RCPA has provided members a general update on the Pennsylvania 2026/27 budget. Further updates will be given at the next Government Affairs Committee meeting.

The RCPA Government Affairs Committee meeting that was originally scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, is being rescheduled to July 21, 2026.

RCPA is requesting your consideration to make a donation to our PAC Silent Auction at the 2026 Conference.

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced on Monday that the state will join a multi-state legal action against President Donald Trump.

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to review a pair of challenges to Texas’s ban on paid voter assistance.

A federal judge temporarily blocked a portion of the ED's narrowed definition of “professional degree” that was set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

RCPA is excited to host a membership benefits webinar on Thursday, July 9, 2026, as an opportunity for members to orient themselves with all that RCPA membership includes.

OLC released a memo seeking to undercut the integration mandate in the Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C. and in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

The Mental Health Safety Net (MHSN) Coalition sent a letter today, June 18, 2026, to the General Assembly in support of County-funded community residential programs.

H.B. 1939 proposes to amend the Human Services Code by establishing a market index rate adjustment process for ID/A services. RCPA is maintaining a neutral position.

Registration is now open for RCPA's 2026 Conference Power in Purpose: Promoting Possibilities, which will be held September 29 – October 2 at the Hershey Lodge.

Mercer Government Services recently reported that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule that could significantly affect Medicaid provider payment strategies across both managed care and fee-for-service delivery systems. The proposal would establish Medicare-based payment limits for certain provider payment arrangements, expand documentation and reporting requirements, and introduce new operational considerations for states. RCPA will continue to monitor the details of this new proposed rule and is preparing to submit comments by July 21, 2026. We welcome RCPA member input and ask you to contact your respective RCPA Policy Director. If you have any questions regarding the report, please contact Fady Sahhar .

RCPA is excited to host a membership benefits webinar on Thursday, July 9, 2026, 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 as well as elements of the new website you may not be familiar with.​​​​ 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. NEW ! RCPA announced a new website earlier this month, and all members are encouraged to create their RCPA Portal account. The benefits and its importance will be highlighted! Discuss the 2026 Legislative and Administrative priorities. Preview RCPA divisional committee and subcommittee meetings and what they offer. Review exclusive yearly educational and networking events. Understand the value of the ANCOR and National Association memberships included with RCPA membership. Visit the RCPA member benefits web page for more information, or contact Tieanna Lloyd for benefit details.

As part of RCPA’s ongoing strategies for guiding members and stakeholders through the H.R. 1 implementation process, RCPA has developed the RCPA H.R. 1 Medicaid Resource Guide . The guide is designed to provide education and resources for the changes that are set to occur at the State and Federal levels. RCPA will continue to update this guide as implementation proceeds and information becomes available. Please contact your RCPA Policy Director with any questions.

RCPA has signed on with the Pennsylvania Provider Advocacy Coalition (PPAC) in urging the PA House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee to pause their consideration of House Bill 1611. The pause would allow stakeholders time to engage with the bill and supply feedback before the bill would be advanced. Concerns regarding the bill include delays in hiring due to a drastic increase in applicants who would need to be processed for criminal history clearances; additional, unfunded costs for workers and employers; and a "rigid employment ban" applied across a variety of positions and facility types. As the letter states: We are not suggesting that criminal history should not be considered for hiring decisions. We support strong safeguards. We are asking that the General Assembly allow time to work with stakeholders to ensure that any new framework does not include unintended consequences that could disrupt health care delivery. Read the full letter here.

