On June 6, 2023, Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order establishing a new commission on Next Generation Engagement. The Executive Order states that Pennsylvanians aged 16-26 (“Next Generation”) make unique, diverse, and valuable contributions to the culture, society, and economy of Pennsylvania, which have a beneficial impact on life in the Commonwealth. It also states that the purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding Next Generation Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to Next Generation Pennsylvanians’ needs.

Click here to view Executive Order 2023-14.

The Shapiro Administration and local health centers are collaborating to support Pennsylvanians through federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements so they can complete their renewals, protect their health, and stay covered. 

The federal public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for individuals to remain enrolled in Medicaid even if they became ineligible, except in certain circumstances. This is also known as the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement. A federal law ended the continuous coverage requirement on March 31, 2023. Now, all Pennsylvanians receiving Medicaid or CHIP must once again complete their annual renewal when it is due to determine if they are still eligible for coverage. No one will lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage without first having an opportunity to renew their coverage or update their information. 

To make sure they are getting all updates about their renewal and benefits, Pennsylvanians should make sure their contact information is up to date with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). They can do this and also report changes in their personal circumstances and check their renewal date: 
-Online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS
-Via the free myCOMPASS PA mobile app
-By calling 1-877-395-8930 (215-560-7226 if they live in Philadelphia)

Renewals will be completed over 12 months through April 2024, usually at a person’s usual time of renewal. If a person is found ineligible for coverage or does not complete their renewal on time, their Medicaid coverage will end. Pennsylvanians who are no longer eligible for Medicaid will be referred to other sources of affordable medical coverage, like CHIP and Pennie, so they have no lapse in coverage.

Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace and the only place to get financial assistance to help lower the cost of high-quality coverage and care. Those who are no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage can apply for coverage through pennie.com, while some individuals will have their information securely transferred from Medicaid or CHIP for an easier enrollment process. Customers can simply call Pennie Customer Service at 1-844-844-8040 or find Pennie-certified pros at pennie.com/connect.

To learn more about Medicaid and CHIP renewals and to access educational resources, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/staycovered.

For more information on health insurance options available to Pennsylvanians, visit www.pa.gov/healthcare.

On June 3, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDH) announced it has taken formal action to limit access to xylazine, temporarily scheduling it as a controlled substance to protect communities across the Commonwealth.  Commonly known as “tranq,” xylazine is a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania’s illicit drug supply. The Department’s scheduling preserves the legitimate use of the drug by veterinarians and farmers on livestock and other animals. 

Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen submitted notice to temporarily add xylazine to the list of schedule III drugs under Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act. The notice will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Saturday, June 3, 2023, when the action takes effect. 

Making xylazine a controlled substance will assist law enforcement agencies in bringing people to justice who illegally add xylazine to the illicit drug supply and harm others.    

People often are exposed to xylazine, knowingly or unknowingly, in combination with other drugs, particularly illicit fentanyl. Xylazine is a growing issue across Pennsylvania. In 2017, xylazine contributed to 90 overdose deaths, but in 2021, it contributed to 575 overdose deaths across 30 counties – an increase of over 600 percent in just 5 years. It’s also becoming increasingly prevalent in Philadelphia – in 2021, the City of Philadelphia reported that 90 percent of street opioid samples tested contained xylazine. 

Last year, the FDA warned that xylazine is not safe for use in humans. Xylazine use may result in skin ulcers and abscesses that drain pus, have decaying tissue and bacterial infections, and which can lead to amputation.  

Even though xylazine is not an opioid, an opioid-reversal medication like naloxone should still be administered in instances where signs of an overdose are present, because xylazine is most often mixed with an opioid, like fentanyl. If xylazine was involved, the person may still appear sedated after their breathing has returned. More information on naloxone, including the Naloxone Standing Order, can be accessed here.  

Anyone seeking substance use treatment or recovery resources for themselves, or a loved one, can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357), or go online to the Addiction Treatment Locator, Assessment, and Standards Platform (ATLAS) at treatmentatlas.org. 

ATLAS can help Pennsylvanians find and compare substance use treatment services and facilities to find the one that will work best for the person in need.