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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Policy

Primary Care Collaborative 2024 Evidence Report: An Evaluation of Primary Care in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations
Examines the role of primary care in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), and includes 3 case studies of MSSP ACOs that are primary care centric. Explores how the performance of ACOs may be affected by serving beneficiaries with high economic and social need. Mentions rural throughout.
Author(s): Ann Greiner, David Muhlestein, Ann Kempski, Melissa K. Fillippi, Alison N. Huffstetler
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Primary Care Collaborative, Robert Graham Center, Simple Healthcare
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2024 Nebraska Rural Poll Research Report: Economy and Trade Policy
Analyzes 2024 Nebraska Rural Poll results related to concerns over economic issues, household finances and income, and perceptions of economic policy.
Author(s): Heather Akin, Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Mary Emery, et al.
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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Nurse Practitioner Race and Ethnicity and Interest in Independent Primary Care Practice and Serving Medicaid Enrollees
Surveyed California nurse practitioners (NPs) to determine the current practice and practice intentions following scope of practice regulation changes in California. Presents 2023 data showing rurality of NPs by amount of primary care offered and Medicaid patient caseload currently and those considering independent primary care practice, among other characteristics.
Author(s): Ulrike Muench, Amy Quan, Rosalind de Lisser, Timothy Bates, Joanne Spetz
Citation: Health Affairs Scholar, 2(12)
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
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Wait Time Standards for Behavioral Health Network Adequacy
Presents findings from an environmental scan, key informant interviews, and case studies exploring efforts to measure and monitor provider networks through wait time standards. Describes how wait time standards can vary by provider type, service type, patient characteristics, and geographic region. Discusses challenges faced by state regulators in setting such standards. Includes rural references throughout.
Author(s): Anna Sommers, Elysha Theis, Kenneth Fassel, Brent Gibbons, Miku Fujita
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, RTI International
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Health Center Program Scope of Project Policy Manual Draft for Comment
Presents updated policy guidance as to what constitutes the Health Center Program scope of project under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. Covers medically underserved populations, special medically underserved populations, and service area; required primary and additional health services; services provided via telehealth; sites; changes in scope of project; and more.
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Bureau of Primary Health Care
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Evaluation of the Impact of the No Surprises Act on Health Care Market Outcomes: Exploring Pre-Implementation Trends - Second Annual Report
Provides an overview of the No Surprises Act, which aims to protect participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees in group health plans and group and individual health insurance coverage from surprise medical bills. Updates key trends in factors that will be important to evaluate the effects of the No Surprises Act identified in the First Annual Report, including market consolidation and concentration, out-of-network billing, and potential surprise bills. Describes discussions with healthcare providers, private health plans and issuers, and patients regarding implementation and understanding of the No Surprises Act.
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
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Fiscal Year 2024 Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Investments: Fact Sheet
Provides an overview of Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) grant programs in Fiscal Year 2024. Summarizes and briefly describes funding awarded to support rural hospitals, address rural behavioral health, expand the rural health workforce, increase access to care, advance maternal health, and support rural health research and policy analysis.
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
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Oregon Rural Practice-Based Research Network (ORPRN) Impact Report
Highlights the key projects and accomplishments of the Oregon Rural Practice-Based Research Network (ORPRN) between July 2023 and June 2024 in the areas of health policy, education, research, health equity, and behavioral health.
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network
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Internet Devices and Internet Access Among Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers, North Carolina, 2023
Reports on survey results of 1,034 migrant and seasonal farmworkers in North Carolina about their access to the internet, internet speed, affordability, access to devices, and awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program. Presents factors impacting consistent internet access and video capacity.
Author(s): Joseph G. L. Lee, Mary Roby, Roger G. Russell, et al.
Citation: Public Health Reports, 2024
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
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Strengthening Independent Primary Care Practice in California: Understanding Small Practice Perspectives
Examines business and financial factors influencing independent primary care practice in California through interviews with physicians in California's Riverside, San Bernardino, and Humboldt counties and other healthcare leaders and subject matter experts. Identifies common concerns and provides recommendations related to healthcare economics, reimbursement, and policy. Discusses topics related to rural practice, including the Rural Health Clinic designation.
Author(s): Jill M. Yegian
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: California Health Care Foundation
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