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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Access

Jun 8, 2026 - Discusses the findings of a recent study highlighting barriers to healthcare access for rural people with disabilities. Includes an interview with the study author discussing the rural impact of a correlation between disability and Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Source: Daily Yonder
Jun 7, 2026 - Discusses telehealth as a method for improving rural healthcare access and expanding rural healthcare provider networks, noting the importance of sustainability and reliable broadband access when using telehealth. Describes work by the Health and Resource Services Administration (HRSA) to fund and develop best practices around telehealth.
Source: Fed Gov Today
Jun 3, 2026 - Describes a pilot program that aims to increase lung cancer screenings in rural Minnesota. Discusses higher rates of tobacco use for rural adults compared to urban adults and how the program addresses cancer screening barriers through a "whole-of-office" approach.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jun 2, 2026 - The National Alliance for Rural Health Improvement (NARHI) has been acquired by Stratis Health and renamed the Rural Health Quality Improvement Exchange (RHQIX). RHQIX is a membership organization aiming to impact rural healthcare access, quality, and outcomes through education, professional development, peer networking, and rural-focused resources.
Source: Stratis Health News
Jun 1, 2026 - Notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating and revising the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model (IOTA Model) for Performance Year (PY) 2. The IOTA Model tests whether performance-based upside risk payments or downside risk payments paid to or owed by participating kidney transplant hospitals increase access to kidney transplants for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) while preserving or enhancing the quality of care and reducing Medicare expenditures. This rule is effective July 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 1, 2026 - 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 Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department for Community Based 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 July 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 1, 2026 - 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 New Mexico Health Care Authority 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 July 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 31, 2026 - Describes the importance of rural healthcare access for an aging population and healthcare workforce shortages in New York.
Source: Spectrum News 1
May 28, 2026 - A rural Alabama county sheriff's office has purchased 16 automated external defibrillators and 2 trauma first aid kits. Notes that area emergency medical services units have large service areas and law enforcement often respond to emergencies more quickly.
Source: WTVM
May 28, 2026 - East Carolina University has added a rural residency track for their internal medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics graduate medical education programs. The goal is to increase access to healthcare in rural North Carolina communities.
Source: WITN