Pa. Health Leaders Monitor Federal Funding Freeze

State hearing highlights need to address maternal health disparities, grow the workforce

February 19, 2025

Pennsylvania faces uncertainty over federal funding as state leaders work to grow the health care workforce, address maternal health disparities, and invest in public health.

Leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Health testified during a Senate budget hearing this afternoon about the governor’s proposed 2025–2026 spending plan. Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania health secretary, and other department leaders, answered a wide range of questions related to a potential freeze in federal funding; supporting the health care workforce; public health initiatives; and maternal health disparities. 

Among the key takeaways from the hearing:

• Federal funding uncertainty:   About 60 percent of the department’s funding comes via federal sources, Bogen said. These funds support children’s health programs, public health initiatives, and emergency preparedness.
  • “We are watching closely the federal situation,” Bogen said. “We’ve gotten a number of notices, and then they have been recalled. We have quite a few employees who are funded exclusively through federal support.”
  • The budget currently does not include any cuts related to the funding freeze, Bogen said.
• Addressing maternal health disparities:  Bogen outlined initiatives to establish regional maternal health coalitions and to expand access to doulas through Medicaid.
  • Last month, HAP released an action plan for hospitals and policymakers to improve maternal health quality, access, and equity.
  • During the hearing, Bogen said the state is focusing on addressing significant disparities in maternal health and challenges maintaining services in rural areas.
  • “These are discussions we all need to have together,” Bogen said. “There isn’t a quick solution. If there was, it would be taken care of already.”
• Regulatory flexibility:  Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Michele Brooks (R-Crawford, Lawrence, Mercer) opened the hearing to emphasize the need for regulatory flexibility to protect distressed hospitals from closure.
• Workforce investments:  The governor’s budget proposal includes new funding for rural hospitals to address their unique workforce challenges, and additional funding to support loan repayment for behavioral health providers.
  • “These are wise investments to really build the workforce in those two areas,” Bogen said.
• Public health and measles:  Bogen said vaccines are critical to prevent the spread of measles. The state’s infectious disease epidemiology team also prioritizes contact tracing to prevent outbreaks, she said.

The hearing is available to watch online. HAP will continue put hospital priorities front and center throughout the state budget process. For questions, contact Arielle Chortanoff, vice president, state advocacy, or Sarah Lawver, senior director, state advocacy.