- Celebrating National Rural Health Day
- DEA, HHS: Third Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications
- Talking Rural Health Care with U of M
- Public Inspection: DEA, HHS: Third Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications
- CDC Presents a Five-Year Plan for Rural Healthcare
- Kansas Faith Leaders 'Well Positioned' To Help Fill Mental Health Care Gaps in Rural Areas
- The CDC Wants More Kansas Farm Workers to Get Their Flu Shots This Season
- Study: Rural Residents More Likely to Struggle With Medical Debt
- Deaths From Cardiovascular Disease Increased Among Younger U.S Adults in Rural Areas
- VA Proposes to Eliminate Copays for Telehealth, Expand Access to Telehealth for Rural Veterans
- In Rural Avery County, Helene Washed Away One of the Only Dental Clinics
- Rural Veterans Are Struggling with Access to VA-Provided Care
- Community Health Workers Spread Across the US, Even in Rural Areas
- Idaho Gained Nurses. But Not Enough To Deal with Retirements and Population Boom.
- CMS Announces New Policies to Reduce Maternal Mortality, Increase Access to Care, and Advance Health Equity
NIH-funded Study Highlights the Financial Toll of Health Disparities in the United States
Ground-breaking study provides national and state-level estimates of the economic burden of health disparities by race and ethnicity and educational levels.
New research shows that the economic burden of health disparities in the United States remains unacceptably high. The study, funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), part of the National Institutes of Health, revealed that in 2018, racial and ethnic health disparities cost the U.S. economy $451 billion, a 41% increase from the previous estimate of $320 billion in 2014. The study also finds that the total burden of education-related health disparities for persons with less than a college degree in 2018 reached $978 billion, about two times greater than the annual growth rate of the U.S. economy in 2018.
The findings from this study by researchers from NIMHD; Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore; Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland; TALV Corp, Owings Mills, Maryland; and the National Urban League were published in JAMA.
This study is the first to estimate the total economic burden of health disparities for five racial and ethnic minority groups nationally and for all 50 states and the District of Columbia using a health equity approach. The health equity approach set aspirational health goals that all populations can strive for derived from the Healthy People 2030 goals. It establishes a single standard that can be applied to the nation and each state, and for all racial, ethnic, and education groups. It is also the first study to estimate the economic burden of health disparities by educational levels as a marker of socioeconomic status.
“The exorbitant cost of health disparities is diminishing U.S. economic potential. We have a clear call to action to address social and structural factors that negatively impact not only population health, but also economic growth,” said NIMHD Director Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D.
Transition Forward: Updated Medicaid Unwinding Resources Now Available
On May 11, 2023, the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 expired. Some Medicaid services, such as telehealth flexibilities, will not be affected and have been extended through December 31, 2024, as indicated in The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.
There are certain Medicare and Medicaid waivers, broad flexibilities for health care providers, and coverage for COVID-19 testing that will be affected.
To better assist with the impact PHE unwinding will have on different areas of people’s health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) updated its Coverage to Care (C2C) resources to help the consumers you serve understand their health coverage.
Updated C2C Resources Available
Ahead of PHE Unwinding, these resources will help consumers prepare to transition forward and continue to feel confident in how they will receive coverage for COVID-19 testing and telehealth services.
The following resources are now available on the C2C website:
- C2C COVID Overview Factsheet Explains basics of health coverage for protecting you and your family, Medicare updates, Medicaid renewal (new!), and more.
- C2C Telehealth Patient Toolkit Serves as a guide to explain telehealth basics and help patients and their families properly navigate telehealth services.
- C2C Telehealth Provider Toolkit Provides informational tips to assist providers with implementing telehealth services to their patients.
Spread the Word: Renewing Medicaid/CHIP Coverage
Additionally, to ensure Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries are up to date on the Medicaid continuous enrollment condition that expired on March 31st, CMS has created many resources, including the Anticipated 2023 State Timelines for Initiating Unwinding-Related Renewals as of February 24, 2023 (PDF, 93 KB, 2 pp).
For the most updated information about Medicaid and CHIP renewal processes, we encourage all enrollment assisters and outreach workers to communicate with Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries the following three important messages:
- Update your contact information – Make sure the state Medicaid agency or CHIP program has your current mailing address, phone number, email address, or other contact information so they can contact you about your Medicaid or CHIP renewal
- Check your mail – State Medicaid agencies or CHIP programs will mail you a letter about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage
- Complete your renewal form (if you get one) – Fill out the form and return it to the state Medicaid agency or CHIP program right away to help avoid a gap in your Medicaid or CHIP coverage
Make sure to review the updated communications toolkit, Medicaid and CHIP Continuous Enrollment Unwinding (PDF, 3.2 MB, 21 pp) and the Medicaid Unwinding Toolkit Supporting Materials (ZIP, 47 MB) to help inform people with Medicaid or CHIP about steps they should take to renew their coverage or find other health care options. *People who no longer qualify for Medicaid or CHIP are advised to visit Healthcare.gov to find out if they are eligible to enroll in a Marketplace plan.
