This article discusses the opioid epidemic in the U.S. and analyzes how death from opioid overdoses has changed geographically over the past few decades. It includes data on opioid overdose mortality rates by county and rurality and describes the differences in type of substances in rural areas versus urban areas. Read more here.

This short documentary covers the lack of access to mental health services in rural counties and addresses how rural Americans with a serious mental illness are more likely to encounter police and live without treatment. Watch it here.

Several states consider ways to boost mental health services for rural and agricultural populations and address the rising suicide rates among farmers. This article discusses the different state approaches, such as increasing the number of mental health specialists in rural areas, expanding telehealth, and creating programs that offer counseling vouchers and workshops. Read more here.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced its partnership with Walmart to provide healthcare to veterans in five rural communities. Patients will be able to meet with a VA provider in a private room via video technology. Services may include primary care, nutrition, mental health, and social work. Read more here.

This article features successful CEOs in rural healthcare that are combating the challenges faced by rural hospitals. It identifies how collaborations with other facilities, expanding telehealth, and concentrating on the workforce help to maintain the wellbeing of the hospital and the community it serves. Read the article here.

Governors of both major political parties are warning of dire consequences of a regulation proposed by President Donald Trump’s administration that could lead to big cuts in Medicaid, reducing access to health care for low-income Americans. The fiscal accountability rule proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would tighten federal oversight and approval over complex financing strategies states have long used to help pay for their share of the Medicaid program. Also targeted are certain payments to hospitals that treat many low-income patients. Public comments closed last week amid a chorus of criticism from hospitals, nursing homes, insurers, doctors and advocates for the poor. Trade associations for hospitals, nursing homes and doctors are asking the administration to withdraw the proposal and go back to the drawing board.

On January 30, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its long-awaited guidance to states, “Healthy Adult Opportunities” (HAO). This initiative allows states to make drastic changes to their Medicaid programs through waivers to implement block grants and per capita caps. NACHC released a statement, submitted a further statement through the Partnership for Medicaid and is working directly with primary care associations (PCAs), like PACHC, to assess the state level impact of the HAO initiative on FQHCs. Of special note in this new guidance are the FQHC-specific provisions allowing states to waive FQHC PPS (and even alternative payment methodologies) and services via a HAO waiver. NACHC and PACHC participated in a call with CMS this week to get further information and express our concerns. We believe there is overwhelming evidence that HAO waivers would essentially lead to a cap on Medicaid spending. Shortly after release by CMS of the HAO guidelines, Pennsylvania Governor Wolf indicated his administration does not intend to seek an HAO waiver.

Monday, February 24 is the deadline for covered entities to recertify and retain 340B participant status. All 340B covered entities must annually recertify their eligibility to remain in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and continue purchasing covered outpatient drugs at discounted 340B prices. Any covered entity who does not recertify by the deadline will be terminated from the HRSA 340B Program on Wednesday, April 1. Terminated entities will be required to submit a new registration and will not be eligible to participate in the 340B Program until July. To recertify, Authorizing Officials (AOs) and Primary Contacts (PCs) must set up a user account in the HRSA 340B Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System (340B OPAIS) and then choose “I am a participant.” For questions or assistance, email the 340B call center or call 888-340-2787 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-6:00 pm ET).

The Medicaid Work Supports initiative will identify and connect Medicaid enrollees to resources that can help address barriers to employment and lead to more success in the workforce.  The initiative will create a more direct and systematic introduction to employment and training resources available to Pennsylvanians. When people are deemed eligible and enroll in a new Medicaid health plan, they will be asked if they are interested in help finding a job, training programs, and opportunities to get a high school diploma or GED. The referral system will help identify this population for the first time and create the opportunity for a meaningful, encouraging partnership between the managed care organizations (MCOs), the PA CareerLink® system, and the enrollee to facilitate connections to employment and success in the workforce. Individuals interested in learning more about these services will receive outreach either through PA CareerLinks®, their selected health plan or their local county assistance office to provide awareness of and referrals to resources and programs available in their local community. Learn more.

Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled a $36.1 billion state spending plan on February 4, 2020 that will rely on continued strong economic growth. He proposes no increases in the state’s sales or personal income tax rates. The Wolf administration says the budget plan raises state spending by about four percent. The proposed budget adds an additional $450,000 for the Primary Health Care Practitioner Program to bring the program total to $5 million as was requested by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians and the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center program.

From the Governor’s Budget Book:

“Investing in our Public Health Workforce, the Primary Health Care Practitioner Program encourages primary care practitioners to practice in Health Professional Shortage Areas throughout Pennsylvania, helping to ensure health care access in underserved communities. An additional $450,000 for the Primary Health Care Practitioner Program will facilitate expanded access to quality, affordable primary health care in areas of need by increasing the volume of health care providers as well as helping to provide them with adequate resources to treat vulnerable populations. This additional investment will help to reduce the clinician shortage in Pennsylvania through a more robust support network that will entice more health care professionals to work in the commonwealth.” 

Additional information on the proposed budget can be found here.