An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), entitled "An act to consolidate, editorially revise, and codify the public welfare laws of the Commonwealth," in public assistance, further providing for uniformity in administration of assistance and regulations as to assistance and for copayments for subsidized child care, providing for report on transition to chip-enabled access cards, further providing for reports to General Assembly, for persons eligible for medical assistance and for nonemergency medical transportation services and providing for abrogation of regulatory requirements for payment for outpatient behavioral health services within physical confines of behavioral health clinic facilities and for SNAP benefit reporting; and making a repeal.

SENATE AMENDED
PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 765, 1332 PRINTER'S NO. 2575
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 749
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY MADSEN, GIRAL, SANCHEZ, KHAN, MADDEN, CURRY,
HOWARD, MAYES, CERRATO, FLEMING, BOROWSKI, DAVIDSON, GREEN,
K.HARRIS, T. DAVIS, WEBSTER, PUGH AND SALISBURY,
FEBRUARY 26, 2025
SENATOR VOGEL, APPROPRIATIONS, IN SENATE, RE-REPORTED AS
AMENDED, NOVEMBER 11, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), entitled "An
act to consolidate, editorially revise, and codify the public
welfare laws of the Commonwealth," in public assistance,
providing for distribution of SNAP benefits.
AMENDING THE ACT OF JUNE 13, 1967 (P.L.31, NO.21), ENTITLED "AN
ACT TO CONSOLIDATE, EDITORIALLY REVISE, AND CODIFY THE PUBLIC
WELFARE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH," IN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE,
FURTHER PROVIDING FOR UNIFORMITY IN ADMINISTRATION OF
ASSISTANCE AND REGULATIONS AS TO ASSISTANCE AND FOR
COPAYMENTS FOR SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE, PROVIDING FOR REPORT ON
TRANSITION TO CHIP-ENABLED ACCESS CARDS, FURTHER PROVIDING
FOR REPORTS TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY, FOR PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND FOR NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AND PROVIDING FOR ABROGATION OF
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR PAYMENT FOR OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH SERVICES WITHIN PHYSICAL CONFINES OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
CLINIC FACILITIES AND FOR SNAP BENEFIT REPORTING; AND MAKING
A REPEAL.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known
as the Human Services Code, is amended by adding a section to
read:
Section 476. Distribution of SNAP Benefits.--(a) Within
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twelve months of the effective date of this section and every
five years thereafter, the department shall analyze SNAP payment
distribution schedules based on caseloads and census data,
including data from other states and models that utilize more
than ten payment issuance days and shall prepare a report on
whether changes are needed to the payment distribution schedule.
(b) Within fifteen days of the completion of the report
under subsection (a), the department shall submit a copy of the
report to:
(1) The chairperson and minority chairperson of the Health
and Human Services Committee of the Senate.
(2) The chairperson and minority chairperson of the Health
Committee of the House of Representatives.
(3) The chairperson and minority chairperson of the Human
Services Committee of the House of Representatives.
(c) Within thirty days of the completion of the report under
subsection (a), the department shall post the report on the
publicly accessible Internet website of the department.
(d) If changes are needed, the department shall develop and
implement updates to the payment distribution schedule based on
the analysis under this section after consultation with an
advisory committee.
(e) Prior to the updates being submitted to the United
States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service for
approval, the department shall transmit the proposed updates as
a notice to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in
the next available issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(f) Upon Federal approval, the department shall ensure that
the updated distribution schedule is posted on the publicly
accessible Internet website of the department.
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Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
SECTION 1. SECTION 403 OF THE ACT OF JUNE 13, 1967 (P.L.31,
NO.21), KNOWN AS THE HUMAN SERVICES CODE, IS AMENDED BY ADDING
SUBSECTIONS TO READ:
SECTION 403. UNIFORMITY IN ADMINISTRATION OF ASSISTANCE;
REGULATIONS AS TO ASSISTANCE.--* * *
(H) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CHECK, ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, INCOME
AND EMPLOYMENT RECORDS HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND
INDUSTRY AGAINST RECIPIENTS OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND FROM THE
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BENEFITS.
