- Request for Information (RFI): Evolving the Network of the National Library of Medicine
- Dental Therapists, Who Can Fill Cavities and Check Teeth, Get the OK in More States
- Colorectal Cancer Is Rising among Younger Adults. Some States Want to Boost Awareness.
- Rural Hospitals Built During Baby Boom Now Face Baby Bust
- Food Stamps Go Further in Rural Areas — Until You Add Transportation Costs
- CMS Announces Resources and Flexibilities to Assist with the Public Health Emergency in the State of Texas
- CMS Proposes New Payments for Digital Health Under CY2025 PFS Draft Rule
- Improving Public Health by Strengthening Community Infrastructure
- Biden Harris Administration Proposes Policies to Reduce Maternal Mortality, Advance Health Equity, and Support Underserved Communities
- Nearly Half of U.S. Counties Don't Have a Single Cardiologist
- Randolph County, Ill. Turns Unused Part of Nursing Home Into State-Of-The-Art Behavioral Health Center
- Safe and Stable Housing Is a Foundation of Successful Recovery
- Rural RPM Program Is a Lifeline for Pregnant Women
- Expert: Rural Hospitals Are Particularly Vulnerable to Increasing Cyberattacks Targeting Healthcare Facilities
- Biden-Harris Administration Invests Over $200 Million to Help Primary Care Doctors, Nurses, and Other Health Care Providers Improve Care for Older Adults
Sens. Cassidy, Smith Lead Bipartisan Effort Calling on Nation’s Health Agencies to Continue Expanded Telehealth Services After Pandemic
On July 2, Senators Bill Cassidy and Tina Smith wrote to the HHS Secretary and CMS Administrator urging them to be transparent in their future plans for telehealth. The letter was supported by 38 senators in total as they advocate on behalf of their rural communities. This letter addressed the fears of Medicare patients that temporary changes to telehealth coverage will be rolled back without notice after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why Telehealth Progress Could be Erased if Congress Fails to Act
The AMA, along with more than 70 health care organizations, are urging congressional leaders to, “Prevent the sudden unavailability of virtual health options for Medicare patients” after the national public health emergency has ended. Key parts of the first three COVID-19 relief packages expanded telehealth services to a broader scope of Medicare patients, especially in rural areas. However, this expanded coverage is only temporary and will expire at the end of the public health emergency period. In their letter to Congress, these health care associations are urging leaders to act now before coverage and payment for telehealth services end for seniors outside rural areas and to the home.
Senators Call for CMS to Provide Plan for Telehealth Changes
A bipartisan group of 38 senators released an open letter asking leaders to provide a written plan for permanent changes to rules surrounding telehealth.
Sen. Manchin Questions Officials on Future Vaccine Distribution in Rural America
Echoing the concerns surrounding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural America, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) questioned HHS and CDC officials on Operation Warp Speed. This operation oversees the research, creation, and production of a potential COVID-19 vaccine and the plans for future distribution. West Virginia, a hotspot for recent rural COVID-19 infections, will need quick and effective distribution of the vaccine when it is ready. Manchin made clear that the HHS and CDC must ensure rural providers have the necessary equipment and personnel to administer the vaccine.
Sen. McSally Urges HHS to Provide Relief to Rural Health Care Providers Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic
Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and 48 other Members of Congress are asking the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide relief quickly to rural health care providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In their letter to Congress, Members cited the spike of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks and the increasing rate of infections across rural America. Infections are growing 13 percent faster in rural areas compared to 9 percent nationally, all the while rural hospitals continue to close. Before the crisis worsens, they are calling on Congress for relief through metrics such as a 20 percent Rural Benchmark in the Provider Relief Fund. Additionally, priority should be given to populations in areas with limited access to health infrastructure and high levels of uninsured patients.
CMS Updates Guidance for RHCs and FQHCs during the Public Health Emergency
On July 6, CMS released its latest round of updates to the article, New and Expanded Flexibilities for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). CMS updated the article to provide additional guidance on telehealth services that have cost-sharing waived and additional claim examples along with an additional section on the RHC Productivity Standard. Find more information here.
Rural Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019
The Rural Health Information Hub has created a guide to help you learn about activities underway to address COVID-19. Find more information here.
Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Counties
The RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis provides up-to-date data and maps on rural and urban confirmed cases throughout the United States. An animated map shows the progression of cases beginning January 21. Find more information here.
CDC COVID-19 Updates
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides daily updates and guidance, and ongoing Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA). Find more information here.
COVID-19 FAQs and Funding for HRSA Programs
Find all funding and frequently asked questions for programs administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Find more information here.