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

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Oct 2, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) seeking comments on a demonstration project proposed by Nebraska that would test changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that may improve the delivery of SNAP benefits to raise levels of nutrition among eligible households. If approved, Nebraska would amend the SNAP definition of food for purchase to exclude "soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks" with a proposed implementation date of December 1, 2026, and exclude "candy" with a proposed implementation date of March 1, 2027. Nebraska's full request is available on the FNA website. Comments are due by November 2, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 1, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services making technical corrections to the July 31, 2026, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 1, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services making technical corrections to the August 3, 2026, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services making technical corrections to the August 3, 2026, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services making technical corrections to the July 31, 2026, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2026 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces the renewal of the Council on Graduate Medical Education. The charter is effective through September 30, 2028.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2026 - Offers an interview with an Appalachian pharmacy educator discussing access to pharmacies for rural communities. Discusses policy, rural culture, barriers in healthcare access, trust, and rural innovation.
Source: Drug Topics
Sep 30, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) announcing revisions to the current fee structure for the Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP) initial and annual guarantee fees. The revised fees are effective September 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 29, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) Request for Designation as an OPO, Health Insurance Benefits Agreement, and Supporting Regulations; and 2) Home Health Agency Cost Report. Comments are due by November 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 29, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services making technical and typographical corrections to the August 4, 2026, final rule. These corrections are effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register