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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Policy

Changes in Hospital Utilization Three Years into Maryland's Global Budget Program for Rural Hospitals
Examines the impact of Maryland's global budget program for acute care hospitals, with a focus on Medicare beneficiaries served by rural hospitals. Compares changes in hospital use and hospital spending between the rural hospitals participating in the global budget program and a control group during a 3-year period. Discusses the policy implications for other states considering alternate payment models.
Author(s): Eric T. Roberts, Laura A. Hatfield, J. Michael McWilliams, et al.
Citation: Health Affairs, 37(4), 644-653
Date: 04/2018
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National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services Meeting Minutes, Saratoga Springs, New York, April 16-18, 2018
Summarizes the 83rd meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS), which was held in Saratoga Springs, New York. Meeting discussion focused on two topics: how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can affect health and factors affecting health insurance costs for people in rural areas.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
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Bridging Population Health & Behavioral Health in Rural New Mexico
Reports on regional forums held in New Mexico to prioritize strategies for improving behavioral health in rural areas of the state. Also offers definitions of population health from the forums.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organizations: Center for Health Innovation, New Mexico Public Health Institute
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Definitions of "Rural" in Texas Statutes and the Texas Administrative Code
Details the various definitions of rural used by the state of Texas. Features maps illustrating the counties considered rural by each definition.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: Texas Legislative Council
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Patterns of Opioid Prescribing in Minnesota: 2012 and 2015
Describes opioid prescription patterns among Minnesota residents with private or public insurance coverage in 2012 and 2015. Discusses opioid use in rural areas and provides statistics on the number of opioid prescriptions by metropolitan, micropolitan, small town, or rural settings. Includes insights and opportunities to inform policymakers on reducing the use and overuse of prescription opioids.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: Minnesota Department of Health
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Older Adult Housing: Future Collaborations on Housing and Health Services Should Include Relevant Agencies and Define Outcomes
Assesses the extent to which the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service collaborated to address the needs of older adults living in federally assisted housing.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Views from the Heartland: Prospects for Bipartisanship in Health Reform
Reports on the views and opinions of 27 state legislators serving on health, budget, or appropriations committees in Colorado and Kansas. Discusses Medicaid expansion in rural areas and highlights the importance of promoting quality healthcare and removing barriers to access in rural communities.
Author(s): David K. Jones
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: Milbank Memorial Fund
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Combating the Opioid Crisis: Improving the Ability of Medicare and Medicaid to Provide Care for Patients
Presents the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the role of Medicare and Medicaid in combating the opioid crisis. Features testimony from representatives of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Boston Medical Center, the Centene Corporation, Centerstone America, Geisinger Health System, and Magellan Healthcare.
Additional links: Mr. David Guth Testimony, Mr. Toby Douglas Testimony
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: House Committee on Energy and Commerce
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Opioid White Paper: Analysis of Responses to Committee Request for Information
Details an analysis of the information received by the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee regarding the opioid crisis. Discusses the current state of the crisis and the measures currently in place regarding prevention and treatment.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: House Ways and Means Committee
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The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018
Presents the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing on the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018. Features testimony from representatives of the Delaware Office of the Child Advocate, the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, and the Addiction Policy Forum.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
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