Rural Health
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Requests feedback from healthcare providers, researchers, stakeholders, health and drug plans, and the public on potential changes to Medicare regulations in line with Executive Order 14192 "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" issued on January 31, 2025, which requires agencies proposing new legislation to identify at least 10 existing regulations to be repealed. Comments are due June 10, 2025.

Summarizes the mission of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) and highlights changes to Medicaid program allowances related to designated state health programs (DSHPs) and designated state investment programs (DSIPs). Includes examples of program costs that will no longer be allowed.

Highlights the priorities for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) and new Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. Provides information on how the priorities will align with the President's Make America Healthy Again initiative.

Summarizes recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) research comparing geographic differences in cardiovascular health and the factors contributing to the disparity including income, education, food security, and home ownership. Notes the potential impact of study findings on public health and policy related to the health of rural residents.

Request for input regarding barriers to participation in population-based total cost of care (PB-TCOC) models from the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC). Topics of interest include business decisions impacting participation for different organization types, streamlining models, and incentivizing participation for both primary and specialty care. Asks for feedback regarding types of organizations best positioned to serve rural and other communities. Comments can be emailed to PTAC@HHS.gov by April 18, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announces the renewal of the public health emergency (PHE) regarding opioid use. The renewal extends the PHE for 90 days. Outlines federal coordination allowed by the PHE and highlights recent successes in decreasing overdose deaths.

Offers an overview of a proposed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule implementing changes to the Health Insurance Marketplaces. Changes include premium payment guidelines, enrollment, eligibility guidelines, services offered, and compliance regulation.