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

Please disregard this reminder if you have already registered.

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.

ADvancing States, in partnership with the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities and the National Association of Medicaid Directors, is excited to share a new infographic on the purpose, value, and impact of Medicaid HCBS. This resource includes an overview of key services, facts, and figures on HCBS utilization and spending, and trends and growth through rebalancing efforts. ADvancing States encourages members to use and share this infographic as a foundation for conversations about Medicaid HCBS. Use this link to view and download the infographic.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced that Governor Shapiro signed three new executive orders (EO) to benefit people with disabilities. The following information comes from the Office of Long-Term Living: The first Executive Order rescinds and replaces EO 2002-5 and will protect the rights, dignity, and privacy of people with disabilities by reaffirming the Commonwealth’s longstanding nondiscrimination commitment and emphasizing the need that these protections require renewed attention and action, not just compliance. This order will ensure data collection by Commonwealth agencies is limited to the minimum data necessary and proper processes are followed by Commonwealth agencies, including collection in health care, research, and compliance in the law. The Governor’s second Executive Order rescinds EO 2006-09 and EO 2016-03 and establishes the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities , which will consist of up to 30 volunteer members, appointed by the Governor, including individuals with disabilities, family members, or those with relevant expertise. The members will serve two-year terms. The new commissioners will recommend policy changes across the disabilities spectrum, engage with federal/state/local agencies, communicate Administration initiatives to the public, and compile information on programs, funding, and additional supports to create an inclusive resource for individuals with disabilities and their family members across Pennsylvania. Individuals interested in the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities Executive Director position, may apply here or by visiting the Commonwealth of PA – Opportunities for All Job Seekers page. The third Executive Order rescinds EO 1997-2 and reestablishes the Development Disabilities (DD) Council so that it can continue to fulfill Pennsylvania’s obligations under the federal Developmental Disabilities Act. The independently operated DD Council is more narrowly focused than the newly-created Commission and will advise the Governor on all matters affecting individuals with developmental disabilities in Pennsylvania, and advocate for improved independence, productivity, and community inclusion. The Council will continue to develop and implement a statewide plan and advocate for systemic change across the Commonwealth. More information about the Governor’s press release and the three new Executive Orders can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Newsroom page.

Article by Fox43 : Published April 2, 2026

The following information is courtesy of the Wojdak Government Relations Team. Please be aware that this is simply a summary and is not a legal opinion. For additional information or legal analysis, please contact a lawyer.

Article by KFF Health News : Published March 31, 2026

Join RCPA for an afternoon of golf on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 . The event will be held in support of the RCPA PAC and take place at the Colonial Golf & Tennis Club in Harrisburg, PA. Lunch and registration will be at 11:30 am, with a shotgun start at 1:00 pm. Register to attend today ! We hope you will consider becoming a sponsor in support of this fundraiser! Sponsorship will allow your company to receive name recognition, and we’re excited to have even more opportunities to showcase your company this year. We hope we can count on your support for this event. Not a golfer but would still like to support the RCPA PAC? For your convenience, you can now make a personal online contribution , which will provide financial support to state legislators or representatives who have demonstrated a strong, consistent, and positive interest in our legislative priorities. If you are interested in learning more about the RCPA PAC or donating, please visit our website or email Jack Phillips , Director of Government Affairs. See you on the golf course! If you have any questions regarding registration or sponsorship, please contact Christine Tartaglione .

