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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Oct 20, 2026 - Notice of a proposed rule that would implement the following sections of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026: 1) section 6219, "Adjustments to Medicare Part D Cost-Sharing Reductions for Low-Income Individuals;" 2) section 6220, "Requiring Enhanced and Accurate Lists of (REAL) Health Providers Act;" and 3) section 6224, "Modernizing and Ensuring Pharmacy Benefit Manager Accountability." The implementation of Section 6219 would reduce the generic drug copayment from $1 to $0 for full-benefit dual eligible individuals at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, effective for plan years starting January 1, 2028. The implementation of Section 6220, the REAL Health Providers Act, would establish new provider directory accuracy and accountability requirements for Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations beginning in contract year 2028. In addition, CMS has several proposals to implement section 6224, which established requirements related to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their affiliates specific to the Medicare Part D program. Comments are due by December 15, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 20, 2026 - The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking comments on an information collection regarding revisions to multiple forms used for monitoring and evaluating the Health Center Program. Comments are due by November 19, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 16, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Annual State Report on CMS Value Based Purchasing Arrangements (VBP) Supplemental Rebate Agreements; and 2) Generic Clearance for Improving Customer Experience (OMB Circular A-11, Section 280 Implementation). Comments are due by December 15, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 16, 2026 - Discusses a new clinically integrated network for rural Oregon hospitals including various regulations and participating hospitals.
Source: Willamette Week
Oct 14, 2026 - Notice from the Indian Health Service (IHS) seeking comments on a proposed reinstatement of an information collection titled "Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) Proof of Residency." The information collected is used to verify that individuals seeking medical services through PRC meet the residency requirements. Comments are due by December 14, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 14, 2026 - Mississippi officials are creating a new state health plan focusing on access to care, workforce, and sustainability in public health systems. The new plan will update the last plan published in 2023. The process is being funded with Rural Health Transformation Program funds.
Source: Mississippi Today
Oct 14, 2026 - Virginia leaders are considering expanding the definition of rural to allow more areas to qualify for Rural Health Transformation Program funding. The expanded definition must be approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Source: WDBJ
Oct 13, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comments to inform the development of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition Supplement: 2027 Steps and Muscle-Strengthening Guidance. Specifically, HHS seeks comments regarding existing high-quality, evidence-based reports, programs, or campaigns related to steps and/or muscle-strengthening physical activity and related positive health outcomes. Comments are due by November 12, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 13, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Healthy Start Evaluation and Quality Improvement, OMB No. 0915-0338—Revision." Proposed revisions include changes to clarifying instructions, updating response options to improve accuracy in reporting, and adding fields to capture the month of infant birth and/or death. Comments are due by November 12, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 13, 2026 - Notice from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC) seeking research articles for consideration for inclusion in the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) Summary of Advances. The Summary of Advances is a statutorily mandated report that highlights the most consequential autism research of the past year. Respondents may suggest up to five peer-reviewed studies published since January 1, 2025, and may also identify gaps in current autism research. Comments must be submitted via the web-based form by October 23, 2026.
Source: Federal Register