- Eight Hospitals Selected for First Cohort of Rural Hospital Stabilization Program
- Announcing the 2030 Census Disclosure Avoidance Research Program
- CMS: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2026 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes; Correction
- CMS: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2026 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes; Correction
- CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly; Correction
- CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly; Correction
- CMS: Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2026
- CMS: Medicare Program; FY 2026 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements
- Public Inspection: CMS: Medicare Program: Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2026
- Public Inspection: CMS: Medicare Program: Fiscal Year 2026 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements
- CMS: Request for Information; Health Technology Ecosystem
- CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2025 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; and Medicare Overpayments; and Appeal Rights for Certain Changes in Patient Status; Corrections and Correcting Amendment
- CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2025 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; and Medicare Overpayments; and Appeal Rights for Certain Changes in Patient Status; Corrections and Correcting Amendment
- VA: Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program Funding Opportunity
- State: 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences in the Context of COVID-19
The Weitzman Institute is pleased to share its latest policy brief, “Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences in the Context of COVID-19.”
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). They are a major public health concern that will worsen as a result of the health, social, and economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This policy brief examines how the health, social, and economic impact of COVID-19 may result in an increase in ACEs, especially in our most vulnerable populations, and discusses the public health responses needed to effectively address ACEs in our communities.
The brief builds upon Weitzman Institute staff Dr. April Joy Damian, Daniel Bryant, and May Oo’s recent article in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, and forthcoming chapter in the book Handbook of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): A Framework for Collaborative Health Promotion.
Click HERE to read the policy brief.
USDA Rural Development Designates Rural Health Liaison
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that Kellie Kubena has been designated to serve as USDA’s Rural Health Liaison, a position created by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill. The role is administered by the USDA Rural Development Innovation Center.
In her role, Kubena will work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve the health of rural communities by expanding access to health care and sharing data and information about relevant departmental programs with stakeholders, partners and customers. The role ensures that USDA is well positioned to address the growing health care needs in rural communities.
Kubena has served as the Acting Rural Health Liaison since 2021. She has also served as the Deputy Chief Innovation Officer for USDA Rural Development since 2019. Previously, she served as the Director of the Engineering and Environmental Staff for USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs in the Rural Utilities Service. During her tenure in the Rural Utilities Service, she also served as the Acting Assistant Administrator for Water and Environmental Programs in 2017 and the Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Telecommunications Program in 2018. Prior to joining USDA, Kubena served in various positions at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for 17 years, focusing on risk assessment, water quality regulations and sanitation infrastructure. Kubena holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries with a minor in oceanography from Texas A&M University. She also holds a master’s degree in fisheries from the University of Washington.
USDA encourages rural health stakeholders to reach out to Kubena in her new role to build upon existing partnerships and facilitate new ones.
If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
President Releases FY 2023 Budget
President Biden released his Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget, formally beginning the appropriations process for the 2023 federal budget. Typically, the President’s budget is viewed as a starting point for the heading into negotiations on Capitol Hill, highlighting the administrations priorities. Overall, the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is pleased to see the President’s commitment to rural health-related line items in the FY 23 budget. Below are details on what is included, what isn’t included, and what NRHA plans to fight for in FY 23.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The President’s budget request includes $127.3 billion in discretionary funding for HHS, an increase of $19 billion from the $108.3 billion included in the FY 22 budget.
The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP): The President’s discretionary includes $374 million to carry out rural health activities at the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy for FY 23, which is $43 million above the FY 22 enacted budget.
- Included in the President’s budget is $57.5 million for the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants Program, a decrease of nearly $5 million from FY 22 enacted levels. NRHA will continue working with lawmakers to see the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants Program see increased funding in FY 23 as we know these programs are critical to rural provider sustainability.
- The request includes $21 million for the Small Hospital Improvement Grant Program, equal to the funding allocated in FY 22.
- The request does not include the $5 million to establish a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Technical Assistance Program, as we saw in FY 22.
- The President’s budget includes $12.5 million for the State Offices of Rural Health, equal to what was allocated in FY 22.
- The President’s budget includes $12.7 million for the Rural Residency Development Program, an increase of $2.2 million over FY 22 enacted levels.
- The President’s budget includes $165 million for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, an increase of $30 million over FY 22 enacted levels.
- The President’s budget includes $10 million for the new Rural Health Clinic Behavioral Health Initiative. This newly proposed initiative allows clinics in rural areas where there are no existing behavioral health providers to fund the salary of a behavioral health provider, address provider burnout, and expand the availability of services such as mental health screenings, counseling, and therapy.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA): The President’s discretionary request includes $13.3 billion for HRSA, an increase of $41 million above the FY 22 enacted budget.
- The President’s budget includes $210 million for the National Health Service Corps, an increase of $92 million over the FY enacted levels.
- The President’s budget includes $44 million for telehealth programs within HHS, an increase of $10 million from the FY 22 enacted level.
