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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Children and youth

Jul 16, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) CHIP State Plan Eligibility; 2) Model Application Template and Instructions for State Child Health Plan Under Title XXI of the Social Security Act, State Children's Health Insurance Program; 3) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Quality Measure Set (QMS) Reporting; 4) Medicaid State Plan Eligibility; 5) Health Home State Plan Amendment (SPA); 6) Child and Adult Core Set Measures; and 7) Health Home Core Sets. Comments are due July 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 16, 2026 - Announces the annual adjustments to the federal and state funding levels and reimbursement rates for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs and the reimbursement rates for institutions participating in the Special Milk Program for Children. Updated rates are effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 10, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Healthy Start Evaluation and Quality Improvement, OMB No. 0915-0338—Revision." Proposed revisions include changes to clarifying instructions, updating response options to replace obsolete categories, separating response options to better reflect current program priorities, and adding fields to capture the month of infant birth and/or death. Comments are due by September 8, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 10, 2026 - Describes the Idaho Community Resource Network, a statewide partnership of government and community groups that work to connect families to resources such as rental assistance, childcare, food assistance, and other similar human services with the goal of keeping children out of the foster care system. Discusses the partnership with United Way to make up-to-date information more accessible, particularly for rural residents.
Source: Idaho Capital Sun
Jun 26, 2026 - Discusses food insecurity for children in a rural Michigan community and a partnership between a school and nonprofit to educate on and connect children with nutritious food. Describes rural specific challenges in accessing food including community resources, transportation, and pride.
Source: Rapid Growth
Jun 25, 2026 - Notice from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) seeking comments on a data collection related to a new cohort of children and families for the National and State Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSSCAW). NSSCAW will provide state and national estimates on the well-being, experiences, and service needs and receipt of children and families involved with the child welfare system. Comments are due by August 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 23, 2026 - Highlights the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Discusses new data showing an increase in access for rural counties across the country.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Jun 16, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comments on three new objectives proposed to be added to Healthy People 2030. Objectives cover access to mental healthcare, childhood development, and referrals to non-clinical activities. HHS also seeks comments on proposals to refine or expand two existing objectives related to screen time throughout childhood and adolescence. Comments are due by July 16, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 15, 2026 - Describes a new website highlighting the services offered by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences related to rural healthcare, education, and social safety net programs. Discusses how those programs increase access to healthcare, improve maternal and infant health, support the healthcare workforce, and make use of community health workers.
Source: UAMS News
May 27, 2026 - Highlights a Maine mobile health unit as a solution for transportation barriers that keep rural residents from accessing healthcare. The unit offers maternal and child healthcare in addition to other services.
Source: WABI