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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Access

Mar 5, 2024 - Highlights projected impacts to rural health following the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Discusses concerns about equity for patients using telehealth, particularly for rural residents and people with disabilities.
Source: Mother Jones
Mar 5, 2024 - Highlights a mobile health clinic in rural Indiana. Notes the clinic expanded to offer additional services after success offering vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: USDA Rural Development Newsroom
Mar 5, 2024 - Discusses challenges with accessing mental healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Notes workforce shortages and low pay as contributors to limited access. Also discusses challenges for military service members including long wait times for appointments.
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office
Mar 4, 2024 - A rural Montana VA Community Living Center uses telehealth to connect residents with specialty care, allowing rural residents access to timely care. Notes this helps in areas with shortages of specialists and other healthcare workforce.
Source: Veteran's Administration
Mar 1, 2024 - Discusses rural hospital closures in Oklahoma. Notes the impact of Medicare reimbursements, Medicaid expansion, and the Rural Emergency Hospital designation on rural hospital stability.
Source: News on 6
Mar 1, 2024 - Discusses the lack of specialty care for rural Florida residents with disabilities. Notes impacts on success in school for children who have to frequently travel long distances to care.
Source: Spectrum News 1
Mar 1, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) making regulatory changes to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) to address some of the programmatic and systemic challenges to access to high-quality, affordable child care. Changes are intended to lower childcare costs for families participating in CCDF, improve the program's childcare provider payment rates and practices, and simplify enrollment in the childcare subsidy program. States and territories that are not in compliance with the provisions of this final rule on the effective date may request a temporary waiver for up to two years to come into compliance. This rule is effective April 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 29, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is accepting applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program for fiscal year 2024, subject to the availability of funding. DLT grant funds support the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. Applications that will help rural communities recover economically, ensure all rural residents have equitable access to USDA Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects, and reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support are encouraged. Applications are due by April 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 27, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission to re-establish the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) for two years. The CSRIC advises the FCC and makes recommendations that foster the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems. This action will take place on or before March 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 27, 2024 - Notice from the Housing and Urban Development Department expanding the eligibility for the ConnectHomeUSA program to include Continuum of Care Program and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program grantees. The ConnectHomeUSA program is intended to accelerate broadband internet adoption in HUD-assisted homes. Applications are due April 12, 2024
Source: Federal Register