(I) ON A MONTHLY BASIS, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CHECK DEATH
CERTIFICATES AT THE BUREAU OF VITAL STATISTICS AGAINST
RECIPIENTS OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND FROM THE SUPPLEMENTAL
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BENEFITS.
SECTION 2. SECTION 408.3(C), (E) AND (F) OF THE ACT ARE
AMENDED TO READ:
SECTION 408.3. COPAYMENTS FOR SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE.--* * *
(C) IN ESTABLISHING THE COPAYMENT AMOUNTS PURSUANT TO THIS
SECTION, ALL OF THE FOLLOWING SHALL APPLY:
(1) COPAYMENTS SHALL BE ON A SLIDING SCALE BASED ON A
PERCENTAGE OF THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME TAKING INTO ACCOUNT
FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES AND CONSIDERATIONS TO SUPPORT
ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY. COPAYMENTS SHALL BE UPDATED ANNUALLY.
(2) AT THE DEPARTMENT'S DISCRETION, COPAYMENTS MAY BE
IMPOSED:
(I) FOR EACH CHILD ENROLLED IN SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE;
(II) BASED UPON FAMILY SIZE; OR
(III) IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOTH SUBPARAGRAPHS (I) AND (II).
(3) COPAYMENT AMOUNTS SHALL BE [A MINIMUM OF FIVE DOLLARS
($5) PER WEEK AND SHALL INCREASE IN INCREMENTAL AMOUNTS] IN
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ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE LAW, BASED ON A PERCENTAGE OF
THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME AND ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST WHOLE
DOLLAR, AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT. THE MINIMUM COPAYMENT
AMOUNTS SPECIFIED UNDER PARAGRAPH (4.1) SHALL NOT APPLY TO
SPECIAL POPULATIONS AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMMONWEALTH STATE PLAN.
[(3.1) AT INITIAL APPLICATION, THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME
MAY NOT EXCEED TWO HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME
GUIDELINES.
(3.2) AFTER AN INITIAL DETERMINATION OR REDETERMINATION OF
ELIGIBILITY, A CHILD SHALL CONTINUE TO BE ENROLLED IN SUBSIDIZED
CHILD CARE FOR TWELVE MONTHS REGARDLESS OF EITHER OF THE
FOLLOWING:
(I) A TEMPORARY CHANGE IN THE PARENT OR CARETAKER'S STATUS
AS WORKING OR ATTENDING A JOB TRAINING OR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM.
(II) AN INCREASE IN THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME, IF THE
INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED EIGHTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE STATE MEDIAN
INCOME FOR A FAMILY OF THE SAME SIZE.
(4) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (E), A FAMILY'S ANNUAL COPAYMENT
UNDER EITHER PARAGRAPH (1) OR (2) SHALL NOT EXCEED:
(I) EIGHT PERCENT OF THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME IF THE
FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME IS ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL
POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINE OR LESS;
(II) ELEVEN PERCENT OF THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME IF THE
FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME EXCEEDS ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE
FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINE, BUT IS NOT MORE THAN TWO
HUNDRED FIFTY PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINE;
(III) THIRTEEN PERCENT OF THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME IF THE
FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME EXCEEDS TWO HUNDRED FIFTY PERCENT OF THE
FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINE, BUT IS NOT MORE THAN TWO
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HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME
GUIDELINE; OR
(IV) BEGINNING AFTER JULY 1, 2017, FIFTEEN PERCENT OF THE
FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME IF THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME EXCEEDS TWO
HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME
GUIDELINE, BUT IS NOT MORE THAN THREE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE
FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINE OR EIGHTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE
STATE MEDIAN INCOME, WHICHEVER IS LOWER.]