Preparing for Medicaid Unwinding is important for all. To learn more about the Unwinding and Medicaid and CHIP Renewals, visit CMS OMH at https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/agency-information/omh/resource-center/moving-forward-after-covid-19-public-health-emergency..
New Brief Highlights Population Changes in Pennsylvania Municipalities
Today, the U.S. Census Bureau released the Vintage 2022 population estimates for metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and local governmental units, including incorporated places, minor civil divisions, and consolidated cities. They also released housing unit estimates for the nation, states and counties. Learn more and access the data here.
We’ve created a brief focused on the population change in Pennsylvania municipalities that visualizes changes between 2020 and 2022.
Read more on our Research Briefs page or click here to go straight to the brief.
ADA Health Policy Institute Releases Dental Workforce Dashboard
The American Dental Association Health Policy Institute now has dentist demographic data available in an interactive dashboard format. The data ranges from 2001 to 2022. The dashboard allows users to visualize demographic data by age, race, ethnicity, gender, and state. It is recommended to use the dashboard on a large screen for the best experience.
Updates on HRSA’s OPTN Modernization Initiative
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is pleased to share updates regarding the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Modernization Initiative, which seeks to better serve the needs of patients and families.
HRSA’s planned approach and timelines for the first year of the multi-year modernization process focuses on design, implementation, and oversight.
The following phases are planned for 2023 – 2024:
- Phase 1: OPTN Modernization Design and Strategy Development. In summer 2023, HRSA will conduct market research to inform development of future contract solicitations and host an Industry Day event for interested parties and vendors.
- Phase 2A: OPTN Transition Management and Competitive OPTN Transition Contracts. In fall 2023, HRSA will focus on maintaining uninterrupted access to the critical systems and functionality that support organ matching and transplantation during the modernization process. HRSA will also release a solicitation to support and enhance OPTN operations while the modernization process is underway.
- Phase 2B: OPTN Modernization Implementation and OPTN Next Generation Contacts. In spring 2024, HRSA intends to release a solicitation to support the next generation of the OPTN, which will include enhancements in technology, governance, data transparency, and operations. The OPTN Next Generation contracts will provide a comprehensive approach to modernizing the OPTN’s foundational IT systems.
HRSA is committed to transparency in the OPTN Modernization process and will continue to provide updates on our approach toward achieving enhanced accountability, equity, and performance in the organ transplantation system.
For more details, visit www.hrsa.gov/optn-modernization.
CDC Rural-Urban Publication Alert: Adult Asthma Prevalence and Trend Analysis by Urban–Rural Status Across Sociodemographic Characteristics—United States, 2012-2020
Although data on the prevalence of current asthma among adults and children are available at national, regional, and state levels, such data are limited at the substate level (eg, urban–rural classification and county).
We examined the prevalence of current asthma in adults and children across 6 levels of urban–rural classification in each state. We estimated current asthma prevalence among adults for urban–rural categories in the 50 states and the District of Columbia and among children for urban–rural categories in 27 states by analyzing 2016-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data. We used the 2013 National Center for Health Statistics 6-level urban–rural classification scheme to define urban–rural status of counties.
During 2016-2018, the current asthma prevalence among US adults in medium metropolitan (9.5%), small metropolitan (9.5%), micropolitan (10.0%), and noncore (9.6%) areas was higher than the asthma prevalence in large central metropolitan (8.6%) and large fringe metropolitan (8.7%) areas. Current asthma prevalence in adults differed significantly among the 6 levels of urban–rural categories in 19 states. In addition, the prevalence of current asthma in adults was significantly higher in the Northeast (9.9%) than in the South (8.7%) and the West (8.8%). The current asthma prevalence in children differed significantly by urban–rural categories in 7 of 27 states. For these 7 states, the prevalence of asthma in children was higher in large central metropolitan areas than in micropolitan or noncore areas, except for Oregon, in which the prevalence in the large central metropolitan area was the lowest.
Knowledge about county-level current asthma prevalence in adults and children may aid state and local policy makers and public health officers in establishing effective asthma control programs and targeted resource allocation.
Citation: Qin, Xiaoting, Cynthia A. Pate, and Hatice S. Zahran. “Adult asthma prevalence and trend analysis by urban–rural status across sociodemographic characteristics—United States, 2012-20.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global 2, no. 2 (2023): 100085.
USDA to Host Series of Webinars on Two New Inflation Reduction Act Programs to Advance Clean Energy Initiatives in Rural America
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary of Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA will host a series of webinars on two new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) programs. The Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) and Empowering Rural America (New ERA) programs are brand new initiatives that will expand clean, affordable, and reliable energy in rural communities (including U.S. territories and Compact of Freely Associated States).
USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is launching these two programs under the IRA by making nearly $11 billion in budget authority available in loans, grants, loan modifications, and partially forgivable loans. This will help electrify rural America with clean, affordable, reliable energy and enhance the quality of life in rural communities.
