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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Reimbursement and payment models

Feb 13, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Program; 2) National Implementation of the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (OAS CAHPS); and 3) Elimination of Cost-Sharing for Full Benefit Dual-Eligible Individuals Receiving Home and Community-Based Services. Comments are due by March 16, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 13, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Emergency and Foreign Hospital Services and Supporting Regulation in 42 CFR 424.103; 2) Consumer Experience Survey Data Collection; 3) Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Uniform Glossary; and 4) Transformed—Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS). Comments are due by April 14, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 11, 2026 - An evaluation of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model, describing changes intended to improve care quality, increase access to preventive services, and address local community health needs.
Source: Heath Affairs
Feb 4, 2026 - Describes proposed policy to increase emergency medical service (EMS) reimbursement rates in Kentucky. Highlights long response times across the state, particularly for rural residents, and the strain that underfunding puts on EMS workforce.
Source: Kentucky Lantern
Jan 29, 2026 - Notice of proposed rulemaking from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on potential options for Medicare participating hospitals to help foster a more resilient supply chain for American-made personal protective equipment and essential medicines, as well as a possible new "Secure American Medical Supplies" friendly designation that could be earned by hospitals. Among other things, this notice also seeks input on a potential new structural quality measure as part of the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) Program that could promote hospital commitments to invest in domestic procurement. Comments are due by March 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 29, 2026 - Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) announcing adjustments to the certified labor doulas (CLDs) performing childbirth support services under the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD). This notice announces changes to the reimbursement methodology for childbirth support services intended to stabilize reimbursement. DHA is modifying reimbursement for childbirth support services so that the rate approved for March 1, 2025, will be considered a "baseline." The DHA Director will approve a new baseline if it is found that TRICARE reimbursement is not keeping pace with Medicaid reimbursement. The new reimbursement methodology will be effective for rates beginning March 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 26, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcing the 2026 meetings of the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC), which will include discussion and voting on proposals for physician-focused payment models (PFPMs). The 2026 meeting dates are: February 23-24, June 15-16, September 14-15, and December 8-9.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 22, 2026 - Notice from the Indian Health Service (IHS) announcing the calendar year 2026 reimbursement rates for inpatient and outpatient medical care provided by IHS facilities to Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal program beneficiaries. The updated rates apply to all qualifying services provided on or after January 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 20, 2026 - Highlights a state-funded program offering charter flights for rural Hawaiians with off-island medical appointments. Describes current and projected funding needs for sustainability, physician shortages in rural areas, reimbursement rate challenges driving workforce shortages, and the state's Rural Health Transformation Program plans.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat
Jan 13, 2026 - Discusses the work of independent pharmacies in rural communities and the challenges that come when one closes. Highlights reasons for closures including workforce recruitment challenges and low reimbursement rates. Discusses recent Colorado legislation that aimed to ease burdens on rural pharmacies in the state.
Source: University of Colorado Anschutz Health Science News and Features