(4.1) A FAMILY'S ANNUAL COPAYMENT SHALL BE:
(I) NOT LESS THAN THREE PERCENT AND NOT MORE THAN SEVEN
PERCENT OF THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME, IF THE FAMILY'S INCOME IS
AT OR BELOW TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL
POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES; OR
(II) NOT LESS THAN SEVEN PERCENT AND NOT MORE THAN TWELVE
PERCENT OF THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME, IF THE FAMILY'S INCOME
EXCEEDS TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY
INCOME GUIDELINES BUT IS NOT MORE THAN THREE HUNDRED PERCENT OF
THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES.
(5) NOTWITHSTANDING THIS SUBSECTION, BEGINNING WITH STATE
FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013, THE DEPARTMENT MAY ADJUST THE ANNUAL
COPAYMENT PERCENTAGES SPECIFIED IN THIS SUBSECTION BY
PROMULGATION OF FINAL-OMITTED REGULATIONS UNDER SECTION 204 OF
THE ACT OF JULY 31, 1968 (P.L.769, NO.240), REFERRED TO AS THE
"COMMONWEALTH DOCUMENTS LAW."
[(6) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (E), AT A REDETERMINATION, AFTER
JUNE 30, 2017, A FAMILY THAT EXCEEDS THE MINIMUM WORK
REQUIREMENTS AS A RESULT OF EACH PARENT OR CARETAKER OR, IN THE
CASE OF A SINGLE-PARENT HOUSEHOLD, AS A RESULT OF THE SOLE
PARENT OR CARETAKER, BY WORKING ADDITIONAL WAGE-EARNING HOURS
SHALL HAVE A REDUCED COPAYMENT, NOT TO BE LESS THAN THAT WHICH
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IS SET FORTH UNDER PARAGRAPH (3). THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL APPLY
ONLY TO A FAMILY THAT, AFTER MUTUALLY QUALIFYING FOR AND
RECEIVING SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE AND BEING CURRENT ON THE
REQUIRED COPAYMENTS AS SET FORTH IN THIS SUBSECTION, INCREASES
ITS AVERAGE WORK WEEK AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS PARAGRAPH
AND HAS INCREASED THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME AS A RESULT OF
WORKING ADDITIONAL WAGE-EARNING HOURS. THE COPAYMENT DEDUCTION
SHALL BE APPLIED AS FOLLOWS:
(I) FOR AN AVERAGE WORK WEEK OF AT LEAST TWENTY-FIVE WAGE-
EARNING HOURS PER PARENT OR CARETAKER, A THREE-QUARTERS OF ONE
PERCENT DEDUCTION FROM THE AMOUNT SET FORTH UNDER THIS
SUBSECTION.
(II) FOR AN AVERAGE WORK WEEK OF AT LEAST THIRTY WAGE-
EARNING HOURS PER PARENT OR CARETAKER, A ONE AND ONE-HALF
PERCENT DEDUCTION FROM THE AMOUNT SET FORTH UNDER THIS
SUBSECTION.
(III) FOR AN AVERAGE WORK WEEK OF AT LEAST THIRTY-FIVE WAGE-
EARNING HOURS PER PARENT OR CARETAKER, A TWO AND ONE-QUARTER
PERCENT DEDUCTION FROM THE AMOUNT SET FORTH UNDER THIS
SUBSECTION.
(IV) FOR AN AVERAGE WORK WEEK OF AT LEAST FORTY WAGE-EARNING
HOURS PER PARENT OR CARETAKER, A THREE PERCENT DEDUCTION FROM
THE AMOUNT SET FORTH UNDER THIS SUBSECTION.
(7) AT ITS REDETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY, A PARENT OR
CARETAKER SHALL PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF ITS AVERAGE WORK WEEK
HOURS TO RECEIVE THE CHILD CARE COPAYMENT DEDUCTION. THE
DEPARTMENT SHALL APPLY THE COPAYMENT DEDUCTION AFTER RECEIVING
THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION.
(8) A FAMILY THAT HAS PREVIOUSLY QUALIFIED FOR A DEDUCTION
IN THE CHILD CARE COPAYMENT SHALL CONTINUE TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE
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FOR THE COPAYMENT DEDUCTION IF:
(I) THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED THREE HUNDRED
PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINE OR EIGHTY-FIVE
PERCENT OF THE STATE MEDIAN INCOME, WHICHEVER IS LOWER;
(II) THE PARENT OR CARETAKER HAS BEEN IN COMPLIANCE WITH
PARAGRAPH (7);
(III) THE PARENT OR CARETAKER CONTINUES TO EXCEED THE
MINIMUM WORK REQUIREMENTS BY WORKING ADDITIONAL WAGE-EARNING
HOURS;
(IV) THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME HAS INCREASED AS A RESULT OF
WORKING ADDITIONAL WAGE-EARNING HOURS; AND
(V) THE PARENT OR CARETAKER IS CURRENT AND REMAINS CURRENT
WITH MAKING ITS COPAYMENT TO THE CHILD CARE PROVIDER.
(9) THE AVERAGE WORK WEEK OF A FAMILY SHALL BE CALCULATED BY
REVIEWING THE FAMILY'S INCOME STATEMENTS AND TAKING THE NUMBER
OF HOURS WORKED PER PARENT OVER A TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD AND
DIVIDING BY FIFTY-TWO.]
* * *
(E) [TO THE EXTENT THAT MONEY IS APPROPRIATED FOR THE
PURPOSE, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL INCREASE ELIGIBILITY UNDER
SUBSECTION (C)(4) FOR SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE FROM TWO HUNDRED
THIRTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINE UP
TO THREE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINE
AND SHALL APPLY A COPAYMENT DEDUCTION UNDER SUBSECTION (C)(6).
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN ELIGIBILITY
ABOVE TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY
INCOME GUIDELINE OR APPLY A COPAYMENT DEDUCTION UNLESS FUNDING
IS APPROPRIATED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
(F) AS USED IN THIS SECTION, "WAGE-EARNING HOURS" MEANS
HOURS FOR WHICH AN INDIVIDUAL IS FINANCIALLY COMPENSATED BY AN
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EMPLOYER. THE TERM DOES NOT INCLUDE HOURS SPENT VOLUNTEERING, IN
EDUCATION OR IN JOB TRAINING, UNLESS THOSE HOURS ARE COMPENSATED
AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.] THE FOLLOWING SHALL APPLY TO
ELIGIBILITY FOR SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE:
(1) AT AN INITIAL DETERMINATION, THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME
MAY NOT EXCEED TWO HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME
GUIDELINES.
(2) AT A REDETERMINATION, THE FOLLOWING SHALL APPLY:
(I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (II) , THE FAMILY'S
ANNUAL INCOME MAY NOT EXCEED TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE PERCENT OF
THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES OR EIGHTY-FIVE PERCENT OF
THE STATE MEDIAN INCOME FOR A FAMILY OF THE SAME SIZE, WHICHEVER
IS LOWER.
(II) AS FOLLOWS:
(A) A FAMILY MAY QUALIFY FOR SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE IF THE
FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME EXCEEDS TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE PERCENT
OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES BUT DOES NOT EXCEED
THREE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES
OR EIGHTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE STATE MEDIAN INCOME FOR A FAMILY
OF THE SAME SIZE, WHICHEVER IS LOWER, ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT
MONEY IS APPROPRIATED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THIS PURPOSE.
(B) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR
THEREAFTER, NO LESS THAN TWENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS
($25,000,000) FROM MONEY APPROPRIATED TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR
CHILD-CARE SERVICES SHALL BE USED FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED
UNDER CLAUSE (A).
(3) FOR TWELVE MONTHS AFTER AN INITIAL DETERMINATION UNDER
PARAGRAPH (1) OR A REDETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER
PARAGRAPH (2), A CHILD SHALL REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR SUBSIDIZED
CHILD CARE REGARDLESS OF EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING:
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(I) A TEMPORARY CHANGE IN THE PARENT OR CARETAKER'S STATUS
AS WORKING OR ATTENDING A JOB TRAINING OR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM.
(II) AN INCREASE IN THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME, IF THE
INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED EIGHTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE STATE MEDIAN
INCOME FOR A FAMILY OF THE SAME SIZE.
SECTION 3. THE ACT IS AMENDED BY ADDING A SECTION TO READ:
SECTION 414.1. REPORT ON TRANSITION TO CHIP-ENABLED ACCESS
CARDS.--(A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PREPARE A REPORT EVALUATING
THE FEASIBILITY OF TRANSITIONING FROM MAGNETIC STRIPE ACCESS
CARDS TO C HIP -ENABLED ACCESS CARDS FOR USE IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. THE REPORT SHALL INCLUDE AN
ASSESSMENT OF THE FINANCIAL IMPACT, OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
AND PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FOR THE TRANSITION. THE
REPORT SHALL BE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY IDENTIFIED UNDER SUBSECTION (C) WITH TIMELY AND
ACTIONABLE INFORMATION TO SUPPORT AN EFFICIENT AND COST-
EFFECTIVE TRANSITION.
(B) THE REPORT UNDER SUBSECTION (A) SHALL INCLUDE THE
FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
(1) A COST ANALYSIS OF REPLACING MAGNETIC STRIPE ACCESS
CARDS WITH C HIP -ENABLED ACCESS CARDS, INCLUDING AN ITEMIZED
ESTIMATE OF ANTICIPATED EXPENDITURES BY THE FOLLOWING:
(I) THE DEPARTMENT FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ACCESS CARD
PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND MODIFICATIONS TO VENDOR CONTRACTS.
(II) THE DEPARTMENT AND COUNTY ASSISTANCE OFFICES FOR COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH NECESSARY SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS, INCLUDING
UPGRADES TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE.
(2) A REVIEW OF OTHER STATES THAT HAVE IMPLEMENTED OR ARE IN
THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTING C HIP -ENABLED ACCESS CARDS. THE
REVIEW SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
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(I) IDENTIFICATION OF BEST PRACTICES AND OPERATIONAL
INSIGHTS.
(II) RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES TO MINIMIZE SERVICE DISRUPTIONS,
INCLUDING PILOT PROGRAMS AND POINT-OF-SALE TESTING PROTOCOLS AT
AUTHORIZED SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RETAILERS.
(III) IDENTIFICATION OF COST-SAVING MEASURES AND METHODS TO
REDUCE THE IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE, INCLUDING OPTIONS FOR IN-
PERSON ACCESS CARD DISTRIBUTION AT COUNTY ASSISTANCE OFFICES AND
ALTERNATIVE MAILING STRATEGIES.
(3) A PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE THAT OUTLINES KEY
MILESTONES AND ESTIMATED TIME FRAMES FOR EACH PHASE OF THE
TRANSITION.
(C) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBMIT THE REPORT UNDER SUBSECTION
(A) WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SUBSECTION
TO THE FOLLOWING:
(1) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE.
(2) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
(3) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE.
(4) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE HEALTH
COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
(5) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE HUMAN
SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SECTION 4. SECTIONS 437 AND 441.1(C) AND (D) OF THE ACT ARE
AMENDED TO READ:
SECTION 437. REPORTS TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY.--(A) TWO COPIES
OF ALL REPORTS REQUIRED BY THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR SOCIAL
STATISTICS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE
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SHALL BE FURNISHED TO THE SENATE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
COMMITTEE AND THE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES WHEN THEY ARE SUBMITTED TO THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT. SIMILAR REPORTS PREPARED CONCERNING GENERAL
ASSISTANCE, THE STATE BLIND PENSION AND STATE SUPPLEMENTAL
ASSISTANCE SHALL BE SIMILARLY FURNISHED TO THE COMMITTEES.
(B) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBMIT AN ANNUAL WRITTEN REPORT TO
THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE AND THE CHAIRPERSON AND
MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY FEDERAL LAW:
(1) DETAILS ON INFORMATION RELATING TO ANY CHANGES IN HOW
LOTTERY WINNINGS ARE COUNTED AS AN AVAILABLE RESOURCE FOR CASH
ASSISTANCE APPLICANTS, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
(I) THE NUMBER OF ANNUAL APPLICANTS WHO REPORTED LOTTERY
WINNINGS OF SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($600) OR MORE AS AN AVAILABLE
RESOURCE.
