Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare facilities
Nov 5, 2025 - Notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing: 1) changes to the Physician Fee Schedule and Medicare Part B payment policies; 2) policies for the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; 3) the Ambulatory Specialty Model; 4) updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; 5) updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B; 6) Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; 7) updates to the Quality Payment Program; 8) updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); 9) updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; 10) codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provisions; and 11) updates to the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program. These regulations are effective January 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 31, 2025 - The Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) is opening a new office in rural North Carolina. Services offered include primary care, women's services, and behavioral health. Discusses disparities in care between rural and urban communities in the area, in part due to workforce shortages, and the mission of MAHEC to train and retain healthcare professionals.
Source: WLOS
Oct 23, 2025 - Highlights a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in rural Minnesota successfully offering labor and delivery services in spite of nationwide department closures. Describes the challenges with offering this service in rural communities and factors contributing to this CAH's success including participating in a network and cross-training staff. Includes a state map of maternity care deserts at the county level.
Source: MPR News
Oct 22, 2025 - Analyzes recent and projected population shift data to describe anticipated changes to Appalachian communities. Discusses the impact declining population would have on those communities and vital services in them such as hospitals, emergency services, schools, and more.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Oct 16, 2025 - Discusses the goals of a new nonprofit foundation tasked with providing direct funding for rural Alabama hospitals to help keep emergency departments open, modernize facilities, recruit and retain workforce, expand access, and integrate with the community. Discusses a recent trend toward facility closures in the state and other policy measures attempting to reverse the trend.
Source: Tuscaloosa Thread
Oct 15, 2025 - Highlights 2 new healthcare clinics opening in rural Texas. Discusses the increase in healthcare access the clinics provide and the trend toward rural facility closures across the state.
Source: KWTX
Oct 15, 2025 - Highlights a partnership between a rural Kentucky school system and local health system to increase access to mental health services for students. The program aims to overcome common barriers, particularly transportation. Notes existing partnerships with other school districts and the health system and plans to continue expanding.
Source: LEX 18
Oct 8, 2025 - Announces a new telehealth service launching in 27 rural South Dakota long-term care facilities. A phone line will be monitored by registered nurses and advanced practice providers. The facilities are located in communities with limited medical resources, increasing healthcare access for patients in need of higher level care.
Source: McKnights Long Term Care News
Oct 7, 2025 - Recently-opened mental health center Sukapi Lodge near Browning, Montana is rooted in Blackfeet culture and unique experiences of Native people. Treatment combines Western therapeutic practices with Blackfeet traditional values.
Source: KRTV
Oct 6, 2025 - Discusses the benefits and downsides for hospitals considering converting to a Rural Emergency Hospital, highlighting the choices made by rural hospitals around Arkansas. Discusses reimbursement rates, labor and delivery service access, and general healthcare access.
Source: Arkansas Advocate