Pa. Eliminates Medicaid Provider Enrollment Application Backlog

June 12, 2023

Pennsylvania has eliminated a backlog of 35,000 Medicaid provider enrollment and revalidation applications, improving access to care for millions of patients across the commonwealth.

This month, leaders from the Department of Human Services (DHS) provided an update on their efforts to address the delay for approval of Medicaid provider applications, prioritizing the removal of “roadblocks to processing applications quickly and cutting red tape.”

“HAP and Pennsylvania hospitals applaud the Shapiro administration for moving quickly to improve processing for Medicaid provider enrollments and for completely eliminating a backlog of applications,” HAP President and CEO Andy Carter said. “These efforts are already starting to remove barriers for providers and patients and directly increase Pennsylvanians’ access to health care.”

Here’s what you need to know:

• Background:  When Governor Josh Shapiro took office in January, there was a backlog of more than 35,000 provider applications and revalidation applications that were more than 30 days old. Since then, his administration has been working to improve application processing and eliminate the backlog.
• The issue:  Backlogs in processing applications mean providers who want to offer services to Medicaid recipients cannot do so until their applications are approved.
• HAP advocacy:  In a letter and meetings with administration officials this year, HAP has continued to stress the importance of eliminating the Medicaid provider enrollment backlogs to improve access to care for the 3.7 million Pennsylvania patients served by the program.
• Taking action:  Through April, DHS had reduced the applicant waiting list to under 8,500 and has since eliminated the waiting list completely, officials said last week.
• Quotable:  “Pennsylvania is fortunate to have so many caring, high-quality health care providers and professionals who want to be part of the Medicaid program and care for some of our most vulnerable friends, neighbors, and loved ones,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, DHS acting secretary.

HAP continues to focus on efforts to support Pennsylvania’s health care workforce, including initiatives to remove administrative barriers that hinder access to care. This year HAP, led by its Health Care Talent Task Force, published a roadmap to grow Pennsylvania’s health care workforce throughout the commonwealth.

Additional information about the DHS provider enrollment initiative is available online.

For questions, contact Jolene Calla, Esq., vice president, health care finance and insurance.