RCPA wishes to take this opportunity to thank those who attended the H.R. 1 Medicaid Summit that was held last month. The summit provided an opportunity for the more than 350 participants to learn about the pending changes in Federal Medicaid as well as its implications in Pennsylvania and those who advocate and provide services for this vulnerable population. RCPA would also like to thank our panelists for their commitment to engaging with our members in ensuring collaboration and partnership throughout the implementation. This summit served to represent one of the many facets of advocacy and support for our members across our divisions and RCPA’s advocacy efforts on the HR 1 Medicaid impacts. Available now are the presentations from both the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and from Leesa Allen, RCPA Medicaid Consultant . We will also be releasing the RCPA H.R. 1 Medicaid Resource Handbook in the near future, which will provide an overview of policy and practice implementation at both the Federal and State levels, a Medicaid FAQ, and recent updates on developing areas, such as the State Directive Payments and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse standards. RCPA will continue to communicate to members regarding H.R. 1 Medicaid updates and events, including a Medicaid Summit at the RCPA Conference. Visit the RCPA website for details regarding our conference, and note that we plan to share the registration brochure within the coming weeks. If you have additional questions regarding the RCPA Medicaid Handbook, please forward them to RCPA Policy Specialist Emma Sharp .

RCPA would like to extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors and the golfers who participated in the RCPA PAC Golf Outing held on Tuesday, June 2. Your support and participation helped make this event a tremendous success. Winning Foursome, Left to Right: Cody Dinger, Strawberry Fields, Inc. George McMurty, Strawberry Fields, Inc. Rob Labatch, Hope Enterprises, Inc. John Bubb, Hope Enterprises, Inc.

Article by Tri-State Alert : Published June 1, 2026

RCPA has compiled information for our members from our partners at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as well as Wojdak Government Relations regarding CMS’ release of its interim final rule regarding work requirements. From the National Council for Mental Wellbeing: On June 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its interim final rule on implementing community engagement requirements (commonly referred to as “work requirements”) as provided under H.R.1. Additional information on the proposal can be found in the press release and fact sheet . Because CMS released an interim final rule , the rule will be effective July 31, 2026, with an opportunity for public comment, due July 31, 2026. Background: H.R.1 requires expansion enrollees, non-pregnant adult Medicaid beneficiaries aged 19-64 who typically meet a higher income threshold than in traditional Medicaid and receive coverage in their state as a result of Medicaid expansion or waiver , complete at least 80 hours of work or qualifying activities per month. Other qualifying activities can include community service, work programs, educational programs, or a combination of these activities. The law provides exemptions to meeting these requirements for those who are “medically frail,” which includes individuals with a substance use disorder, disabling mental disorder, or those participating in a Drug Addiction or Alcoholic Treatment or Rehabilitation Program. The Interim Final Rule seeks to provide further implementation guidance on these exemptions. Unless the Secretary grants an extension, states are required to implement work requirements by Jan. 1, 2027, with some states choosing to implement these requirements sooner (so far this includes Nebraska, Montana, Arkansas, and Iowa). From Wojdak Government Relations: Key Provisions on Requirements and Activities: Beginning January 1, 2027, (or earlier date chosen by the state) states must require that certain adults meet a work requirement to enroll in Medicaid or keep their Medicaid coverage when their eligibility is renewed. The work requirement applies to "applicable individuals" or non-pregnant adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who are not entitled to or enrolled in Medicare and are eligible for or enrolled in the Medicaid adult group or in certain section 1115 demonstrations that provide minimum essential coverage to adult beneficiaries. States must conduct outreach to adults who are already enrolled in Medicaid and could be subject to the requirement prior to implementing the new requirement. States must also continue to conduct outreach to applicants who enroll in Medicaid or those whose coverage is renewed on a basis that is subject to meet these requirements after implementation. Work Requirement Activities: Adults subject to the work requirement can meet the requirement for a month if they: Work, complete community service, or participate in a work program for not less than 80 hours; Enroll in an educational program at least half-time; Complete a combination of the activities described above for at least 80 hours; or Have monthly income that is not less than the federal minimum wage multiplied by 80 hours. Some adults are considered to meet the requirement because they were under the age of 19, were enrolled in another Medicaid eligibility group or Medicare, were previously an inmate, or were previously exempt from the requirement. ­­­ Key Provisions on Exemptions: Some adults are exempt and do not need to meet the work requirement to enroll in Medicaid or keep their Medicaid coverage, including adults who are: Former foster care youth; American Indians and Alaska Natives; Parents, guardians, caretaker relatives, or family caregivers of a dependent child 13 years of age and under, or a disabled individual; Veterans with a total disability rating; Medically frail or otherwise have special medical needs that significantly impair their ability to comply with the requirement; Meet the TANF work requirements or are a member of a household receiving SNAP benefits and are not exempt from the SNAP work requirements; Participants in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation or treatment program; Inmates of a public institution; and Pregnant or eligible for postpartum coverage in their state. Key Provisions on Exceptions and Assessing Community Engagement: States have the option to provide short-term hardship exceptions that allow an individual to be considered as meeting the work requirement. The short-term hardships offered, when states choose this option, are for adults: Receiving certain medical services, such as inpatient hospital or nursing facility services; Residing in a county in which there is an emergency or disaster declared by the President; Residing in a county with a high unemployment rate; or Traveling outside of their community for an extended period of time for medical services for a serious or complex medical condition for themselves or their dependent. Adults must meet the work requirement at application and during periodic renewals of eligibility. States determine how many months an individual must meet the requirement, and they have the option to conduct more frequent verifications that individuals meet the work requirement between renewals. If a state cannot verify someone meets the requirement, they must provide the individual 30 days to show the state that they meet the requirement or that they are exempt. If someone is disenrolled because they did not meet the work requirement, they may reapply for Medicaid coverage. From RCPA: RCPA and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing will continue to further review and analyze this rule, develop comments, and provide members with timely updates and resources as state implementation moves forward. RCPA will be releasing its H.R. 1 Medicaid Resource Handbook in the coming week that includes the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s H.R.1 Hub . RCPA thanks our partners for their assistance in providing updates for our organization and members.

