Pennsylvania Passes Budget After 135-Day Stalemate - What's Impacted?

After a 135-day impasse, Pennsylvania lawmakers and Governor Josh Shapiro reached a bipartisan agreement on a $50.09 billion state budget for FY 2025-26. The signed budget increases overall spending by about $2.3 billion (4.7%), preserves an $8 billion Rainy Day Fund, withdraws Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and avoids broad-based tax hikes. The plan invests nearly $1 billion in new K-12 education funding, establishes the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, and increases funding for health and human services.

One main item to highlight is that the Pennsylvania General Assembly maintained funding for the Primary Care Line Item through the Department of Health's budget. The Primary Care Line-Item houses funding for physician loan repayment programs and a state-funded residency program.

Top Physicians Under 40 Feature: Dr. Matthew Simpson’s Mission

Long before he wore a white coat, Matthew Simpson, MD understood the power of care, and he has spent his life making sure others feel it too. Growing up, he witnessed the impact of chronic illness on his family and neighbors, and how preventable conditions could worsen due to a lack of access to care, education, and resources. "I knew early on that I wanted to be part of the solution," he says. "I wanted to not only treat patients but also empower them with knowledge and work to bridge the gaps in health care equity."

Now completing his internal medicine residency at Allegheny General Hospital, Dr. Simpson has already distinguished himself as a clinician, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate.

As a first-generation African American physician and an international medical graduate, he has overcome multiple layers of systemic barriers.

Dr. Simpson is deeply honored by his Top Physicians Under 40 nomination. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion I have poured into my journey as a physician, mentor, and advocate for medical education and health care equity," he says. "It’s incredibly rewarding to see that my work, whether in the ICU, through Top MD, or in research, is making a meaningful impact."

Know a colleague or mentor that deserves recognition? Nominate for the 2026 PAMED Awards!

Navigating the MultiPlan Litigation: What Physician Practices and Facilities Need to Know

🗓️Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 12 p.m. - Register today!

There's still time to join us for a timely webinar on the sweeping federal antitrust case against MultiPlan and major insurers, alleging a price-fixing conspiracy that cost providers billions. Matt Lavin, AGG Healthcare Litigation partner, will walk through the litigation’s origins, key legal developments and strategies for affected providers to consider.

Upcoming Webinar: HCC Coding Essentials for Practice Success

Join us on Nov. 20 from 1–2 p.m. for a webinar tailored for practice administrators and physicians. Presented by PAMED partner Granite GRC, this webinar offers a vital overview of Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) coding—a key component in maximizing documentation accuracy and revenue.

2026 Year-Round Leadership Academy

Enrollment for the 2026 Year-Round Leadership Academy is now open! This program helps physicians build essential leadership skills through online courses, in-person sessions, and hands-on projects. Earn CME, explore pathways to advanced degrees, and connect with peers and experts as you grow into the leader your organization needs. Register by Feb. 16, 2026.

Scholarships are available for eligible individuals to help offset program costs. The deadline to apply for scholarship consideration is Feb. 1, 2026.

Trump Announces Deals with Lilly, Novo to Cut Weight Loss Drug Prices

AMA Summary - 2026 Medicare Physicians Feed Schedule Final Rule

Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Infant Formula

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