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November 13, 2026
What's New
Federal events recognizing National Rural Health Day:
Rural Health Research Gateway: Understanding Access to Care for Rural Residents with Disabilities – Monday, November 16 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern. As part of our National Rural Health Day celebration, researchers from the FORHP-funded University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center will share findings on access to care at the intersection of rurality and disability. The webinar will explore county-level comparisons of disability rates, workforce shortages, and quality of care, along with findings from the National Health Interview Survey on barriers to care and use of preventive services by rural-urban location and disability status. Registration is free and required. The University of Minnesota is home to one of eight rural health research centers across the nation currently funded by FORHP at the Rural Health Research Gateway online.
National Library of Medicine Rural Health Webinar Series – Remaining Sessions November 17-19. One of 27 institutes and centers that make up National Institutes of Health, the NLM houses tens of millions of physical and digital items for public health, biomedical research, clinical trials, and consumer-facing health information for patients, families, and the general public. Remaining webinars in this series include:
Rural America at a Glance: 2026 Edition – Wednesday, November 18 at 1:00 pm Eastern. This annual report published by the ERS at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlights social and economic conditions. Marking the 25th year of the report, this report includes analysis of economic indicators for rural areas – including employment, poverty, income, and housing – and examines how rural America has changed over the past quarter century.
HRSA Virtual Job Fair for Primary Care Clinicians – Wednesday, November 18 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm Eastern. This free online event allows health care professionals to connect with representatives from rural health care facilities that are recruiting for open positions. Learn about job opportunities, hear details about benefits packages, and explore ways to serve communities in need. To prepare, update your profile on the Health Workforce Connector to include your experience, education, training, certifications, and employment preferences.
Funding and Opportunities
DOJ Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program – December 7. The U.S Department of Justice (DOJ) provides grants for the development and operation of nonprofit, nongovernmental tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. Priority will be given to proposed projects that address human trafficking and transnational crime, and/or are dedicated to direct victim services in small towns and rural, remote, and tribal communities.
ACL National Community Care Corps – January 6. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) funds community-level organizations that can develop and scale innovative volunteer programs providing nonmedical assistance to adults with disabilities, older adults, and family caregivers. The program seeks geographic diversity – urban, suburban, rural, frontier, and tribal communities facing challenges due to limited resources and barriers to accessing services.
AmeriCorps VISTA Request for Concept Papers from Sponsoring Agencies – January 7. This national service program provides resources and staffing for organizations and agencies working to alleviate poverty and address poverty-related problems in local communities. Learn about edibility and requirements in this year’s Guidance for Current and Potential Partners. Priorities for selected projects include:
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Economic opportunity: Housing, employment, and workforce development
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Education: School readiness, learning recovery, K-12 success, career and technical education, and college access and success
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Healthy futures: Food security and access to healthcare, including preventive education, treatment/recovery services, and mental healthcare
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Veterans and military families: Economic opportunity, education, and healthy futures
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Priority populations: Rural communities, areas of deep poverty, and Native nations and tribal communities
HRSA Women's Initiative for Screening and Health (WISH) – January 8. HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau provides funding for a multidisciplinary coalition of healthcare providers, academic institutions, and patient-centered organizations designed to improve women's health across the lifespan by increasing access to and availability of preventive health services. The program places emphasis on awareness and guidelines serving rural, frontier, tribal, and other communities with limited access to preventive health services communities.
Policy Updates
Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov.
CMS Finalizes Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Payments for Calendar Year 2027. This finalized rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), issued on November 4, 2026, provides payment updates and policy changes to Medicare’s physician fee schedule payments and includes other proposals affecting Medicare beneficiaries. As required by statute, in 2027, CMS is implementing two separate conversion factors, one for participants of qualifying alternative payment models (APMs) and one for providers not participating. The proposed conversion factor for 2027 projects a decrease of –1.83% for APM providers, and a decrease of –2.31% for non-participant providers. Additionally, CMS is finalizing the limitation of billing of remote patient monitoring services (RPMs) to clinical staff of a practice, no longer allowing billing for RPMs performed by third party contractors or vendors beginning January 1, 2029. CMS also proposes to change the office/outpatient evaluation and management (O/O E/M) visit complexity add-on code, HCPCS code G2211, to a modifier appended to E/M base codes that will increase the payment by 16%. CMS is proposing a second modifier code only available to participants in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and LEAD ACO model that will increase the value of the base E/M code by 32%, among other major changes to the Medicare Shared Savings Program. CMS finalized major changes to how practice expenses are calculated, a reduction of payments to evaluation and management (E/M) services billed on the same day as a global procedure, and new codes for advanced care planning.
