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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Sep 9, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) modifying an existing system of records maintained by CMS titled "Hospice Item Set (HIS) System." The amended System of Records Notice (SORN) reflects changes to now include real time data collection at the time of patient assessments to improve the understanding of patient care needs and care coordination. CMS is also changing the name of the system of records to "Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE)." This modified system of records notice is effective on September 9, 2026, with the exception of the routine uses, which are effective October 9, 2026. Comments are due within 30 days of the publication of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 8, 2026 - Announces awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a variety of behavioral health treatment, prevention, and crisis response programs across over 20 funding opportunities. Includes funding for suicide prevention and response in tribal communities, community-based systems of care for tribal youth, emergency medical services for behavioral health crises in rural areas, and training and technical assistance for rural opioid and stimulant use.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sep 8, 2026 - Discusses the impact of labor and delivery department closures across the nation and highlights one Minnesota hospital that has managed to maintain labor and delivery services in spite of the trends. Describes budgeting and patient relationships as key factors in their success.
Source: NPR
Sep 8, 2026 - Summarizes recent research finding that hospice use declines as communities become more rural. Offers recommendations to journalists reporting on rural and urban differences in hospice access including variation in access within rural areas.
Source: Association of Health Care Journalists
Sep 6, 2026 - Highlights telehealth as a service delivery method for mental healthcare for rural veterans following a suicide attempt.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Sep 2, 2026 - The University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine has received $10 million to be used toward a program training primary care physicians in rural communities. 42% of Alabama's population lives in rural areas, and 16.4% of those are uninsured.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Sep 1, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Survey of Retail Prices; 2) Basic Health Program (BHP) Supporting Regulations; and 3) Solicitation for Applications for Medicare Prescription Drug Plan 2028 Contracts. Comments are due by November 2, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 1, 2026 - Hawaii has received $58 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program to improve access to healthcare and strengthen services in rural and underserved communities. This includes $45 million for the University of Hawaii School of Medicine to administer workforce development programs and $13 million for the Hawaii Department of Health to acquire new ambulances and upgrade emergency communications systems.
Source: Kaua'i Now
Aug 31, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid have recalculated the fiscal year 2027 hospice wage index values for all CBSAs and rural areas. A correction notice with updated rates will be posted on the FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements webpage.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Aug 31, 2026 - Highlights a new Saturday clinic for veterans in rural West Texas in need of audiology care. Discusses healthcare access challenges for veterans in this region and how the expanded hours help ensure veterans are able to receive the consistent care they need.
Source: VA West Texas Health Care Stories