U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA is partnering with farmers and small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

“As drivers of our economy, farmers and rural business owners deserve affordable energy,” Deputy Secretary Torres Small said. “That’s why, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, I’m proud to announce an additional $104 million in REAP loans and grants that will lower energy costs for farmers and small business and help them expand their operations, all while tackling climate change.”

USDA is investing $104 million in loans and grants that will support over 300 clean energy projects in 34 states. Many of the projects are funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis. The projects also advance President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and the bottom up.

You can view the complete news release on our website.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance on state compliance with the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  Current law entitles eligible children under the age of 21 to Medicaid coverage of health care, diagnostic services, treatment, and other measures described that are medically necessary.  This guidance provides an overview of EPSDT requirements and discusses policies, strategies, and best practices to maximize health care access and utilization for EPSDT-eligible children.  Strategies include promoting EPSDT awareness and accessibility, expanding and using the child-focused (EPSDT) workforce in rural areas, and improving care for EPSDT-eligible children with specialized needs, including providing behavioral health services in Rural Health Clinics. Medicaid and CHIP covers about 47 percent of children in rural areas and small towns.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule addressing significant, anomalous, and highly suspect (SAHS) billing activity within Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (SSP). In 2023, CMS identified a concerning rise in urinary catheter billings, which was attributed to a small group of durable medical equipment supply companies. CMS determined that the beneficiaries did not receive catheters and were not billed directly, physicians did not order these supplies, and supplies were not needed.  This rule specifies how CMS will calculate various factors used in SSP financial calculations for 2023.  The proposed Physician Fee Schedule addresses SAHS billing activity for 2024 onwards.  As of January 2024, over 500 Critical Access Hospitals and 2,500 Rural Health Clinics participated in Medicare SSP ACOs.

– Comment by November 29. This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an interim final action with comment period (IFC) that removes the low wage index hospital policy following the appellate court decision in Bridgeport Hosp. v. Becerra. The low wage index hospital policy was implemented in FY2020 to address wage index disparities affecting low-wage index hospitals, including many rural hospitals.  The court decided that the policy and related budget neutrality adjustment must be reversed. As a result, this IFC revises the Medicare wage index values for FY 2025, establishes a transitional payment exception for low wage hospitals significantly impacted by those revisions, and makes conforming changes to the Medicare hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) payment rates for FY 2025. These changes are effective September 30, 2024. To be assured consideration, comments must be received by November 29, 2024.

USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program. This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.  The Federal Register document will be posted on the program website once it is published.

The Rural Energy for America Program helps increase American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower the cost of energy for small businesses and agricultural producers. The loan guarantee percentage is published annually in a Federal Register notice. REAP loans approved in Fiscal Year 2024 will receive an 80 percent guarantee. REAP loans approved in Fiscal Year 2025 will receive an 80 percent guarantee.

To apply for this REAP funding, please visit the Rural Energy for America Program page at Rural Development’s website. You can also find eligibility requirements, loan terms, and other frequently asked questions at this page. Also, be sure to follow USDA Rural Development’s Facebook page for updates.

Funding Will Improve Access to a Clean, Reliable Electric Grid and Safe Drinking Water for Millions in Rural and Tribal Communities

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA is investing in 116 projects across the nation to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, safe drinking water and good-paying jobs for people in rural and Tribal communities. Part of the funding announced today will make water infrastructure in rural areas more resilient to the impacts of climate change and severe weather.

The Department is investing $1.3 billion to support projects in 30 states. The investments advance President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the American economy from the middle out and bottom up.

“Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA have taken action to create good-paying jobs by making sure every community can benefit from safe drinking water and a reliable electric grid that lowers bills for hardworking families. Today’s $1.3 billion investment in over 100 rural water and electric infrastructure projects is a continuation of that commitment,” Deputy Secretary Torres Small said. “These projects will ensure that rural Americans have access to reliable, affordable energy and clean water no matter where they live. In the face of climate change, resilient power grids and strong water infrastructure are even more critical to building resilient rural communities and maintaining strong local economies.”

Strengthening Rural Water Infrastructure

During the event in Jeannette, Deputy Secretary Torres Small highlighted that Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County is receiving a $14 million loan under the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants. Funding will be used to improve the City of Jeannette’s combined sewer system and eliminate the sanitary sewer overflows for the community.

In total, USDA is investing $443 million today through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to expand access to clean and reliable drinking water, sanitary waste disposal and storm water drainage for people in 24 states.

You can view the complete news release on our website.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management Study, which reviews coverage options and addresses best practices for non-opioid treatments for acute and chronic pain management under Medicare. To view the report, visit: https://www.cms.gov/cms-behavioral-health-strategy