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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Hospitals

Nov 25, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making changes to the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system for calendar year 2026, including changes to the amounts and factors used to determine the payment rates for Medicare services paid under the OPPS and those paid under the ASC payment systems. Among other things, this rule also updates the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program, Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting Program, Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting Program, Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating, and hospitals to make public their standard charge information and enforcement of hospital price transparency. This rule also announces the closure of a teaching hospital and the opportunity to apply for available slots. This rule is effective January 1, 2026. Applications for available resident spots are due by February 19, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 20, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Hospital Wage Index Occupational Mix Survey; 2) Medicare Enrollment Application—Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Suppliers; 3) Recognition of Pass-Through Payment for Additional (New) Categories of Devices under the Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Supporting Regulations; and 4) Registration, Attestation, Dispute Resolution and Correction, Assumptions Document and Data Retention Requirements for Open Payments. Comments are due December 22, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 19, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing the inpatient hospital deductible and coinsurance amounts for hospital and extended care services provided during calendar year 2026 under Medicare's Hospital Insurance Program (Medicare Part A). These rates are effective on January 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 6, 2025 - Highlights a food as medicine program at a rural Washington Critical Access Hospital, describing implementation and a focus on prevention to improve health outcomes. The program won the National Rural Health Association's 2025 Outstanding Rural Health Program award.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Nov 5, 2025 - Highlights progress on a facility expansion in rural Wisconsin that will increase access to healthcare diagnostic technology and services for local residents. Describes common challenges for rural residents in accessing these services.
Source: WKBT
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 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
Oct 3, 2025 - Announces that a New York hospital is converting to a Rural Emergency Hospital. Outlines the benefits of converting and the impact on access to healthcare for the area.
Source: The Post-Journal