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Rural Health
News by Topic: Populations

Jul 10, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs revising its medical regulations to add a new method of notification for emergency treatment furnished by community providers to be authorized under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). Among other things, this rule amends the requirement that a notice of emergency treatment authorized under the VCCP be provided to the appropriate VA official at the nearest VA facility within 72 hours of treatment by adding that notice can also be provided through the centralized notification process. This rule is effective August 10, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 9, 2026 - Discusses the importance of fall prevention for older adults and particularly for rural older adults who are less likely to have access to emergency services and follow up rehabilitation. Notes that data show high rates of fall-related deaths and increases in emergency service responses to falls in Wisconsin. Notes that fall prevention can help aging rural adults maintain independence longer.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jul 8, 2026 - Describes a Veterans Administration (VA) pilot program in New Mexico, Arizona, and Wyoming to make healthcare more accessible for rural veterans by including rural and underserved VA and Indian Health Service locations in VA residencies. Discusses how the program offers innovative service delivery models, builds cultural awareness, and increases the VA and IHS workforce.
Source: VA News
Jul 7, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the re-establishment of a matching program between CMS and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) titled "Verification of Eligibility for Minimum Essential Coverage Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." CMS will share data with the VA to verify if an applicant is enrolled in Minimum Essential Coverage in a Veterans Health Administration Health Care Program. This information from the VA will be used to assist CMS in determining if an individual is eligible for Insurance Affordability Programs. Comments are due by August 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 6, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on a new matching program between CMS and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) titled "Verification of Eligibility for Insurance Affordability Programs Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." This matching program will provide CMS with information for determining individuals' eligibility for Insurance Affordability Programs (IAPs). Comments are due by August 5, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 6, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Defense announcing a new demonstration project titled "TRICARE Demonstration Project for Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion Ambulance Add-On Reimbursement," also called the "TRICARE PHBT Demonstration" or "PHBTD." This five-year demonstration will test the effectiveness of providing separate, unbundled add-on reimbursement to the TRICARE ambulance fee schedule for the cost of medically necessary blood products and professional services administered by authorized ambulance providers in a pre-hospital setting. The PHBTD will be effective January 1, 2027, and will conclude on December 31, 2031.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 29, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the renewal of the charter of the Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women (ACBCYW). The charter is renewed for two years, through June 17, 2028.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 26, 2026 - Discusses food insecurity for children in a rural Michigan community and a partnership between a school and nonprofit to educate on and connect children with nutritious food. Describes rural specific challenges in accessing food including community resources, transportation, and pride.
Source: Rapid Growth
Jun 25, 2026 - Notice from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) seeking comments on a data collection related to a new cohort of children and families for the National and State Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSSCAW). NSSCAW will provide state and national estimates on the well-being, experiences, and service needs and receipt of children and families involved with the child welfare system. Comments are due by August 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 23, 2026 - Highlights the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Discusses new data showing an increase in access for rural counties across the country.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration