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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare business and finance

Aug 25, 2026 - Notice of proposed rulemaking from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposing to establish a $103,265 fee, payable at the time of filing, for all H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption. The proposed fee would be in addition to all other applicable fees or payments. This fee would serve as a dedicated revenue mechanism to help recover a portion of the federal government's costs of administering the lawful immigration system. Comments are due by September 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 21, 2026 - Summarizes discussions among policymakers and maternal healthcare stakeholders in Arkansas regarding maternal and postpartum healthcare access across the state. Includes discussion on labor and delivery department losses and barriers to care with particular focus on rural communities.
Source: 40/29 News
Aug 13, 2026 - Notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) prohibiting the use of Medicaid funds for procedures identified as gender-affirming care for children under 18. Additionally, the rule prohibits the use of federal Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funds for procedures identified as gender-affirming care for children under 19. This rule is effective October 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2026 - Advisory notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to alert certain clinicians who are Qualifying APM participants (QPs) and have earned an Alternative Payment Model (APM) Incentive Payment that CMS does not have the current information needed to disburse the payment. Provides information to QPs on how to update their Medicare billing information so that CMS can disburse payments. All information should be sent to CMS by October 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2026 - Describes a hospital network reorganization to better address trauma care access in rural Tennessee. Highlights the improved mortality outcomes and how the hub-and-spoke model could be implemented in other rural regions.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Aug 12, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is requesting comments on an information collection titled "Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Agreement" regarding electronic collection and verification of payment information for Medicare providers/suppliers. Comments are due October 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 11, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting comments on the process used to accelerate Medicare coverage through the Regulatory Alignment for Predictable and Immediate Device (RAPID) coverage pathway for new technologies. The RAPID coverage pathway will provide accelerated Medicare beneficiary access to certain eligible Class II and Class III Food and Drug Administration Breakthrough-designated Devices. Comments are due October 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 7, 2026 - Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposing to rescind and replace the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Among other things, the proposed revisions intend to reduce Federal regulation and duplication; empower states, local programs, and families with greater authority and flexibility; advance the health and well-being of children and communities; and reinforce evidence-based standards for health, nutrition, and physical activity. Comments are due by October 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 5, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the re-establishment of a matching program between CMS and the Department of War titled "Verification of Eligibility for Minimum Essential Coverage Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act through a Department of War Health Benefits Plan." CMS will share data from the Department of War with state administering entities (AEs) to verify if an applicant is enrolled in Minimum Essential Coverage in a Veterans Health Administration Health Care Program. This information from the Department of War will be used to assist CMS and AEs in determining if an individual is eligible for financial assistance. Comments are due by September 4, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 5, 2026 - A new pharmacy has opened in a rural Wisconsin community. Discusses the access challenges the community has previously faced and the advantages of participating in a network of pharmacies.
Source: WKBT