Pennsylvania House Considers Changes to Home and Community-Based Services Fees

On August 18, 2026, the Pennsylvania House Human Services Committee, led by Chair Rep. Doyle Heffley, is convening a hearing to delve into House Bill 1939. This bill is aimed at revising the existing fee schedules for home and community-based services (HCBS), particularly under programs that cater to individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Given the profound implications of these modifications, it is critical for stakeholders within Pennsylvania’s HCBS sector to understand how changes to reimbursement rates and contract terms might affect their operations.

House Bill 1939 seeks to amend the Human Services Code, enacted under Act 21 of 1967, to adjust the fee schedule rates associated with services provided by the Office of Developmental Programs within the Department of Human Services (DHS). These adjustments are not merely administrative; they demand federal approval, indicating a complex regulatory process that could extend contract negotiations and funding timelines. The implications of these changes underscore the importance of proactive engagement for contractors, as they might face altered reimbursement frameworks that could reshape their financial viability and operational capacity.

Rep. Heffley has expressed a commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive timely and quality services through adequately compensated providers, stating, “We must ensure individuals with disabilities have timely access to high-quality services delivered by qualified, dedicated professionals.” This sentiment highlights the delicate balance that the legislature must maintain between funding for these vital services and the sustainability of service organizations.

The hearing is poised to gather testimony from key figures in this space, such as Kristin Ahrens, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Developmental Programs, and representatives from advocacy and provider organizations. Their insights will be crucial for understanding the broader repercussions of these legislative changes on service delivery models and the funding mechanisms that support them. In particular, insights from stakeholder groups will illuminate potential hurdles and operational challenges that providers face under the existing fee structures, which could be amplified by these proposed revisions.

Procurement teams and service providers should closely monitor the legislative proceedings and adjust their strategic planning accordingly. With federal approval being a significant factor, organizations must prepare for possible delays or adjustments that could arise during the review process. Additionally, proactive communication with the Department of Human Services and its affiliated offices will be necessary to ensure compliance with any new regulations or funding guidelines that may result from this legislative effort.

The outcome of the hearing, along with subsequent legislative actions, will likely have a cascading effect on procurement strategies and budgets for organizations involved in providing HCBS. It is recommended that organizations engage in scenario planning to evaluate how potential changes could alter their business models and funding streams, especially in light of fiscal pressures and evolving service demands in the states’ developmental disability support landscape.

In summary, the implications of House Bill 1939 extend beyond minor adjustments to fee schedules; they represent a crucial turning point for how services are funded and delivered to some of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable populations. By preparing for the anticipated changes and actively participating in the legislative discourse, stakeholders can position themselves for success in an evolving regulatory environment.

• House Bill 1939 proposes revisions to fee schedules for HCBS.
• Hearing set for August 18, 2026, at the State Capitol in Harrisburg.
• Changes to fee schedules require federal approval, indicating a multi-level regulatory process.
• Stakeholders should assess how modifications may affect reimbursement rates and operations.
• Rep. Heffley emphasizes the need for timely access to quality services for individuals with disabilities.
• Key testifiers include representatives from the DHS and various advocacy organizations.
• Procurement professionals should maintain communication with the Department of Human Services for compliance updates.
• Legislative outcomes may impact budgeting and contract renewals in intellectual disability and autism programs.