Rural Health
News by Topic: Funding
FCC: Universal Service Contribution Methodology
Federal Register
Jun 13, 2019 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requests comments on establishing a cap for the Universal Service Fund (USF) or methods for evaluating the financial impact of USF's 4 programs: Connect America Fund, the Lifeline program, the schools and libraries program, and the Rural Health Care program. These programs support access to high-speed broadband. Comments are due July 15, 2019.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 13, 2019 - While federal funding is helping rural communities address the opioid epidemic, drug addictions can encompass multiple substances. In 11 states, opioids were responsible for less than half of drug overdose deaths, as use of substances like methamphetamine are on the rise.
Source: National Public Radio
Jun 13, 2019 - Navajo Nation, like many reservations, is remote. Remoteness, unpaved roads, distrust of government, and lack of internet or at times electricity make Native Americans on tribal reservations among the most difficult to count for the decennial Census. And those numbers have consequences for federal funding. (May require subscription to view.)
Source: Los Angeles Times
Jun 12, 2019 - Rural hospitals are using savings from the 340B drug pricing program to remain open and provide care for the underserved, according to a new report surveying more than 1,300 hospitals. Other uses include providing services such as transportation and reducing preventable readmissions.
Source: 340B Health
Jun 12, 2019 - In late 2017, Lakeland Community Hospital, the only emergency care option within an hour of rural Haleyville, Alabama, announced they were going to close. The community stepped up, passing tax increases to purchase the hospital and save it from closing.
Source: Bridge
Jun 12, 2019 - Community development specialists at a conference on the rural U.S. support investing in rural communities. Regional development organizations and public-private partnerships have both had success in financing rural initiatives.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jun 10, 2019 - The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) projects over $83 million in unused funds will be available for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program. The FY 2019 filing window for the RHC Program closes June 30, 2019.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Jun 6, 2019 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide technical assistance to 47 rural regions and communities to help them develop and implement economic development plans. Four partners will provide the assistance, focusing on peer learning, leveraging funding, identifying assets, strengthening the workforce, and supporting entrepreneurship.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Jun 5, 2019 - Washington State passed the Washington Indian Health Improvement Act to direct funding to improving American Indian and Alaska Native health. The legislation leverages a new federal Medicaid policy that matches the amount states spend on Indian Health Services and tribal health facilities.
Source: State of Reform
May 31, 2019 - The Federal Communications Commission plans to evaluate the finances of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and seek comments on a budget cap for the program. USF provides funding through the Connect America Fund, the Rural Health Care program, the Lifeline program, and the schools and libraries program. Comments will be due 30 days after publication of the related notice in the Federal Register.
Source: Federal Communications Commission