The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) posted information on the flu vaccine composition for the 2025-2026 US flu season. The agency, in consultation with federal partners, reviewed the available data and made its recommendations to manufacturers of the US-licensed influenza vaccines for the production of updated vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season. Based on this timing, the agency does not anticipate any impact on vaccine supply or timing of availability.
Trump’s HHS Backs Rejection of Drug Discount Plan Rebate Model
The Trump administration is defending a Biden-era decision to reject drug manufacturer plans that would allow them to discount medicines through a rebate rather than up front under a federal drug discount program. HRSA on Monday doubled down on its argument that implementing a rebate model is inconsistent with the 340B statute and requires approval from the HHS secretary. The agency, however, signaled that it could be open to further consideration of the plan.
CMS Innovation Center Ends Some Models
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center announced changes to its model portfolio. The Primary Care First and the Making Care Primary models, running through 2026 and 2034 respectively, will now end early on Dec. 31, 2025. Additionally, CMS may reduce the size of the Integrated Care for Kids model and will no longer move forward with the Medicare $2 Drug List and the Accelerating Clinical Evidence Model. Participants involved in these models should expect follow-up communications from CMS on the close-out process. This does not impact the Aledade ACO.
PA Senate Republicans Challenge Medicaid Expansion
Senate Republican leaders have asked the Trump administration to rescind an 1115 Medicaid waiver that would expand social services for vulnerable populations, including low-income families, chronically homeless individuals, and people being released from incarceration. Republicans believe the added services in the waivers — approved last year under the Biden administration, but not yet implemented — will balloon Pennsylvania’s Medicaid costs. In response, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration has scaled back implementation plans.
Government Funding Continues for Six Months
US Senators worked down to the wire to avoid a midnight funding lapse in Washington DC last week. Despite widespread Democratic criticism of the House’s six month “Continuing Resolution” (CR), a number of Democrats joined their Republican colleagues and voted to pass the legislation. The CR provides both mandatory and discretionary funding at the FY24 levels for Section 330, the National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Centers, through Sept. 30, 2025.
The PBDA is hosting two webinars in anticipation of opening the second round of the Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP). Each webinar will provide an overview of the program, review FAQs, and will implement breakout sessions focusing on libraries, non-profits, workforce, and education. Each breakout session will include an awardee from Round One of the program who will provide background on their project and will highlight the key elements that contributed to their success.
You can find additional details for each webinar, including registration, by clicking the links below. Please note that content covered at each session will be the same, however, questions and dialogue may differ. PBDA will be recording these sessions to post as resources on our website.
Research Brief Highlights Population Estimates
The U.S. Census Bureau released estimates of the July 1, 2024 population at the county level. This release includes both total population as well as components of change: births, deaths, and migration.
Key Findings from the Report:
- Twenty-eight counties increased from 2020 to 2024. The fastest-growing counties included Pike (+3.5%), Cumberland (+6.2%), and Chester (+4.9%).
- Thirty-nine counties decreased from 2020 to 2024. Counties that experienced the largest percentage decreases included Greene (-5.5%), Forest (-5.4%), and Cameron (-4.4%).
For more information on county population change in Pennsylvania, read this month’s brief.
Mapping Appalachia In All Its Complexity
You’ve probably seen our map designating the economic status for each of the 423 counties in the Appalachian Region. But did you know that we’ve made many more maps for you to use?
Appalachia is a complex place. Our maps seek to make information about its make-up and opportunities readily available to Appalachians.
🏛️ The map of Appalachian counties lays out local boundaries of all counties served by ARC.
🎓 Our post-secondary schools map highlights 592 institutions of learning across the region.
📊 The local development districts map provides more information about the 74 entities that facilitate multi-county economic development.
🗳️ Our congressional map can help you determine who represents your community in Congress.
See these interactive maps by clicking below!
- Appalachian Counties Served by ARC
- Postsecondary Schools in Appalachia
- Local Development Districts in Appalachia
- Congressional Districts in Appalachia
In-Demand Career Scholarship Opportunities for Pennsylvania Students Announced
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) just opened a new application period for Grow PA scholarship grants. This program helps in-state students pay for school and builds the workforce in Pennsylvania for in-demand occupations. The Grow PA Grant Program provides grants with a maximum award $5,000 per year and students can receive funds for a maximum of four academic years. After graduation, students must commit to live and work in Pennsylvania, within an in-demand occupation, for a number of years equal to the number of years in which they received the grant. These student grants are for the 2025-26 academic year and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Medicare Shared Savings Program Application Due Dates Released
Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) that want to begin participating in the Medicare Shared Saving Program starting January 1, 2026, must apply between May 29 and June 12 at noon Eastern. The Shared Savings Program is a voluntary program that encourages groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers to come together as an ACO to give coordinated, high-quality care to Medicare beneficiaries. After submitting an application, new ACOs that serve rural areas may be eligible for Advanced Investment Payments, upfront funds to build infrastructure and address beneficiary needs.