Police enforcement data.
The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
- If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.
Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, and Graphics
- Daily COVID-19 Report
- Press releases regarding coronavirus
- Latest information on the coronavirus
- Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
- Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
- Community preparedness and procedures materials
All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nate Wardle
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