(II) THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS UNDER PARAGRAPH (1)(I) WHO
WERE INELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE DUE TO LOTTERY WINNINGS OF SIX
HUNDRED DOLLARS ($600) OR MORE.
(III) DETAILS ON ANY POTENTIAL GAPS IN COMMUNICATION
ENCOUNTERED BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND COUNTY ASSISTANCE OFFICES
WHICH MAY HAVE RESULTED IN THE FAILED REPORTING OF LOTTERY
WINNINGS OF SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($600) OR MORE.
(IV) DETAILS REGARDING ONGOING STRATEGIES BETWEEN THE
DEPARTMENT AND THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE LOTTERY IN REPORTING
LOTTERY WINNINGS.
(2) THE NUMBER OF MOTOR VEHICLES ANNUALLY COUNTED AS
RESOURCES.
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(3) THE AVERAGE EQUITY VALUE OF MOTOR VEHICLES COUNTED AS
RESOURCES.
(4) INFORMATION REGARDING ANNUAL REPLACEMENT ACCESS DEVICES,
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
(I) THE NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS WHO REQUESTED A FIRST
REPLACEMENT ACCESS DEVICE DURING THE YEAR UNDER SECTION 485(A).
(II) THE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL REPLACEMENT ACCESS DEVICES
ISSUED DURING THE YEAR UNDER SECTION 485(B) AND (B.1).
(III) THE NUMBER OF TIMES THE FEE FOR REPLACEMENT ACCESS
DEVICES WAS NOT ASSESSED DURING THE YEAR UNDER SECTION 485(E).
(IV) THE NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS ANNUALLY REPORTED TO THE
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR REQUESTING TWO OR MORE
REPLACEMENT ACCESS DEVICES IN A CALENDAR YEAR.
(5) THE NUMBER OF INSTANCES DURING THE YEAR RECIPIENTS
ATTEMPTED TO MAKE PURCHASES OR WITHDRAW FUNDS IN VIOLATION OF
SECTION 484.
(6) DETAILS HIGHLIGHTING ANY CHANGES IN REPORTS SUBMITTED
UNDER THIS SECTION FROM PREVIOUS YEARS.
(7) ANY RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT THE
DEPARTMENT MAY DEEM NECESSARY TO IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF
ASSISTANCE UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
(C) THE REPORTING UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE LIMITED TO
DATA THAT IS AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE DEPARTMENT WITHOUT
REQUIRING A CHANGE OR UPDATE TO AN INFORMATION SYSTEM OR
DATABASE.
SECTION 441.1. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.--* *
*
(C) EXCEPT AS [PROVIDED UNDER SUBSECTION (A)(4) AND (5),]
PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION, UPON NOTIFICATION OF INCARCERATION,
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL TEMPORARILY SUSPEND, [FOR A PERIOD OF NOT
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MORE THAN TWO YEARS,] FOR THE PERIOD OF THE RECIPIENT'S
INCARCERATION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 205 OF DIVISION G OF
THE CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT (PUBLIC LAW 118-42, 138
STAT. 405, 42 U.S.C. § 1396A(A)(84)(A)), MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR
A RECIPIENT WHO BECOMES INCARCERATED IN A CORRECTIONAL
INSTITUTION. THE SUSPENSION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SHALL CEASE
AND THE RECIPIENT SHALL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
UPON NOTIFICATION OF AN INMATE'S RELEASE FROM THE CORRECTIONAL
INSTITUTION, SUBJECT TO THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE
COMMONWEALTH'S APPROVED TITLE XIX STATE PLAN.
