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:

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:

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.