Press Release from the Department of Human Services : Published May 14, 2026

View a quick synopsis of the PA primary election results here at Politics PA . Read below for a more in-depth summary, courtesy of Wojdak Government Relations. Senate Highlights: In the State Senate , and perhaps considered the most watched races in the PA Primary: 3 establishment Republicans were targeted for a challenge from the right in Lisa Baker (Luzerne), Camera Bartolotta (Washington) and Chris Gebhard (Lebanon). All 3 survived a very intense primary fight well-funded by the Georgia-based Pace-O-Matic manufacturer of skill-based gaming devices that have become ubiquitous across Pennsylvania and have been the subject of recent legislative efforts to tax and regulate. Over $8M was spent collectively in these three races. Their efforts were not completely shut out though, a last-minute spending blitz appears to have paid off in securing the Democratic nomination for their preferred candidate Mark Pinsley to take on incumbent Republican Senator Jarett Coleman in the Lehigh Valley. This may boost Senate Republicans chances of retaining their majority in what many are saying is a difficult political environment. House Highlights: The State House saw less outside spending and intensity than the Senate races, but there were a few notable upsets. The longest serving state representative and a climate champion, Democrat Greg Vitali, who has represented suburban Philadelphia since 1992, lost his primary last night to Delaware County backed candidate — Judy Trombetta. The shortest tenured state representative Ana Tiburico, a Democrat representing Allentown for only the last few months, also lost her primary to a progressive backed candidate CeCe Gerlach. Other incumbents losing were Republican Bud Cook from Greene County and Democrat Keith Harris in Philadelphia. Congressional Highlights: The marquee race for U.S. Congress , saw progressive State Representative Chris Rabb defeat State Senator Sharif Street to win the nomination in the Philadelphia-based Third Congressional District to replace retiring Congressman Dwight Evans. Street enjoyed significant backing from Mayor Parker and the local Democratic establishment. Governor Shapiro scored wins with his endorsed candidates winning in all four congressional races where he endorsed, all districts with Republican incumbents and perceived to be competitive in November. In those races, County Commissioner Bob Harvey (D) will take on Brian Fitzpatrick (R) in suburban Bucks County, TV anchor Janelle Stelson (D) will see a rematch with Scott Perry (R) in the Harrisburg area, Scranton Mayor Page Cognetti (D) will take on Rob Bresnahan (R) in northeastern Pennsylvania, and firefighter Rob Brooks (D) will challenge Ryan Mackenzie (R) in the Lehigh Valley. In the race for Governor , Republican State Treasurer Republican Stacey Garrity and incumbent Democrat Josh Shapiro were unopposed for their respective nominations, but Garrity did get her preferred running mate with Allegheny GOP party chair Jason Ritchey securing the Lt. Governor nomination. Incumbent Lt. Governor Austin Davis was unopposed. (In Pennsylvania Governor and Lt. Governor candidates are selected separately in the primary but run as a team in November). If you want to get a closer look at results for specific races, you can find the full Department of State data here . Here are a few key articles coming out of the primary if you want to read more: Latest Results From the 2026 Pennsylvania Primary Election (Spotlight PA) Pa. Primary Election: Chris Rabb Wins in Contentious 3rd District Race; Democratic Nominees Set in Key Swing Districts (Inquirer) Shapiro-Backed Brooks Wins Competitive Pennsylvania Primary (Politico) Pennsylvania Primary Battles See Some Legislative Incumbents Fall While Gaming-Targeted Senators Hold On (Spotlight PA) Janelle Stelson Will Face Rep. Scott Perry Again After Victory in Pa.-10 Democratic Primary (Penn Capital-Star) Looking forward, House and Senate Members will return to Harrisburg June 1 for the budget sprint, with the fiscal year ending June 30. Then all eyes will turn to the fall election, November 3. As of today, we are 167 days away.

