Important Updates from the Department of Health

Reminder for Medicaid Providers: HPV Vaccine is Recommended Starting at Age 9

The Pennsylvania Cancer Coalition has requested that Medicaid managed care plans share the recommendation: the HPV vaccine should be given to children starting at age 9.

By starting the vaccination process at age 9, children will have a greater likelihood of completing the series of vaccines by age 13, resulting in fewer of them — either as adolescents or adults — contracting HPV infections, which cause cancer.

The vaccine provides safe, effective, and lasting protection against the HPV infections that most commonly cause cancer. 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is requiring managed care plans to share the following communication with primary care providers who participate in the Medicaid Program in the commonwealth:

• Letter from PA Cancer Coalition

Funding Opportunity for PA Organizations Implementing Community-based Solutions to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes and Health Equity

The Pennsylvania Department of Health

Bureau of Family Health, Division of Maternal Health Services

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

RFA #67-194: Promising Maternal Health Initiatives

ELIGIBILITY: Applications are welcomed from Pennsylvania organizations that are prepared to implement promising, community­-based solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and health equity in counties classified as Second Class A through Eighth Class, as determined by the United States Census. There is particular interest in applications for initiative(s) that will serve rural regions.

GOAL: This Request for Application will promote the use of promising and practice-based solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and health equity in Pennsylvania communities. Proposed initiatives may be stand­alone or bundled with other, similar interventions. Applicants are encouraged to be innovative and creative in their approach.

AWARDS: The anticipated grant agreement term is July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027. The overall 24­ month budget for the application shall not be below $100,000 or exceed $500,000. Applications will not be evaluated on the basis of the total amount being requested, as the scope and associated cost of specific initiatives will vary. The Department expects to award up to 20 grant agreements.

QUESTIONS: All questions regarding this RFA must be directed by e-mail to sklucar@pa.gov, no later than 12:00 p.m. ET on April 1, 2025. All questions must include the specific section of the RFA about which the potential applicant is requesting clarification. Answers to all questions will be posted here as soon as possible, following the April 1 deadline (click on ‘Solicitations’ and search for RFA 67-194).

HOW TO APPLY: Click here for the application and associated templates. Additional information about how to apply, relevant and specific restrictions, and stated preferences regarding applicants are noted and outlined in Section B.

APPLICATIONS DUE: Applications must be received no later than 1:30 p.m. ET on April 25, 2025. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED REGARDLESS OF THE REASON.