Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Jun 24, 2026 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) that would amend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations to codify the reduction of the amount of the Federal government's share of annual SNAP state administrative costs from 50 percent to 25 percent beginning in fiscal year 2027. Comments are due by August 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2026 - Announces proposed bipartisan legislation to provide funding covering emergency room operating expenses for rural hospitals. Highlights how hospital closures have affected rural Missouri communities.
Source: Office of Senator Josh Hawley
Jun 24, 2026 - Notice from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeking comments on whether any additions or modifications are needed to the safe harbor regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute or the exceptions to the civil monetary penalty provision prohibiting inducements to beneficiaries for remuneration provided to individuals in connection with their participation in clinical trials. Comments are due by August 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking comments on a new information collection titled "Understanding Participant Experiences in SNAP E&T." The information collected will be used to assess the experiences of SNAP participants as they navigate work requirements, seek training opportunities through SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs, and find employment. The USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) will use the information to develop actionable recommendations that states can use to improve customer service and efficiently connect SNAP participants with training and services that reduce barriers to work. Comments are due by July 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
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 18, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on revisions to an information collection titled "Submission of 1135 Waiver Request Automated Process." CMS aims to better support emergency response by capturing the emergency date, simplifying ongoing status updates for stakeholders, and providing a more comprehensive view of cybersecurity incidents through expanded reporting on patient and operational impacts. The Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) initiative was codified in the Consolidate Appropriations Act, 2025, and is no longer part of the 1135 waiver information collection request. Comments are due by July 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
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 18, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Questionnaire and Data Collection Testing, Evaluation, and Research for HRSA." Information collected will be used to inform the development of new questions, questionnaires, and tools; pilot/pre-test instruments under development; and identify problems in instruments currently in use. Comments are due by August 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 17, 2026 - Describes organizational and workflow changes at the U.S Department of Agriculture's Rural Development, including in loan and grant processing.
Source: USDA Rural Development Newsroom
Jun 16, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Conditions of Coverage for Portable X-ray Suppliers and Supporting Regulations; and 2) Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part II. Comments are due by July 16, 2026.
Source: Federal Register