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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Federally Qualified Health Centers

Dec 20, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on a proposed information collection project titled the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS). The goal of the project is to assess the health of the population through patient use of physician and advanced practice provider offices, health centers, and to monitor the characteristics of physician and advanced practice provider practices. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 19, 2024 - Highlights a rural Federally Qualified Health Center in Massachusetts and challenges with offering services including workforce shortages, affordable housing for staff, and surge capacity for variable population rates throughout the year.
Source: Commonwealth Beacon
Dec 9, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Community Mental Health Center Cost Report; 2) Federally Qualified Health Center Cost Report Form; and 3) Medicare Request for Employment Information. Comments are due by January 8, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 9, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing: 1) changes to the Physician Fee Schedule and Medicare Part B payment policies; 2) policies for the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; 3) updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; 4) payment for dental services inextricably linked to specific covered medical services; 5) updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B including immunosuppressive drugs and clotting factors; 6) Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; 7) updates to the Quality Payment Program; 8) Medicare coverage of opioid use disorder services furnished by opioid treatment programs; 9) updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); 10) electronic prescribing for controlled substances for a covered Part D drug under a prescription drug plan or an MA-PD plan; 11) updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; 12) updates to Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule regulations; 13) updates to the diabetes payment structure and COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) flexibilities; 14) expansion of colorectal cancer screening and Hepatitis B vaccine coverage and payment; 15) establishing payment for drugs covered as additional preventive services; and 16) Medicare Parts A and B Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act and Medicare Parts C and D Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act. These regulations are effective January 1, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 9, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) seeks comments on the Draft Health Center Program Scope of Project Manual. The draft Scope of Project Policy Manual provides updated policy guidance on what constitutes the health center program scope of project under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. Comments are due February 7, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 4, 2024 - Highlights a community health center expanding services into rural Texas. Discusses the benefits of easy access to healthcare.
Nov 29, 2024 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the availability of a Policy Information Notice (PIN) offering guidance for health centers and look-alikes under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act giving certain primary healthcare services to justice-involved individuals reentering the community setting. The PIN is effective November 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 22, 2024 - Announces nearly $52 million for 54 Health Resources & Services Administration-funded health centers for increasing access to primary care for people reentering the community after incarceration. Funding will address health needs including managing chronic conditions, reducing the risk of drug overdose, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and infectious disease prevention, screening, diagnosing, and treatment.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Nov 22, 2024 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on updates to the Uniform Data System (UDS) for performance year 2025. Updates include changes to patient-level reporting and tables on selected diagnoses and services rendered, quality of care measures, and health outcomes and disparities. Comments are due by January 21, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 13, 2024 - Outlines current and projected funding challenges for Federally Qualified Health Centers. Discusses common sources of revenue, reimbursement rates, the 340B program, and policy opportunities for federal and state government. Notes that rural residents are a significant user base for Community Health Centers.
Source: The Commonwealth Fund