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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Nov 5, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) announce that all 50 states applied for funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). RHTP goals include supporting rural health innovation, improving sustainability, workforce development, new models of care delivery, and expanding technology access and utilization. Funding decisions will be announced by December 31, 2025.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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 20, 2025 - Discusses the challenges with caring for older adults in rural long-term care settings during natural disasters with a close look at the impact of 2021's Winter Storm Uri in Texas. Describes the outsized impact infrastructure failures have on the health of older adults. Highlights the Texas Backup Power Package, legislation aiming to strengthen energy resilience for critical facilities and essential services.
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 16, 2025 - Highlights strategies by various states to apply for Rural Health Transformation Program funds. Discusses known priorities for the states and the role of state legislatures.
Source: NCSL News
Oct 14, 2025 - A rural Montana sheriff's department is offering deputies a first responder medical training and certification program. The program would allow deputies to assist emergency medical services (EMS) providers in situations with multiple victims or provide aid while waiting for EMS to arrive. Notes that understaffing, poor weather, and large service areas can make EMS response times long. Discusses upcoming work by the state legislature to address EMS challenges.
Source: EMS 1
Oct 2, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amending its medical regulations that govern the VA's healthcare professionals who practice healthcare via telehealth. This rule enables VA to maximize healthcare resource utilization and provide safe and convenient national healthcare to veterans using telehealth. This notice also summarizes and responds to public comments on the August 23, 2022, proposed rule. This rule is effective November 3, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Electronic Visit Verification Compliance Survey; 2) Negotiation Program Drug Selection for Initial Price Applicability Year 2028 under Sections 11001 and 11002 of the Inflation Reduction Act Information Collection Request; and 3) Conditions of Participation for Community Mental Health Centers and Supporting Regulations. Comments are due by October 30, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 29, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting an emergency extension of an information collection titled "Medicaid Program; Eligibility Changes under the Affordable Care Act of 2010" from October 31, 2025, to November 30, 2025. This extension would allow the information collection to remain active while it is in a 60-day comment period and provide CMS with time to publish a subsequent 30-day Federal Register notice.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 26, 2025 - The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) will hold a virtual public meeting on October 29, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include updates from VA leadership, the Executive Director of the VA Office of Rural Health, and the Committee Chair, as well as presentations by subject matter experts on general rural healthcare access.
Source: Federal Register