The finalized rule also includes updates applicable to Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), including recognizing Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services as qualified preventive services that are covered and paid the all-inclusive rate (AIR) as stand-alone billable visits under the RHC benefit and extending mental health telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027, waiving the in-person visit requirements.
CMS Updates Critical Access Hospital Rural and Distance Review Guidance. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updates to the State Operations Manual, effective November 4, 2026, on how it reviews Critical Access Hospitals’ (CAHs) compliance with rural location and distance requirements. The update incorporates guidance issued August 21, 2026, including reviews every 10 years beginning in 2033 and reviews when a newly certified acute care hospital could affect a nearby CAH’s eligibility. CMS may also review eligibility at any time, but routine recertification surveys may proceed without prior CMS confirmation of rural or distance eligibility. The update clarifies documentation needed to verify a state’s “necessary provider” designation before January 1, 2006, which exempts a CAH from distance requirements but not rural location requirements.
CMS Finalizes Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Rules for 2029 and Beyond. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule establishing regulations for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program for 2029 and future years, replacing policies previously issued through guidance. The program negotiates maximum fair prices (MFPs) for certain high expenditure, single source drugs and biological products, with CMS selecting up to 20 drugs covered under Medicare Part B or Part D each year. The rule sets requirements for drug selection, manufacturer participation, and price negotiation, and addresses efforts to avoid negotiation through certain changes to a drug’s formulation. It also formalizes existing requirements that Part D plans generally cover selected drugs with negotiated prices in effect and that prices used for payment not exceed the negotiated maximum fair price plus dispensing fees. The rule takes effect December 5, 2026.
CMS Proposes Changes to Medicare and Medicaid Facility Requirements. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Cutting Administrative Requirements for Excellence in Patient Care (CARE) proposed rule to reduce administrative requirements for participating providers. The rule would remove certain hospital and critical access hospital (CAH) training and obstetric quality improvement requirements, update facility fire and safety codes, and clarify CAH distance requirements and exemptions. CMS also seeks comments on reducing hospital and CAH respiratory illness reporting burden and allowing more flexibility in physician supervision of certified registered nurse anesthetists. See the CMS fact sheet for details.
CMS Allows Temporary Flexibility for Maternity Care Billing. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance to help providers transition to new maternity care billing codes effective January 1, 2027. The American Medical Association’s new codes and guidelines replace bundled “global” maternity codes with separate reporting for prenatal care, labor management, delivery, and postpartum care. The CMS guidance specifies that, for episodes beginning in 2026 and ending in 2027, payers may allow continued use of 2026 codes. From January 1 through December 31, 2027, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will not take HIPAA administrative enforcement action against health care providers, health plans, or clearinghouses subject to HIPAA that use those codes according to payer instructions issued under this flexibility. Providers should confirm transition requirements with their payers. This guidance does not establish CMS payment policy.
CMS Finalizes 2027 Hospital Outpatient Payment Rule. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule updating hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical center payments for 2027. The rule changes payments for 340B drugs, expands site-neutral payments for certain imaging services, establishes new requirements for off-campus provider-based departments, and continues phasing out the Inpatient Only list. Rural exemptions apply to some provisions.
Learning Events and Technical Assistance
What Works in Primary Prevention: "Connect for Prevention" Trial in Rural and Tribal Communities – Wednesday, December 2 at 2:00 pm Eastern. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hosts this hour-long session, the first in a series connecting prevention professionals with research and evidence-based strategies for real-world practice.
Rural Emergency Hospital: Positive Impact & Change Webinar – Thursday, December 3 at 2:00 pm Eastern. Whether your organization is considering Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation or looking to optimize existing operations, this session will provide actionable insights to support your journey. Through a cooperative agreement with FORHP, the Rural Health Redesign Center manages the Rural Emergency Hospital Technical Assistance Center (REH-TAC), which helps hospitals navigate the conversion process. Drawing from lessons learned through REH-TAC partnerships, presenters will share real-world examples, practical strategies, and key takeaways to help rural hospitals strengthen operations, improve patient safety, and enhance access to care while navigating the transition to the REH model.
