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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Access

Apr 15, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) regulations to implement changes related to prescription drug coverage, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), Part C and Part D Star Ratings, and other programmatic areas, including the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. This final rule also codifies existing sub-regulatory guidance in the Part C and Part D programs. These regulations are effective June 3, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 11, 2025 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) clarifying the May 9, 2024, final rule titled, "Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance." This notice clarifies that language in the preamble of the final rule concerning gender dysphoria is not included in the regulatory text and therefore does not have the force or effect of law.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 26, 2025 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold an open meeting on March 27, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. Agenda items include a discussion of proposed rules that would ensure the reliability and interoperability of Next Generation 911 networks and strengthen caller location accuracy requirements for wireless calls to 911, among other things. The meeting can be viewed on the FCC website.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 24, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) further delaying the January 17, 2025, final rules titled "Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter" and "Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients." These final rules will now be effective December 31, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 12, 2025 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by April 11, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 12, 2025 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Universal Service Fund (USF) Lifeline program. The Lifeline program is designed to support discounted broadband and voice services for low-income consumers. Comments are due by April 11, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 6, 2025 -

Highlights the Home-Based Primary Care program offered by the West Texas VA Health Care System in an effort to expand access to healthcare for rural veterans. Notes a variety of service delivery models are being used to reach more veterans with healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Feb 25, 2025 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Tennessee Department of Human Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by March 27, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 25, 2025 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Utah Department of Workforce Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by March 27, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 25, 2025 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Missouri Department of Social Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by March 27, 2025.
Source: Federal Register