New implementation date for Skilled Nursing and Personal Care Shift Services & MA & MP.PA.050.1

Jul. 2023Important Notices
We previously communicated in the July Provider Partner Update that effective Aug. 1, 2023, per Pennsylvania DHS, HCPCS T1019 will be discontinued and replaced with the following HCPCS codes and modifiers:
  • G0156 with modifier U7 for pediatric aide services by a non-legally responsible relative
  • G0156 with modifiers U7/SC for pediatric aide services by a legally responsible relative
  • G0156 U7 TT – Services of home health/hospice aide in home health or hospice settings, each 15 minutes (services by a non-legally responsible relative) – extra patient
  • G0156 U7 SC TT – Services of home health/hospice aide in home health or hospice settings, each 15 minutes (services by a legally responsible relative) – extra patient

Please be aware that due to an additional and more recent communication from PA DHS, the implementation date was changed to Oct. 1, 2023 (previously communicated in the July PPU as Aug. 1, 2023).

Recent Announcements

Bridging Smiles and Systems: Collaborative Care for Children with Chronic Conditions

Please join us for a live, CME-accredited and CEU-accredited webinar on May 13 from noon to 1p.m., that will explore the critical connection between oral health and pediatric chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, congenital heart disease, and ADHD.
Feb. 2026Education/Webinars

February 2026 UPMC for You and UPMC Community HealthChoices formulary update

Pulmicort Flexhaler has a new distributor, Rubicon Holding. National Drug Codes (NDCs) for Pulmicort Flexhaler from Rubicon Holding are not included in the Medicaid Drug Rebate program and are not covered under the Medicaid Prescription Drug Program. Pulmicort Flexhaler NDCs from the previous manufacturer, H2 Pharma, have been discontinued but may be billed/dispensed until supplies are exhausted.
Feb. 2026Pharmacy Updates

CME Webinar: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s ‘Talk Saves Lives’ Program

Please join us on Tuesday, April 28, from noon to 1 p.m. for “Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention.” This live, CME-accredited webinar is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s flagship suicide prevention education program. It covers the scope of this leading cause of death, warning signs and risk factors for suicide, and strategies to prevent it.
Feb. 2026Education/Webinars