GROWING Behavioral Health Training in the US: 3-Part Webinar Series – Second Fridays starting December 11 from 2 to 3 pm Eastern. To address behavioral health workforce shortages, HRSA’s Bureau of Health Workforce is collaborating with the Weitzman Institute, Community Health Center, Inc., and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, is offering this free webinar series for behavioral health workforce leaders and administrators, behavioral health providers, and care team members working in community-based settings. CME and CE credits will be provided for psychologists, social workers, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses, among others, by Moses/Weitzman Health System, Inc., an accredited provider through Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education.
Advancing Rural Overdose Prevention Through Evidence and Community Voice – Wednesday, December 9 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern. At the next session in the Community Rounds Workshop series from the University of Vermont Center on Rural Addiction (UVM CORA), experts will summarize results of listening sessions with rural stakeholders and introduce their recently developed Overdoes Prevention Toolkit. UVM CORA is one of three Centers of Excellence on Rural Addiction funded through FORHP’s Rural Communities Opioid Response Program.
Resource of the Week
RHIhub Models and Innovations: Critical Access Hospital Closes Gaps in Patient Care. A Critical Access Hospital and emergency medical services in rural Iowa collaborate to improve staff communication and response time.
Approaching Deadlines
DOJ 2026 Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Opioid and Other Substance Use – November 16
HRSA National Health Service Corps Students to Service Loan Repayment Program – November 19
CDC Request for Information: Data Intermediaries to Strengthen Public Health – Comment by November 20
CMS Temporarily Pauses New Agent and Broker Registrations for Marketplaces – Comment by November 21
CMS Seeks Input on Medicare Part D Pharmacy Contracting Standards – Comment by November 23
CMS Proposes New Verification Requirements for Marketplace Financial Assistance – Comment by November 27
IRS Proposes Marketplace Premium Tax Credit Changes – Comment by November 30
DOJ Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program – December 7
Medicare Open Enrollment Runs October 15 – December 7
SAMHSA Requests Feedback on Survey of Mental Health Treatment Facilities – Comment by December 7
CMS Proposes Medicare Advantage Provider Directory Standards and Part D Changes – Comment by December 15
USDA Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program – December 31
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Physical Therapy Telehealth Research Study for Older Veterans – Recruiting Through the End of 2026
CMS Helps Providers Prepare for Electronic Prior Authorization Changes – Beginning January 1, 2027
ACL National Community Care Corps – January 6
AmeriCorps VISTA Request for Concept Papers from Sponsoring Agencies – January 7
HRSA Women's Initiative for Screening and Health (WISH) – January 8
NIH Advancing Healthcare for Older Adults from Populations that Experience Health Disparities (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) – January 8
AmeriCorps State and National Grants – January 13, 2027
Ongoing Opportunities - Updated November 2026
Bold indicates HRSA- and/or FORHP-funded opportunities.
Administration for Children & Families: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – TeamSTEPPS Training to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Medicare Physician Bonuses in Health Professional Shortage Areas
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Nurses for Nursing Homes Loan Repayment Program
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency – Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project
Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program
General Services Administration – Federal Surplus Property Available for Public Use
HRSA Needs Rural Reviewers for Grant Applications
HRSA National Health Service Corps Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Training
HRSA Look-Alike Initial Designation for the Health Center Program
Indian Health Service/Department of Defense – Medical Supplies and Equipment for Tribes (Project TRANSAM)
Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program – August 15, 2027
Licensure Portability: The Multi-Discipline Licensure Resource Project
National Rural Health Association: USDA Rural Hospital Technical Assistance
National Rural Health Resource Center: Rural Hospital Stabilization Program
ProviderBridge: Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth
Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project
Rural Graduate Medical Education Planning and Development
Small Business Administration Rural Businesses
Small Business Administration Guaranteed Loans for Small Business
Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program
USDA: National School Lunch Afterschool Snack Program
USDA: Summer Food Service Program
USDA Rural Development: America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative
USDA Rural Development: Circuit Rider Program – Technical Assistance for Rural Water Systems
USDA Rural Development: Community Facilities Programs
USDA Rural Development: Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants
USDA Rural Development: Grants for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages
USDA Rural Development: Intermediary Relending Program – Ongoing with deadlines every quarter
USDA Rural Development: Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantees
USDA Rural Development: Rural Business Investment Program
USDA Rural Development: Rural Energy Savings Program
USDA Rural Development: SEARCH – Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (for Water/Waste Projects)
USDA Rural Development: Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees
U.S. Department of Transportation: Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA)
University of Vermont Center on Rural Addiction Contingency Management Certificate Course
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