DPW ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSIONS FOR PROVIDERS
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) has posted a list of dates for informational virtual training sessions for providers, pharmacists and other prescribers regarding the medical assistance prescription benefit limit that was implemented Jan. 3, 2012. The sessions will inform providers of the criteria and procedures to request an exception to the benefit package limits. The training schedule is as follows:
Monday, March 5, 2012 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 – 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 8, 2012 – 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 9, 2012 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, visit the DPW website.
PA. SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS MCARE FUND RULING
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has determined that hundreds of millions of dollars in the state's general fund do not need to be used to pay down the unfunded liability of the Mcare Fund. The Associated Press has commentary from the Corbett administration and state medical associations. Click here to read the court's opinion.
MEDICARE PAYMENT CUT DELAYED 10 MONTHS
The Medicare payment cut to physicians that was scheduled to go into effect on March 1 has been delayed. The pending 27 percent cut was frozen under legislation approved by Congress on Feb. 17. The 10-month freeze will remain in effect through Dec. 31.
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING WITH HEALTH DEPT.
Last week, the House Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing with the Pa. Department of Health. Secretary of Health Dr. Eli Avila and the Acting Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs highlighted the accomplishments of the Health Department and gave an update on the progress of the new Drug and Alcohol departments, respectively. Many of the concerns posed by legislators during the hearing surrounded the proposed diversion of Tobacco Settlement money from health research to long-term care. Visit the Governor’s Budget Office website for details about the 2012-13 Executive Budget proposal.
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