This week, March 2-6, the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee held their budget hearing for the Department of Human Services (DHS), giving legislators an opportunity to ask the Department questions regarding the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 budget.  Many of the questions posed by legislators were in regard to federal changes from HR 1 and the impacts that these changes will have on Pennsylvanians. DHS Secretary Arkoosh explained how changes presented in HR 1 will affect the Commonwealth’s Medicaid and SNAP systems, as well as how these changes are directly reflected in the proposed budget. The changes made to Medicaid through HR 1 will result in an increased number of uninsured Pennsylvanians and a potential $20 billion cut to the program over the next decade. The Secretary noted this would be a worst-case scenario but a scenario that stakeholders need to be mindful of. She also explained that Governor Shapiro has proposed several initiatives to help reduce the future Medicaid spend, such as the Food is Medicine program and housing supports for unhoused individuals with significant medical conditions. These programs will be evaluated for their effectiveness for the possibility of future expansion. Legislators are also concerned with how these changes will impact Pennsylvania’s hospitals, since an increase in uninsured individuals will lead to an increase in uncompensated care, putting more hospitals at risk of closure, as many are already operating with negative profit margins. Legislators asked if the $193 million that Pennsylvania secured through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) will be utilized. Secretary Arkoosh explained that the dollars will be allocated to each region using a formula allocation, then the region will be able to prioritize how those dollars are used based on what is allowed in the grant. The Secretary noted that, unfortunately, RHTP grant dollars are not allowed to be used to aid in covering hospital operating expenses. RCPA Divisional Highlights: Behavioral Health: Behavioral Health Capitation: Legislators voiced concern that increases in capitation will become unsustainable and were interested in possibilities to reduce the cost of growth while still acknowledging that this is necessary expenditure. Secretary Arkoosh assured the House that DHS has developed programs that will lead to lower Medicaid utilization. She also noted that through fraud, waste, and abuse efforts, the state has recouped more than $400 million in recoveries in the last year, and the state is continuing to ensure that payment error rates remain as low as possible. County Mental Health Funding: Secretary Arkoosh states that despite Governor Shapiro’s initial investments in County Mental Health Base Funding, they have fallen short of the $60 million investment that was promised. The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is working with counties for a consolidated community reporting initiative to indicate how the money has been spent by the counties and joinders. As of December 2025, 97% of counties or joinders have submitted their data for the report. Brain Injury: Residential Habilitation Rate Increases: Representative Flood focused on the findings from the HCBS Rate & Wage Study from 2025 that showed rate inadequacies that exist in HCBS. Specifically, a 44% rate increase was necessary for Residential Habilitation services, along with the lack of rate increases to this group of providers since 2010. Secretary Arkoosh was also asked whether there is a capacity issue. Secretary Arkoosh cited that they have no evidence of a wait-list issue. When asked if DHS is considering a future increase for this group of providers, Secretary Arkoosh stated they have no evidence that individuals are not getting the services they need, and that if an individual had an unmet need, CHC-MCO Service Coordinators would report this. Regarding rates, Arkoosh stated the providers are able to negotiate their rates with the CHC-MCOs. Children’s Services: Representative Donahue referenced the 2024 Early Intervention Rate Methodology Study, which found that infant and toddler EI services are underfunded by about $71 million statewide, and asked if DHS has a plan to close the gap. The Secretary did not commit to additional funding but ensured that the Department is monitoring rates and access to services, believes that provider networks are adequate, and that children are receiving services. She mentioned that DHS would raise the issue again if they determine a rate increase becomes essential. Intellectual Disabilities & Autism: Placement of Individuals with ID/A in Community HealthChoices vs. ODP Waivers: Appropriations Committee members raised concerns about individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism (ID/A) who are placed in the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program rather than the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) waiver system. Secretary Arkoosh clarified that CHC is an entitlement program and some individuals with ID/A may qualify for it while they wait for an ODP waiver slot. For individuals whose primary needs are medical or nursing services, CHC may be sufficient. However, for those who require specialized developmental disability supports such as habilitation, skill development, and disability-specific staffing, CHC may not fully meet their needs because providers are not specifically trained for the ID/A population. As a result, some individuals remain on the adult emergency waiting list for ODP waivers while receiving partial services through CHC. Reducing the ID/A Emergency Waiting List: During the hearing, Secretary Arkoosh addressed questions regarding Pennsylvania’s emergency waiting list for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. DHS reported that the list has been reduced by approximately 31% since 2024 due to a combination of increased state funding for additional waiver slots and policy changes allowing counties greater flexibility to manage services within budget allocations rather than fixed slot counts. Once an individual is enrolled in an ODP waiver, they are removed from the waiting list because the program becomes responsible for meeting their assessed needs through services or unpaid supports. Oversight occurs through supports coordinators who meet regularly with participants to ensure service plans are implemented. The Department also monitors spending and service authorizations through dashboards shared with counties to ensure resources remain within appropriated budgets. Access to Services Challenges After Waiver Approval for Individuals with ID/A: Appropriate Committee members shared concerns from families that even after individuals with intellectual disabilities receive approval for waiver services, they may struggle to access those services because providers lack sufficient workforce capacity. Constituents described situations where individuals technically have service authorization but cannot find staff or providers to deliver supports. DHS acknowledged that these challenges can occur and explained that service coordination systems track individuals’ needs and monitor whether services are being delivered as planned. While the state may authorize services through waiver enrollment, the ability to fully implement those services can depend on provider staffing levels and workforce availability. This issue reflects broader workforce shortages in human services and affects how quickly individuals can begin receiving the full set of supports for which they are eligible. Note: RCPA has requested DHS provide data around the “hidden” waiting list where an individual is authorized but does not receive any/all of the services needed. RCPA would like to thank the legislators who took the time to ask questions impacting our membership. Please contact your RCPA Policy Director with any questions.

