Rural Health
News by Topic: Substance use and misuse
Nov 1, 2024 - Pre-publication 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 15) 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
Oct 29, 2024 - Discusses racial disparities in overdose death trends between 2021 and 2023. While overdose deaths dropped for White Americans, deaths increased for Black and Indigenous Americans. Highlights harm reduction efforts across the country and funding issues. Notes that rural areas have unique access challenges.
Source: Stateline
Oct 18, 2024 - Examines high rates of substance abuse and overdose in Native American communities and the impacts of traditional healing practices that address cultural and spiritual needs. Notes that traditional healing practices will soon be covered by Medicaid and available through Indian Health Service facilities in California, Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico. Provides overview of research on the efficacy of traditional healing practices for treating substance use disorder.
Source: KQED
Oct 2, 2024 - Discusses how recent federal funding for rural healthcare services will be used in Mississippi and Alabama. Mississippi is focusing on maternal health, noting that Black Mississippi women in particular have high mortality rates. Alabama is focusing on opioid use disorder. Discusses workforce needs for the 2 states, measuring success, and the anticipated positive impact on surrounding states.
Source: WWNO
Sep 30, 2024 - Announces $68.5 million in grant funding for mental health, workforce education, health equity, and more. Includes $11.5 million in funding for rural emergency medical services training for first responders offering care to people with substance use disorders and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Sep 26, 2024 - Announces the distribution of more than $1.5 billion in grant funding through the State Opioid Response (SOR), Tribal Opioid Response (TOR), and SOR/TOR Technical Assistance programs. Highlights funding priorities, including expanded services for individuals aged 16 to 25, expanded MOUD access for incarcerated populations, and services that utilize an integrated, whole-person approach.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sep 24, 2024 - Announces funding for supporting rural health care from the Health Resources and Services Administration. The funding prioritizes maternal health, behavioral health, and expanding access to care.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
EBSA, HHS, IRS: Requirements Related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
Federal Register
Sep 23, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) making amending regulations implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) and adding new regulations implementing the nonquantitative treatment limitation (NQTL) comparative analyses requirements under MHPAEA, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, 2021). Specifically, these rules amend the existing NQTL standard to prevent plans and issuers from using NQTLs to place greater limits on access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits as compared to medical/surgical benefits. These regulations are effective November 22, 2024.
Source: Federal Register