Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Pharmacy and prescription drugs - Rural Health Information Hub

HHS: Termination of Declaration Authorizing Emergency Use of Drug and Biological Products During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) terminating the March 27, 2020, declaration authorizing the emergency use of drugs and biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 29, 2026, the HHS Secretary determined that the circumstances no longer exist justifying this authorization of emergency use of drugs and biological products. The termination of the declaration is effective June 29, 2027.

HHS: Termination of Three Declarations Authorizing Emergency Use of Medical Devices During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) terminating three declarations that authorized the emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2; personal respiratory protective devices during the COVID-19 outbreak; and medical devices, including alternative products used as medical devices. On June 29, 2026, the HHS Secretary determined that the circumstances no longer exist justifying the emergency use of these medical devices. These declarations are terminated effective December 26, 2026.

Rural Healthcare Gap in Fillmore County Looks to Be Filled by In-Home Pharmacy Device

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a pilot program using an at-home prescription drug dispensing unit to help rural Minnesota residents with mobility issues remain in their homes in spite of healthcare access challenges. The initiative was started following a community health needs assessment showing almost 50% of residents have difficulty accessing healthcare. The initiative is expanding to more communities.

Chairman Cassidy Unveils Landmark Discussion Draft to Fix 340B, Lower Health Costs for American Patients & Families

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes proposed legislation that makes changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program and requests feedback on the proposal. Comments are due by August 28, 2026.

HRSA: 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Application, Implementation, and Evaluation, Correction

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) correcting the total number of responses listed in the June 15, 2026, notice.

McKesson ideaShare 2026: What Does It Take to Sustain a Rural Independent Pharmacy? Sandie Kueker, RPh, Explains

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Offers an interview with an independent pharmacy owner and the president of the Kansas Pharmacists Association. Discusses clinical services, sustainability, and recognizing community needs.

CMS: Request for Information (RFI): Pharmacy Benefit Manager Compensation and Data Collection

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on a request for information (RFI) regarding technical input on the services and business practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their affiliates to inform implementation of recent legislation. The RFI specifically focuses on two specific legislative requirements that are effective beginning calendar year 2028: 1) restrictions on the remuneration that PBMs and their affiliates may receive for services in connection with the utilization of covered Part D drugs and 2) data reporting requirements. Comments are due by July 20, 2026.

CMS: Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would codify the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, establish certain new policies for the Negotiation Program and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program as required by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, and propose a modification to the fixed combination drug policy. Comments are due by August 17, 2026.

HRSA: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Public Comment Request; Information Collection Request Title: 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Application, Implementation, and Evaluation, OMB Number 0906-NEW

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on a proposed information collection request (ICR) titled "340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Application, Implementation, and Evaluation, OMB No. 0906-NEW." HRSA's Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) intends to introduce a revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (Pilot) as a mechanism for qualifying drug manufacturers, who wish to participate, to effectuate the 340B ceiling price on a limited set of drugs sold to covered entities using rebates. This ICR includes the collection of proposed rebate model plans from qualifying drug manufacturers, the ongoing collection of sales data from drug manufacturers to allow OPA to monitor implementation of the Pilot and enhance 340B program integrity and compliance monitoring, and the collection of data submitted by covered entities to manufacturers to request a rebate under a potential Pilot. Comments are due by July 15, 2026.

Ohio University Researchers Expand Opioid Use Disorder Treatment with Nearly $4 Million NIH Grant to Improve Rural Primary Care Access

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Announces funding for a study that will scale up a pilot project increasing access to opioid use disorder treatment in primary care across Ohio and West Virginia. Rural providers will have access to a mentor-based prescribing model. Also discusses how students have been involved with the research process.

How VA's Telehealth Kidney Program Saves the Lives of Rural Veterans

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a recent study finding that a U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) telenephrology program improved mortality rates and increased guideline-directed medication prescriptions for veterans at rural VA clinics receiving treatment for chronic kidney disease. The program uses a hub-and-spoke system to connect rural veterans with specialized care. Notes additional research finding veterans are satisfied with telenephrology care.

New Program Could Bring Low-Cost Generic Drugs to Rural Hospitals

Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Helmsley Charitable Trust is funding a pilot program through the Civica Foundation that will give participating hospitals access to a consistent supply of drugs at wholesale prices, without having to buy in bulk. Dozens of independent hospitals in rural areas of Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming are eligible.