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Rural Health
News by Topic: Pharmacy and prescription drugs

Jun 22, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) correcting the total number of responses listed in the June 15, 2026, notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 22, 2026 - Offers an interview with an independent pharmacy owner and the president of the Kansas Pharmacists Association. Discusses clinical services, sustainability, and recognizing community needs.
Source: Pharmacy Times
Jun 18, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on a request for information (RFI) regarding technical input on the services and business practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their affiliates to inform implementation of recent legislation. The RFI specifically focuses on two specific legislative requirements that are effective beginning calendar year 2028: 1) restrictions on the remuneration that PBMs and their affiliates may receive for services in connection with the utilization of covered Part D drugs and 2) data reporting requirements. Comments are due by July 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 16, 2026 - Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would codify the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, establish certain new policies for the Negotiation Program and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program as required by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, and propose a modification to the fixed combination drug policy. Comments are due by August 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 15, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on a proposed information collection request (ICR) titled "340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Application, Implementation, and Evaluation, OMB No. 0906-NEW." HRSA's Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) intends to introduce a revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (Pilot) as a mechanism for qualifying drug manufacturers, who wish to participate, to effectuate the 340B ceiling price on a limited set of drugs sold to covered entities using rebates. This ICR includes the collection of proposed rebate model plans from qualifying drug manufacturers, the ongoing collection of sales data from drug manufacturers to allow OPA to monitor implementation of the Pilot and enhance 340B program integrity and compliance monitoring, and the collection of data submitted by covered entities to manufacturers to request a rebate under a potential Pilot. Comments are due by July 15, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2026 - Announces funding for a study that will scale up a pilot project increasing access to opioid use disorder treatment in primary care across Ohio and West Virginia. Rural providers will have access to a mentor-based prescribing model. Also discusses how students have been involved with the research process.
Source: OHIO Today
Jun 8, 2026 - Describes a recent study finding that a U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) telenephrology program improved mortality rates and increased guideline-directed medication prescriptions for veterans at rural VA clinics receiving treatment for chronic kidney disease. The program uses a hub-and-spoke system to connect rural veterans with specialized care. Notes additional research finding veterans are satisfied with telenephrology care.
Source: Military.com
May 20, 2026 - The Helmsley Charitable Trust is funding a pilot program through the Civica Foundation that will give participating hospitals access to a consistent supply of drugs at wholesale prices, without having to buy in bulk. Dozens of independent hospitals in rural areas of Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming are eligible.
Source: Wyoming Public Media
Apr 28, 2026 - Discusses the implementation of prescription benefit information in electronic health records among rural providers. Discusses federal policy work to ease challenges with using health technology in rural practices.
Source: GovCIO Media & Research
Apr 26, 2026 - The Veterans Affairs' TelePharmacy program, available in selected areas across the country, gives remote access to veterans who live in areas without a pharmacy specialist. The My HealtheVet app can be used to verify appointment times, refill prescriptions, and send secure messages to patients' VA care teams.
Source: VA News