Although the FY10-11 Budget has been signed, it includes $850 million in federal matching funds (FMAP) for Medical Assistance that needs Congressional approval.

Failure of Congress to provide this funding will have significant impacts on Pennsylvania’s budget, which could include cuts to human service programs. If you want to learn more about the impact of this assistance in your community, you can visit the web site of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center.

Prevention Pays Off

Focusing on prevention, screening and well-care helps people become healthier and avoid the need for costlier and more critical services.

Medical Assistance Focus on Performance and Prevention

Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance program focuses on performance of activities that make people healthier. Current focus areas include:

• Cervical Cancer Screening
• Controlling High Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol Management for Patients with Cardiovascular Conditions
• Cholesterol Management in People with Diabetes
• Prenatal Care in the First Trimester

Improving Access to Critical Preventative Services

Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance program performs above the national average for Medicaid programs in several key prevention indicators meaning that PA is performing at or better than the average rate at providing its residents with these critical health care services.

• Breast Cancer Screening
• Woman Receiving Recommended Pre-Natal Care Visits
• Childhood Immunizations (birth to age 2)
• Well Child Visits (ages 3 – 6)
• Adolescent Well Care Visits

More Pennsylvanians Have Access to Dental Care

Dental care is key to staying healthy. In the past few years, DPW has focused on increasing the number of dentists in the MA program and educating consumers about the importance of dental care. We have increased dental provider participation by 10% since April 2008 and increased dental screenings by 27% from 2008 to 2009.

Treating Substance Abuse Pays Off in Future Costs Savings

Analysis has shown that every $1 spent on substance abuse treatment saves $4 in reduced future health care costs and $7 in reduced future criminal justice costs. The investments in DPW’s budget for substance abuse services have significant future returns to all of Pennsylvania. 

The mission of the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) is to protect and serve Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens, to promote, improve and sustain the quality of family life, and to break the cycle of dependency, while managing our resources effectively and promoting respect for employees. 

The focus for the DPW Budget is sustainability—preserving services for those who need them, quality and results—ensuring services improve the lives of those who receive them, and accountability— ensuring efficient use of tax dollars. For more information about the DPW budget visit www.dpw.state.pa.us. 

Related links:

DPW Budget Updates
Secretary of Public Welfare
Budget Briefing Information
Budget Information