Public Input Process

The public input process for the Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania demonstration application involves providing transparency and gathering feedback from stakeholders. The public input process includes:

1. Public Notice

  • DHS published an abbreviated public notice in the PA Bulletin summarizing the demonstration application and listing the dates and times of the public hearings.
  • In addition to publication in the PA Bulletin, the abbreviated public notice was widely distributed through various channels, including a press release, existing DHS listservs, and community outreach efforts.
  • The full public notice was published on the Keystones of Health webpage.

2. Public Comment Period

  • The public comment period from December 2, 2023 through January 2, 2024, is provided for the public to submit written comments on the waiver application online or by mail or verbal comments in a public hearing.

3. Public Hearings

  • DHS will host three virtual public hearings to offer an accessible platform for public engagement.
  • These hearings provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions and verbally express their feedback. Participants may also type questions and comments using the platform's chat feature. Participants will additionally receive a link to the online public comment form.
  • The public hearings will take place on:
    • Public Forum 1 — This meeting has already occurred. 
      • Date: Monday, December 11, 2023
      • Time: 12:00-1:00pm
    • Public Forum 2 — This meeting has already occurred. 
      • Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023
      • Time: 6:00-7:00pm
    • Public Forum 3 — This meeting has already occurred.
    • Date: Friday, December 15, 2023
    • Time: 9:00-10:00am
    • Register for Session 3 here
    • Join by phone only: 312-626-6799; Webinar ID: 951 7040 4572

4. Advisory Committee Meetings

  • DHS is consulting existing DHS advisory groups in the public comment period.
  • Each session will include an overview of the Keystones of Health Program with limited time for questions and comments.
  • All of these meetings are open to the public.
  • Except where otherwise noted, these sessions allow verbal and typed comments from all participants. Participants will additionally receive a link to the online public comment form.
  • DHS has presented or will present as part of the agenda in the following meetings:
     
Meeting TitleDateTimeMeeting Information
Medical Assistance Advisory (MAAC) Managed Care Subcommittee12/4/2311:00am-12:00pm

 

This meeting has already occurred.

Income Maintenance Advisory Committee (IMAC)12/5/231:00-4:30pm

This meeting has already occurred.

MAAC Consumer Subcommittee12/6/231:00-3:00pm

This meeting has already occurred.

MAAC12/7/2310:00am- 12:00pm

This meeting has already occurred.

Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC)
12/12/2310:30-11:00amThis meeting has already occurred.

 

5. Existing Meetings via Invitation

  • Additional stakeholders throughout this process invited DHS to share information about the application during an existing meeting or special session.
  • Each session will include an overview of the Keystones of Health Program with time for questions and comments. In some sessions the question and comments period will be brief.
  • Except where otherwise noted, these sessions allow verbal and typed comments from participants. Participants will additionally receive a link to the online public comment form.
  • DHS has presented or will present as part of the agenda in the following meetings:
     
Meeting TitleDateTimeMeeting Information
Mental Health Planning Council11/21/2312:45-3:00pmThis meeting has already occurred.
Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations11/29/2310:00-10:30amThis meeting has already occurred.
The United Way, Community Action Agencies, and Children's Advocates12/4/231:00-2:00pmThis meeting is not open to the public.This meeting has already occurred.
Pennsylvania Reentry Council12/6/2310:00-10:30amThis meeting has already occurred.
PA Health Equity Action Team12/7/2310:00-11:00amThis meeting has already occurred.
Homes within Reach Conference12/8/239:00-10:00amThis meeting has already occurred.
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Board Meeting12/14/2310:30-11:00amThis meeting has already occurred.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Meeting
12/20/231:00-2:00pm
This meeting has already occurred.

 

6. Analysis and Response

  • DHS will thoroughly analyze all comments received during the public comment period and consider received feedback.
  • DHS will compile and share responses to key and recurring concerns, demonstrating how public input led to updates in the application.
  • DHS will publish responses to comments in the Keystones of Health application submitted to CMS.