(D) NOTWITHSTANDING SUBSECTION (C), UPON [NOTIFICATION FROM
A CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION OF AN INMATE'S RELEASE AND] THE
DEPARTMENT'S RECEIPT OF AN INMATE'S APPLICATION, THE DEPARTMENT
SHALL DETERMINE THE INMATE'S ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED UNDER SUBSECTION (A)(4) AND (5), MEDICAL
ASSISTANCE MAY NOT BE PROVIDED UNTIL THE DATE OF THE INMATE'S
RELEASE.
SECTION 5. SECTION 443.12 OF THE ACT IS AMENDED BY ADDING
SUBSECTIONS TO READ:
SECTION 443.12. NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES.--* * *
(G) THE DEPARTMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
AGING AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SHALL CONDUCT A
STUDY REGARDING THE USE OF A BROKERAGE MODEL TO PROVIDE
NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE AND
ENROLLED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS. THE STUDY SHALL PROVIDE
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
(1) AN ANALYSIS OF CURRENT FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS,
REGULATIONS AND POLICIES CONTROLLING THE NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL
TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
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ADMINISTERED IN THIS COMMONWEALTH, INCLUDING THE AUTHORIZED
METHODS OF DELIVERY AND LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON
THE METHODS OF DELIVERY.
(2) AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF THE
CURRENT NONEMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE DELIVERY AS IT
RELATES TO EACH HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAM IN THIS COMMONWEALTH.
(3) A REVIEW OF OTHER STATES' MODELS OF DELIVERING
NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL AND OTHER HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION,
INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF OTHER STATES THAT UTILIZE A BROKERAGE
MODEL AND THE EFFECT A BROKERAGE MODEL HAS HAD ON PUBLIC TRANSIT
IN THOSE STATES.
(4) AN ANALYSIS OF THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IMPACT OF
MAINTAINING THE CURRENT TRANSPORTATION DELIVERY MODEL VERSUS
IMPLEMENTING A BROKERAGE MODEL AS IT RELATES TO THE STATE AND
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITIES, INCLUDING FINANCIAL IMPACT.
(5) AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT ON CONSUMERS, INCLUDING AN
INCREASE OR DECREASE IN QUALITY AND SERVICE AVAILABILITY.
(H) THE STUDY UNDER SUBSECTION (G) SHALL BE COMPLETED NO
LATER THAN 180 DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SUBSECTION
AND BE DELIVERED TO THE FOLLOWING:
(1) THE SECRETARY OF AGING.
(2) THE SECRETARY OF HUMAN SERVICES.
(3) THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION.
(4) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE.
(5) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
(6) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE.
(7) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE HEALTH
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COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SECTION 6. THE ACT IS AMENDED BY ADDING SECTIONS TO READ:
SECTION 443.16. ABROGATION OF REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR
PAYMENT FOR OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES WITHIN
PHYSICAL CONFINES OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC FACILITIES.--THE
FOLLOWING PROVISIONS OF 55 PA. CODE (RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES)
ARE ABROGATED TO THE EXTENT THEY LIMIT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
PAYMENTS ONLY FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED WITHIN THE
PHYSICAL CONFINES OF A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC FACILITY:
(1) SECTION 1153.14(6) (RELATING TO NONCOVERED SERVICES).
(2) SECTION 1223.14(11) (RELATING TO NONCOVERED SERVICES).
SECTION 476. SNAP BENEFIT REPORTING.--(A) WITHIN TWELVE
MONTHS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SUBSECTION AND ANNUALLY
THEREAFTER, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL REVIEW THE FINANCIAL COSTS,
DISTRIBUTION AND UTILIZATION OF BENEFITS UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTAL
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND PREPARE A REPORT WITH AGGREGATE
INFORMATION. THE REPORT SHALL INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION:
(1) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS AT THE STATEWIDE AND
COUNTY LEVELS.
(2) THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF BENEFITS DISTRIBUTED AT THE
STATEWIDE AND COUNTY LEVELS.