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee recently sent a letter to Governor Josh Shapiro and DHS Secretary Valerie Arkoosh requesting information about fraud, waste, and abuse prevention in Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program. The request is part of a broader federal oversight effort examining Medicaid program integrity following recent fraud investigations in multiple states. Similar letters were also sent to officials in ME, NE, NY, OR, WA, VT, CO, CA, and MA . The Committee is seeking details on Pennsylvania’s fraud prevention efforts, including audits, provider screening processes, improper payment recovery, enforcement actions, and oversight of Medicaid programs, such as Home and Community-Based Services. The letter references several recent Medicaid fraud prosecutions in Pennsylvania. However, it also highlights that Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Fraud Control Section charged more fraud cases than any other state in FY 2024 and ranked third nationally in criminal convictions. The fact that these cases were identified and prosecuted demonstrates that Pennsylvania’s fraud, waste, and abuse prevention systems are actively working to detect and address wrongdoing. RCPA recognizes that this new federal focus on Medicaid program integrity may intersect with our ongoing advocacy to eliminate the requirement for signed encounter forms in Medicaid-funded services. RCPA has long maintained that the current requirement is administratively burdensome and does not meaningfully strengthen program integrity compared to other documentation and verification mechanisms already in place. While our advocacy continues, increased federal scrutiny around fraud prevention may influence how state and federal policymakers evaluate documentation and verification requirements moving forward. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services must submit responses to the Committee by March 17, 2026. RCPA will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as appropriate.

