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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare business and finance

Apr 6, 2026 - Notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on updates to the prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) for fiscal year 2027. Among other things, this rule proposes classification and weighting factors for the IRF prospective payment system's case-mix groups, continues the third year of the 3-year phase-out of the rural adjustments, and includes proposals for the IRF Quality Reporting Program. CMS also seeks comments on alternative data sources for the IRF PPS wage index, potential future IRF PPS payment reform, and more. Comments are due June 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 6, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing the forthcoming release of the following public data assets in open, machine-readable formats under an open license, with utilization and payment data aggregated by provider and service: Original Medicare Physician & Other Practitioners; Original Medicare Inpatient Hospitals; Original Medicare Outpatient Hospitals; Medicare Part D Prescribers; Original Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Devices and Supplies (DMEPOS) by referring provider and service; DMEPOS by supplier and service; and Medicaid Provider Spending.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 6, 2026 - A North Carolina hospital that closed in 2023 may be reopened as the state's first Rural Emergency Hospital. Discusses funding and the impact on local economies when facilities close.
Source: North Carolina Health News
Apr 1, 2026 - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is accepting nominations for appointment to the Board of Governors of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Specifically, GAO is accepting nominations in the following categories: a physician, a quality improvement or health services researcher, and a representative of private payers who represents employers who self-insure employee benefits. Nominations are due by May 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 26, 2026 - Highlights the Rural Health Agenda, a bipartisan and bicameral group of proposed legislation aiming to support rural hospitals through increased Medicare reimbursement, introduce new funding to promote innovation in rural emergency healthcare, and incentivize rural communities for healthcare workers through extended loan repayment programs.
Source: Office of Senator Marsha Blackburn
Mar 24, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) adopting standards for healthcare claims attachments transactions and a standard for electronic signatures to be used in conjunction with these transactions. This rule also summarizes and responds to comments received on the December 21, 2022, proposed rule. This final rule is effective May 26, 2026. Compliance with these regulations are required by May 26, 2028.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 18, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Application To Be a Qualified Entity To Receive Medicare Data for Performance Measurement/Reapplication/Annual Report Worksheet; and 2) Good Cause Processes. Comments are due by May 18, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 17, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "Medicaid Program Face-to-Face Requirements for Home Health Services and Supporting Regulations." Physicians must document that there was a face-to-face encounter with the Medicaid beneficiary prior to the physician certifying that home health services are required. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act permits nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and physician assistants (PAs) to certify the need for home health services and to order services in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Comments are due by April 16, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 15, 2026 - Discusses pharmacist-led point-of-care testing as a strategy to increase access to acute care in rural areas. Notes challenges in advancing that strategy including insurance reimbursement and regulations.
Source: Drug Topics
Mar 12, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical corrections to the November 5, 2025, final rule. This correction is effective March 12, 2026.
Source: Federal Register