(3) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS WHO MAINTAIN SNAP ACCOUNT
BALANCES OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000) OR MORE FOR A
CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF AT LEAST SIX MONTHS, INCLUDING RECIPIENTS
WHO MAINTAIN AN ACCOUNT BALANCE BETWEEN TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS
($2,000) AND FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED NINETY-NINE DOLLARS
($4,999), BETWEEN FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000) AND NINE
THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED NINETY-NINE DOLLARS ($9,999) AND MORE THAN
TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000).
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(4) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS AND TOTAL AMOUNT OF
BENEFITS DISTRIBUTED IN EACH STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT.
(5) AN OVERVIEW OF THE SNAP BENEFIT DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULES
BASED ON CASELOADS AND CENSUS DATA, INCLUDING DATA FROM OTHER
STATES AND MODELS THAT UTILIZE MORE THAN TEN PAYMENT ISSUANCE
DAYS, AND ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES TO THE DISTRIBUTION
SCHEDULE.
(6) THE COMMONWEALTH'S SNAP PAYMENT ERROR RATE FOR EACH OF
THE LAST FIVE YEARS AND THE DEPARTMENT'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
REDUCING OR MAINTAINING AN ERROR RATE BELOW SIX PERCENT.
(7) PROGRAMMATIC AND FINANCIAL IMPACTS TO THE COMMONWEALTH
FROM FEDERAL CHANGES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM MADE AFTER JANUARY 1, 2025.
(8) ANY OTHER DATA THE DEPARTMENT DEEMS NECESSARY.
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING SUBSECTION (A), AFTER ITS INCLUSION IN
THE INITIAL SNAP BENEFIT REPORT, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ONLY
INCLUDE INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER SUBSECTION (A)(5) IN THE SNAP
BENEFIT REPORT EVERY FIVE YEARS.
(C) WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS OF THE COMPLETION OF THE REPORT
UNDER SUBSECTION (A), THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBMIT A COPY OF THE
REPORT TO:
(1) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE.
(2) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE HEALTH
COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
(3) THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE HUMAN
SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
(D) WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF THE COMPLETION OF THE REPORT UNDER
SUBSECTION (A), THE DEPARTMENT SHALL POST THE REPORT ON THE
DEPARTMENT'S PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE INTERNET WEBSITE.
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(E) IF THE REPORT INCLUDES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES TO
THE COMMONWEALTH'S SNAP PAYMENT DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE, SUBJECT
TO APPROPRIATION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL
DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT UPDATES TO THE PAYMENT DISTRIBUTION
SCHEDULE BASED ON THE ANALYSIS UNDER THIS SECTION AFTER
CONSULTATION WITH AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE FOLLOWING SHALL
APPLY:
(1) IF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHANGES RESULTS IN COSTS, THE
DEPARTMENT SHALL PAY FOR THE COSTS USING FUNDING MADE AVAILABLE
FROM THE ENTERPRISE AND TECHNOLOGY RESTRICTED ACCOUNT.
(2) PRIOR TO THE UPDATES BEING SUBMITTED TO THE UNITED
STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE FOR
APPROVAL, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL TRANSMIT THE PROPOSED UPDATES AS
A NOTICE TO THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU FOR PUBLICATION IN
THE NEXT AVAILABLE ISSUE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN.
(3) UPON FEDERAL APPROVAL, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ENSURE THAT
THE UPDATED DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE IS POSTED ON THE PUBLICLY
ACCESSIBLE INTERNET WEBSITE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
SECTION 7. REPEALS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
(1) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DECLARES THAT THE REPEAL UNDER
PARAGRAPH (2) IS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE AMENDMENT OF
SECTION 408.3(C), (E) AND (F) OF THE ACT.
(2) SECTION 1729-E(A)(8) OF THE ACT OF APRIL 9, 1929
(P.L.343, NO.176), KNOWN AS THE FISCAL CODE, IS REPEALED.
SECTION 8. THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT AS FOLLOWS:
(1) THE AMENDMENT OF SECTIONS 403 AND 437 SHALL TAKE
EFFECT IN 60 DAYS.
(2) THE REMAINDER OF THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT
IMMEDIATELY.
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