– 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

Health care weathered more ransomware attacks last year than any other sector, and that was before a debilitating February hack of payments manager Change Healthcare. Executives, lawyers, and policymakers are worried the federal government’s response is underpowered, underfunded, and too focused on hospital security. Read more.

This week, legislation was introduced by Senate Democrats to make tax credits a permanent fixture to lower the cost of health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act by Senators Jeanne Shahaan (D-NH) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis). This builds on the original legislation that was introduced four years ago, the enhanced tax credits enacted by the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The original tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2025. Congressional action is needed by the end of 2024 to ensure market stability in 2026. The Congressional Budget Office projected these tax credits would help millions including those who are chronically ill but cost billions over the next 10 years.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded the PA Insurance Department $635,352 to improve women’s access to critical health benefits in Pennsylvania. The funding is part of a $9 million grant program from the Biden-Harris Administration to advance and support maternal and reproductive health outcomes and increase awareness of benefits available under insurance policies. The grant will be used to launch a multifaceted campaign focused on awareness and education about the importance of preventive care, enhance benefit reviews and issuer education to reduce coverage barriers, and improve compliance with pre-selected federal market reforms.

Health eCareers recently released a study on women’s experiences, perceptions, and attitudes in the medical field. In the United States, about 8 in 10 healthcare workers are women, however nearly a third of the respondents of the study reported experiencing gender discrimination or bias in the workplace, and 40% reported general workplace challenges due to their gender. Furthermore, almost half reported gender discrimination during patient interactions. To find out more about the results of the study and learn takeaways about how their attitudes and perceptions can shape your hiring approach and workplace policies, download the published report for free.

Recruiting behavioral health professionals can be challenging. If you’re looking for some fresh ideas, background information, or other resources to help you, check out the 3RNET Behavioral Health Resources for Employers. You’ll find a long list of links to web tools and sites on recruitment and retention, rural workforce, demographics, workforce development, licensing and credentialing, and more.