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

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Apr 21, 2026 - Announces additional resources and flexibilities from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to assist with the ongoing public health emergency (PHE) in Hawaii declared on March 10, 2026 related to the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides. Shares information and resources for those impacted and responding to the severe storms and flooding, including CMS waivers, a period of special healthcare enrollment, a disaster toolkit, dialysis care, medical equipment and supplies replacement, access to Medicare Part D medications, and health information privacy and accessibility resources.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Apr 20, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on a proposed information collection titled "Submissions of Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) Waiver Submission and Data Collection." The AHCAH initiative was codified in the Consolidate Appropriations Act, 2025. As a result, the AHCAH information collection request is being separated from the 1135 waiver information collection request. Comments are due by June 22, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 20, 2026 - Examines ways in which rural communities can create accountable care programs, using funds from the Rural Health Transformation Program. Notes that rural areas have tighter social networks, clearer referral pathways, and fewer competing delivery systems, which can support accountable care after infrastructure is in place.
Source: Health Affairs
Apr 20, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) changes related to insurance requirements under the Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Direct Loan and Grant programs. This final rule will align USDA Rural Development insurance coverage types, amounts, and deductibles with affordable housing industry standards to simplify the coverage amounts and deductible limits, and improve customer experience with updated and understandable insurance requirements. This rule is effective May 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 17, 2026 - Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) making corrections to the April 10, 2026, notice announcing the extension of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) through December 31, 2031. This correction is effective April 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 17, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) correcting the March 24, 2024, final rule that made changes to regulations to clarify protections for beneficiaries and prospective beneficiaries of federally funded social services and the rights and obligations of organizations providing such services. This correction will specifically state that the rule is intended to cover recipients and subrecipients of USDA domestic social service programs to which USDA uniform administrative requirements for recipients applies. This rule is effective May 18, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 16, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical corrections to the April 14, 2026, proposed rule. Comments on the proposed rule are due by June 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2026 - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed several bills designed to improve availability and delivery of healthcare services in rural areas.
Source: Office of Governor Kay Ivey
Apr 15, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is accepting nominations of candidates to serve as primary and alternate delegates for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity Tribal Advisory Committee (CIIHE TAC). CIIHE TAC delegates must be elected tribal officials from a federally recognized tribe acting in their official capacity or individuals designated by an elected tribal official. There are vacancies for all Indian Health Service areas. Nomination letters are encouraged by May 18, 2026, but nominations will be accepted until all primary and alternate delegate positions are filled.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2026 - Notice from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) rescinding the October 16, 2024, Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for fiscal years 2025-2027. RBCS is currently making regulatory changes to the REAP program and available funding will be announced after publication of these changes. Applicants who previously submitted applications will be required to submit a new application and must comply with the new regulation.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants and Guaranteed Loans