- The President’s budget includes $17 million for the $340B Drug Pricing Program/Office of Pharmacy Affairs. This is an estimated $7 million increase over the FY 22 enacted level.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The President’s discretionary request includes $9.9 billion for the CDC, an increase of $1.4 billion from the record $8.5 billion included in the FY 22 budget.
- Unfortunately, not included in the President’s budget is set aside funding for the creation of an Office of Rural Health within CDC. NRHA will continue working with Appropriators on Capitol Hill to see this office set up as outlined in S.3159/HR 5848 Rural Health Equity Act.
The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (USDA): The President’s budget request includes $28.5 billion in discretionary funding for USDA, an increase of $3.375 billion from the $25.125 billion included in the FY 22 budget.
- Included in the President’s budget is $3.3 billion for the Rural Community Facilities Program at USDA, a decrease of $150 million from the $3.45 billion included in the FY 22 enacted budget.
- Unfortunately, the President’s budget once again zeroed out the USDA Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program. In FY 22, Congress allocated $2 million for this critical program. NRHA will again work to see funding restored for this vital program.
As the House and Senate Appropriations Committee’s begin working on the FY 23 budget, NRHA will work to see funding levels increased for these rural health line items. For more information see the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget in Brief.
New Population Estimates Released
The U.S. Census Bureau released estimates of the total population as of July 1, 2021 at the county level. Population estimates are calculated using administrative records to estimate components of population change such as births, deaths, and migration.
In 2021, fewer births, an aging population, and increased mortality – intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic – contributed to a rise in natural decrease. The statistics released today include population estimates and components of change metropolitan statistical areas, micropolitan statistical areas, and counties.
Thirty-six counties experienced population decline from 2020 to 2021. Click here to read more.
Research Profiles Rural Pennsylvania Women
A report from by Dr. Diane Shinberg of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, provides a profile of the lives and livelihoods of rural Pennsylvania women.
The research noted that rural Pennsylvania’s population is aging more rapidly than the rest of the state, so the rural population, in general, includes relatively fewer younger adults (aged 25-34 years) compared to older adults (aged 35-64 years).
Educational attainment among rural women has increased from 2005-2009 to 2014-2018, however, high school graduation remained the most common level of completed schooling for rural women. About two-thirds of rural women participated in the labor force, and the most commonly held jobs among rural women were at risk of replacement due to automation or other economic restructuring. The research also revealed that more rural women work now than in the past, and their time “on the clock” increased. While personal wages and salaries of working rural women increased from the previous decade, they also earned the least among rural men and urban women and men.
Access the report here.
Dental Sealant Benefits Outlined in American Dental Association White Paper
The ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention released a white paper listing the benefits of using dental sealants in children and adolescents and providing guidance on prevention, quality and efficacy measures on the use of sealants, according to ADA News. The white paper, which was created by the council’s Advisory Committee on Dental Sealants with Irene Hilton, D.D.S., as chair, found that sealants can effectively prevent and arrest pit-and-fissure/ occlusal carious lesions of primary and permanent molars and reduce the progression of noncavitated occlusal carious lesions.
Full Story: ADA News
Population Fell In Three Quarters Of US Counties In 2021
From the Washington Post
Almost three-quarters of all U.S. counties reported more deaths than births last year, a development largely caused by the pandemic, which contributed to a dramatic slowing in the nation’s overall population growth, according to data released Thursday by the Census Bureau. Low fertility rates, which have persisted since the end of the Great Recession, and the nation’s continuing demographic shift toward an older population also combined to create the smallest population increase in 100 years, said Kenneth M. Johnson, a sociology professor and demographer at the University of New Hampshire. He said he expected the data to show a natural decrease but was surprised at its scale. Natural decrease occurs when a population records more deaths than births. (Kunkle, 3/24)
Click here to read the article.
2022 Colgate Bright Smiles Kids Award Nominations Being Accepted
In 2022, Colgate is encouraging children ages 6-14 to unleash their optimism and creativity to inspire the kind of future we can all smile about. Now, until April 8, 2022, Colgate BSBF will be accepting video entries (up to 2-minutes) of musical, scientific, artistic, journalistic, technology-focused, culinary, or other projects highlighting how optimism can positively impact our lives and futures. Ideas and inspiration can be found on their website, along with contest rules and regulations. Finalists will be determined by an advisory panel and winners will be selected by a live audience. The first-place national award winner will receive $10,000 for their school or organization. Second and third-place winners will be awarded $5,000 and $2,500 respectively. Ideas and inspiration can be found on the Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Future website, along with contest rules and regulations.
Teledentistry Helps Provide the Right Care at the Right Time
The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health presents a report on the best uses of teledentistry. This research report discusses the use of teledentistry for dental triage, follow-up care, and in place of in-person visits for patients with less access to care, such as those in rural areas.
ICYMI: “Oral Health for All: Realizing the Promise of Science”
Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, co-authored an editorial focusing on oral health. The highest burden of dental and oral disease is shouldered by marginalized and chronically underserved groups. Moving forward, we will need to forge a path for oral health care that prioritizes overall health, prevention, expanded access, affordability, and equity.