Rural Health
News by Topic: Pharmacy and prescription drugs
Sep 21, 2026 - Describes disparities in buprenorphine treatment availability in rural areas despite new data showing a national increase in the medication in pharmacies and emergency departments. Discusses challenges that continue to exist in rural Pennsylvania and highlights telehealth as a tool that could support improved access to the medication.
Source: WHYY
CMS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Federal Register
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
Aug 27, 2026 - Highlights Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding in Ohio to connect pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, health systems, and other partners across the state through a health information exchange. The goal is to build a rural pharmacy network, expand clinical services in pharmacies, and conduct a pharmacy needs assessment across the state.
Source: Ohio Pharmacists Association
Aug 20, 2026 - Highlights a philanthropic program in 9 states to ensure rural hospitals have access to generic drugs during drug shortages. Discusses how the pilot program will offer rural hospitals more consistency in drug availability, potential cost savings, and the goal to offer the program nationally.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Aug 14, 2026 - Offers an interview with a community pharmacist discussing the role pharmacies play in overcoming healthcare and vaccine access challenges for rural communities.
Source: Drug Topics
Aug 5, 2026 - A new pharmacy has opened in a rural Wisconsin community. Discusses the access challenges the community has previously faced and the advantages of participating in a network of pharmacies.
Source: WKBT
HRSA: Notice Regarding 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program
Federal Register
Aug 3, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announcing the availability of a revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (Pilot). The Pilot provides a rebate mechanism through which qualifying drug manufacturers may effectuate the 340B ceiling price for certain drugs sold to covered entities. Eligible manufacturers seeking to participate in the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program must submit plans to 340BPricing@hrsa.gov by August 24, 2026, for an effective date of January 1, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 31, 2026 - Describes a heart failure care program in rural West Virginia pharmacies. The program includes care coordination between local pharmacists and cardiovascular specialists to support consistent care and identify medication-related concerns early for rural patients.
Source: WVU Medicine
Jul 31, 2026 - Announces the revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program to use a claims-based rebate approach. Eligible manufacturers must submit rebate plans by August 24, 2026 for pricing periods effective January 1, 2027.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration