Sharon Militello • February 13, 2026

From the National Council: Second Reconciliation Bill Unlikely

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Sharon Militello

Date

February 13, 2026

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Message from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing:

Negotiations continued this week as Congress attempted to obtain a funding agreement for the Department of Homeland Security. However, it appears all but certain that Republicans and Democrats will be unable to reach a consensus before funding for the agency expires at midnight on Friday, Feb. 13. Without a deal, a partial government shutdown will occur, impacting only those programs and services Homeland Security administers. Programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including those overseen by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), would not be affected by the shutdown.


Elsewhere, President Trump this week said that he does not think another reconciliation package will be needed (subscription required) before the end of the current session of Congress. Trump said, “We’ve gotten everything passed that we need for four years,” primarily through the passage of H.R. 1 in July 2025. The comments came following congressional Republicans’ talks about what they would include in a follow-up to H.R. 1. While the president didn’t rule out more legislation, he signaled he’s focused on smaller bills, saying they may instead “perfect” what has already passed.

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ODP Updates the MAAC on Paid Relative Caregiving & Travel Limitations

By Tim Sohosky • May 29, 2026
On Thursday, May 28, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) provided an update to the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) regarding current policies and upcoming regulatory changes following a recent Commonwealth Court decision. On February 17, 2026, the PA Commonwealth Court issued a decision in Dunkelberger v. Department of Human Services that determined that ODP’s limitations on provider model services (specifically the 40/60-hour caps and 90-day travel maximums) were null and void. The decision was based on process rather than policy validity; the Court found that these limitations were not properly promulgated as regulations in accordance with the Commonwealth Documents Law and Regulatory Review Act. To maintain a balanced approach between flexibility and oversight, ODP is moving forward with the following actions: Regulatory Amendments: ODP will amend regulations to establish formal authority for setting service delivery limits that support individual welfare and program integrity. Self-Directed Model Agreements: ODP has already modified agreements for self-directed models to clarify limits on overtime, combined relative service provision, and travel restrictions. Travel Restrictions: Due to the inability to monitor services effectively over long distances, service provision will now be limited to Pennsylvania and contiguous states. Waiver Changes: ODP will seek modifications through the amendment process to the Consolidated, P/FDS, Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers to include: New requirements for agencies providing IHCS and Companion services to disclose a DSP's relationship to participants; and Strengthened programmatic oversight and integrity measures. Life Sharing Alternative: For participants requiring more than 60 hours of paid care from a relative, the Life Sharing (24/7) service model remains the recommended alternative. ODP anticipates a public comment period for these proposed waiver changes beginning in January 2027.
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Shapiro Administration's Strategic Investments in ID/A Community Lead to Highest Number of Pennsylvanians Ever Served in HCBS

By Tim Sohosky • May 28, 2026
Press Release from DHS : Published May 27, 2026
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ODP Provides Updates to PBC 2026/27 Residential Pay-for-Performance

By Cathy Barrick • May 28, 2026
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