Earlier this week, Pennsylvania’s Senate Appropriations Committee held a public hearing to review the Department of Human Services (DHS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 proposed budget, with the goal of learning more about the Department’s portion of the overall proposal. The hearings were led by Senate Appropriations Majority Chair Scott Martin, while DHS was represented by Secretary Arkoosh, Fiscal Director Gloria Gilligan, and program deputies. Governor Shapiro proposed a $53.3 billion spending plan in early February, representing a $2.7 billion (5.4%) increase over the previous fiscal year. Within this proposal, the allocation from the General Fund for DHS is $21.9 billion, which increases to $67.2 billion with federal support and other funds. See the DHS Blue Book for a detailed explanation of the appropriations. On the Republican side of the Appropriations Committee, questions focused on the long-term fiscal sustainability of the Governor’s proposal, with concern about how costs greatly exceed anticipated revenues. There was also concern on the proposed budget’s reliance upon the rainy-day fund, potentially leaving the state vulnerable to future economic downturns. Republicans also voiced worries regarding hospital closures, especially in rural areas. Democrats focused the majority of their questions on the essential nature of human services and external threats posed by federal legislative changes. They highlighted the impending implications of HR1, arguing that it would severely undermine Pennsylvania’s social safety net with reductions upward of $20 billion over the next decade. RCPA Divisional Highlights: Children’s Services: When asked about the $100 million for school mental health and safety, Secretary Arkoosh explained that those funds are not allocated through DHS and instead flow through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Questions were also asked regarding the lack of community provider involvement in school-based mental health programs, noting that there is no need to create a secondary school mental health system, and urging for coordination between counties and schools. RCPA will be releasing a school-based mental health position statement outlining a blueprint for sustaining and growing the existing treatment service delivery relationship between schools and community-based mental health providers. Early Intervention: In response to a question regarding the apparent cut of $5.2 million to Early Intervention Part C funding that is listed in the Blue Book, the Secretary shared that there is no cut in funding to EI Part C, but instead, the budget will utilize carryover funds from the prior year rather than requesting additional funds from the General Fund. She highlighted that the 7% increase in provider rates from 2025/26 will be annualized in next year’s budget. When asked why the Department did not request additional funds for EI Part C to shore up a skilled workforce and serve additional children rather than keep a flat budget, the Secretary did not directly respond. Instead, she again mentioned the 2025/26 provider rate increase. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD): Waiting list initiatives have resulted in a significant reduction in previous waiting list numbers. A reduction of approximately 30% has been achieved by ODP initiatives. In response to DHS cost-cutting measures, Secretary Arkoosh shared an update about the recently implemented Specialized Assessment and Treatment (STAT) program that supports a physical health telehealth assessment on demand for individuals in the waiver program. This assessment is intended to divert individuals from the emergency room when those services are not medically necessary. Since its implementation, there have been approximately 5,500 individuals who have used the services. Those individuals received 8,942 assessments, which have prevented nearly 7,000 unneeded emergency room visits, creating significant cost savings. For increases in State Center funding, Secretary Arkoosh confirmed that State Centers are operating at less than 50% of their bed capacity; however, she also confirmed that staffing expenses are commensurate to the actual census. The proposed budget increase of $1.9 million was attributed to increases in staffing expenses and physical plant upkeep costs. She also confirmed that there is no plan to close either of the two remaining State Centers. In response to a question regarding the allocation of funding for new waiver slots, the Secretary explained that of the proposed $76.8 million for the Community Waiver Program, there is an allocation of $30 million to fund new waiver slots. The remaining $46.8 million is allocated to fund annualization of rate adjustments, account for changes in FMAP, and fund ICF beds to be converted to community waiver programs. Mental Health: When asked about the lack of County mental health base funding, Secretary Arkoosh explained the important activities that these base funds are utilized for, including psychiatric treatment, competency evaluations, targeted case management, community residential services, drop-in centers, and many more. She also explained that these county base funds help pay for people who are either uninsured or underinsured. She mentioned that the Governor has called for a total increase of $60 million of base funds, and that so far $40 million has appropriated, but was unable to account for the lack of base funds in the proposed 2026/27 budget. Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL): In response to a question regarding the lack of rate increase for Brain Injury providers since 2010, the Secretary explained the complexity of the system but ensured that both she and Deputy Secretary Marsala have been working closely with providers to help them understand how they can bill for services. There was a discussion regarding the self-direction rates and hours worked and the intersection of whether refugee workers and undocumented immigrants are eligible to work. Please reach out to your RCPA Policy Director with any questions. The House Appropriations Budget Hearing for DHS takes place on Wednesday, March 4 at 10:00 am. The hearing can be livestreamed here .

Article by Times Leader : Published February 20, 2026

Message from the PA Department of Human Services (DHS):

In advance of the House and Senate hearings, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has released their “ Blue Book ” detailing the Department’s appropriations for the proposed 2026/27 budget. The proposed DHS budget reaches a total of $67.2 billion, with $21.9 billion in state funding, $39.7 billion in federal funding, and $5.6 billion in other funds, making it the largest spend category in the proposed budget.

Read the statement from the National Council on Accessible Voting .

Message from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing:

On Friday, February 6, Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Val Arkoosh presented an overview of Governor Shapiro’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 budget and detailed the projected spending across DHS, which totals $21.94 billion in state funding.

Advocate for yourselves and others by meeting with legislators directly!

RCPA remains a leading voice for Pennsylvania’s health and human services providers, advocating for policies that support access, sustainability, and quality care.

On February 3, 2026, Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his fourth budget address to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Article by PennLive : Published February 3, 2026