Thank you, Governor Josh Shapiro, for recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month 2026! With special gratitude to all of the MH providers offering services across Pennsylvania. View the proclamation here .  #MHAwarenessMonth, #BeTheDifference

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The National Core Indicators – Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD™) 2024–2025 National Report has been released. For the last ten years, NCI-AD has partnered with states to gather data on the experiences of people using long-term services and supports across the US. Pennsylvania does not currently participate in the data gathering for this report. However, the same key areas are included in the CAHPS survey, which will be reviewed by the CHC-MCOs at the PD&A meeting on 5/14/2026. Several of the opportunities for improvement will also be evident in the presentations. The 2024–25 NCI-AD survey included more than 20,000 individuals across 24 states receiving services through HCBS waivers, nursing facilities, PACE, and Older Americans Act programs. Overall, the findings reflect strong access to community supports and healthcare, while also highlighting ongoing workforce and service gaps. Approximately 68% of respondents said they participate in preferred activities as much as they want, 92% reported reliable transportation to medical appointments, and 73% said they consistently have transportation for community activities. Nearly all respondents (95%) reported being able to connect with friends and family when desired, although 17% still reported frequent loneliness. Access to healthy food, mental health services, and annual wellness visits remained high at roughly 87%–89%, yet only 14% described their overall health as excellent or very good. The survey also underscored the growing reliance on family caregivers within LTSS. About 40% of respondents identified a paid family member or friend as their primary support person, while 22% reported frequent staff turnover. Although 89% said services help them live the life they want, only 72% felt their services fully met their goals and needs. Among individuals reporting unmet needs, just 55% said their case manager discussed additional service options with them. Since 2016, states have used NCI-AD data to evaluate aging and disability systems, identify quality improvement opportunities, and support policy discussions related to Medicaid and long-term services and supports. To access the report, use this link: Reports | NCI-AD (National Core Indicators-Aging and Disabilities) . If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar .

RCPA Presents HR 1 Medicaid Summit

Source: Becker's Hospital Review By: Alan Condon and Andrew Cass Thursday, April 30th, 2026 CMS is requiring all 50 states to audit Medicaid providers and submit detailed plans to the agency by May 23, with hospital leaders eager to understand both the scope and the limits of what’s being asked. CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, sent a letter April 23 to all state Medicaid directors directing them to develop and submit a comprehensive two-year provider revalidation strategy [read full article] . _______________________________________  View JDSUPRA's article on the same topic here .