USDA staff will hold the webinars via Zoom at the following dates and times:
RUS update on IRA funding:
- May 17, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET | Register for May 17
Overview of funding available through IRA: May 22, 24, 31 and June 1, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
Additional webinars will be scheduled and announced soon.
The Biden-Harris Administration championed the Inflation Reduction Act to help provide new funding and unprecedented incentives to expand clean energy, transform rural power production, create jobs, and spur new opportunities for the people of rural America. It is the largest single investment in rural electrification since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
For more information, visit the Inflation Reduction Act website.
To learn more, read the full Stakeholder Announcement.
HRSA Celebrates National Maternal Mental Health Hotline’s First Anniversary; Introduces Updated Number: 1-833-TLC-MAMA
Almost 12,000 people have received support from the Hotline’s professional counselors during the first year, “You’ve made me feel heard and that there’s hope for me.”
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) celebrates the first anniversary of the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Since its launch on Mother’s Day 2022, the hotline’s professional counselors have provided emotional support, resources, and referrals to almost 12,000 pregnant and postpartum individuals who struggled with mental health concerns, and their loved ones.
Additionally, HRSA is introducing an updated toll-free number for the Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). The former number (1-833-9-HELP-4-MOMS or 1-833-943-5746) will continue to work for another year.
“Every mother or mother-to-be, across our nation, should have access to the help and support they need to be healthy. This hotline is one way our Administration is prioritizing maternal health and wellness,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.
“The first year of this hotline service marks a significant milestone in people having immediate access to mental health support and community-based resources during and after pregnancy,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The hotline is key method that the Biden-Harris Administration is strengthening both maternal health and mental health.”
“Being pregnant or caring for a child can bring many new challenges and the Maternal Mental Health Hotline is here to help,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “The hotline is available 24/7, via call or text, to make reaching out and getting help as easy as possible for mothers and their families. I urge any mom who is struggling or feeling alone to call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA to get the help and support you deserve.”
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential emotional support, resources and referrals before, during, and after pregnancy. The hotline is accessible by phone or text in English and Spanish and offers interpreter services in more than 60 languages. Hotline counselors include licensed health care providers such as nurses or doctors, licensed mental health clinicians, certified doulas or childbirth educators, and certified peer support specialists.
During the first year:
- Hotline counselors responded to nearly 12,000 calls (70%) and texts (30%).
- The majority of individuals contacting the hotline were seeking help for themselves (76%), while 5% of individuals were calling on behalf of someone else, like a family member or friend.
- The top reasons for reaching out to the hotline were, 1) feeling overwhelmed, 2) depression, and 3) anxiety.
- The average speed to answer was below 30 seconds (telephone calls 23 seconds, texts 16 seconds).
- One caller stated, “I suddenly don’t feel like I’m drowning. I’m going to be okay. I hope people understand that it does help.” Another caller shared, “You’ve made me feel heard and that there’s hope for me.”
HRSA encourages all community-based providers, including health care and social service providers, early childhood and family support workers, and faith-based organizations, to help spread the word about the new number, 1-833-TLC-MAMA. New promotional materials are available for download or print order.
Expecting and new parents who feel overwhelmed or are experiencing depression and anxiety, as well as their loved ones, should reach out to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support and resources. Help is just a phone call or text away.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line. Individuals in imminent danger of harm to self or others should call 911. Individuals in mental health crisis should continue to contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
For more information on the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, visit: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline.
See our Mother’s Day Video.
See News & Announcements on HRSA.gov.
CMS Launches Updated Strategic Plan Website
CMS updated its Strategic Plan page to include a new Cross Cutting Initiative (CCI): Oral Health.
Through this CCI, CMS will implement policy changes and consider opportunities through existing authorities to expand access to oral health coverage.
CMS updated the Health Equity Pillar fact sheet that details key actions undertaken by CMS Centers and Offices to advance health equity.
Finally, CMS has added a new fact sheet to the strategy page with updates to the Integrating the 3Ms (Medicare, Medicaid and Marketplace) CCI. The fact sheet outlines how CMS has begun to develop approaches to promote alignment and consistency across programs, promoting seamless continuity of care, including experiences with health care providers and health coverage for people served by the 3 Ms.
Here You Can Find An Important Notice for HRSA Grantees
On May 26, HRSA will follow a federal requirement to upgrade security measures for online systems requiring a login for external users. The new multi-factor login procedure will affect those who access HRSA’s Electronic Handbook (EHB) system, including grantees, grant applicants, service providers, and consultants. To avoid issues with upcoming application and reporting deadlines, it is important to set up the new login procedure ahead of the change on May 26. HRSA is hosting a one-hour webinar session on May 12th at 1:00 pm ET to walk through the new process. Participants will need to register in advance; the webinar only has 3000 slots available, but the session will be recorded and made available to users.