Pennsylvania coalition marched around the Capitol building to call on lawmakers to strengthen mental health funding, services HARRISBURG, PA — Hundreds of mental health advocates from across the commonwealth marched around the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Monday, May 4, as part of Mental Health Advocacy Day 2026, a statewide event to elevate lived experience, celebrate recovery, and push for the supports and resources that strengthen Pennsylvania communities. The event was supported by the Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association (RCPA), one of the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation. The day featured a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda, followed by the march around the Capitol building grounds. Speakers included Rep. Jennifer O'Mara (D-Delaware) and Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Human Services' Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. "Mental health touches every family, every community, and every corner of this Commonwealth," said Rep. O'Mara. "This march sends a clear message to Harrisburg: Pennsylvanians are watching, and they expect us to act." "Recovery is real, and the people who marched at the Capitol today are living proof," said Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary, DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. "Their stories deserve to be heard by every legislator in this building." Mental Health Advocacy Day brought together individuals with lived experience, family members, service providers, and community leaders to engage directly with lawmakers and draw attention to mental health priorities across the state. The event was powered by a broad network of partner organizations that unite each year to lift a shared voice for mental health. When asked later about this event, Dr. Richard Edley, RCPA President and CEO remarked, "This is what grassroots advocacy looks like. People from every region of the state came together — not for any single organization, but for a shared commitment to a stronger mental health system." ### About the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA): With more than 400 members, the majority of who serve over one million Pennsylvanians annually, Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) is among the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation. RCPA provider members offer mental health, substance use disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, children and youth, criminal and juvenile justice, brain injury, medical rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, and physical disabilities and aging services, across all settings and levels of care. Visit www.paproviders.org for more information.

In September 2025, RCPA raised concerns about the risks of Federal actions to weaken the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and subsequent civil rights and access legislation like the ADA and AIDA. Last week, Governor Shapiro issued three executive orders addressing the risks arising from Federal actions, and establishing an Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities. RCPA has been named as a member of this Commission. Governor Shapiro’s recent executive actions on disability rights in Pennsylvania should be understood as a proactive state-level backstop against emerging federal uncertainty around Section 504 enforcement. The orders largely reinforce existing non-discrimination standards across state agencies, strengthen accessibility expectations in service delivery, and signal continued administrative prioritization of disability protections in publicly funded programs. In practical terms, Pennsylvania is attempting to “lock in” operational compliance with 504-like principles—particularly around equal access, program integration, and avoidance of discriminatory policies—even if federal interpretation or enforcement weakens. From a policy alignment standpoint, the orders are directionally consistent with longstanding 504 requirements but go a step further in emphasizing state accountability mechanisms. This includes clearer expectations for agencies administering Medicaid, education, and human services programs to maintain accessible systems, grievance pathways, and oversight of contractors. For HCBS providers, the implication is that Pennsylvania is unlikely to relax enforcement posture; if anything, scrutiny around access, reasonable accommodations, and community-based integration could intensify through state channels regardless of federal shifts. For providers, the practical implication is a heightened expectation of demonstrable compliance rather than passive alignment. Agencies could anticipate closer review of intake and assessment practices, service authorization decisions, and any policies that could create access barriers for individuals with disabilities. MCOs and state auditors are likely to expect clear documentation of accommodations, staff training on disability rights, and evidence that services are delivered in the least restrictive, community-integrated settings. Contractually, this may also translate into more explicit non-discrimination clauses, performance measures tied to access and equity, and increased exposure to grievance-driven audits or corrective action plans. The net effect is that Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a “floor state” for disability rights—maintaining continuity even if federal protections erode or become inconsistently applied. For providers and managed care stakeholders, this reduces regulatory ambiguity within the state but increases the importance of state-specific compliance alignment. Operationally, organizations should view these executive actions not as new requirements, but as a reaffirmation that Pennsylvania will continue to enforce 504-equivalent standards through its own regulatory and contractual frameworks. If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar .

Tuesday’s vote is the latest attempt to advance LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections in Pennsylvania.