Medicaid work requirements have now been implemented in a number of states to increase restrictions on access to Medicaid. While 24 percent of rural kids live in poverty, nineteen percent of urban kids live in poverty. These additional restrictions are disproportionately harming those in rural...
Service providers in Alaska are speaking out on their experience with the FCC cutting funding to the Rural Health Care program which previously promised service providers and hospitals funds to greatly decrease the financial burden of expanding telecommunications in the rural health setting. [button link="http://www.alaskajournal.com/2018-05-30/fcc-funding-shortfall-spurs-rural-rate-review#.WxBpTUgvxPZ" text="Read...
The Guardian profiled rural communities on the inner banks of North Carolina where a local hospital closure has led to a lack of proper care in the community despite the opening of a 24-hour clinic. "'Pretty bad,' he shot back when I asked him how things...
The College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota has announced a new initiative to aid in preparing rural veterans for nursing careers. "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) awarded nearly $1 million to St. Scholastica to train veterans from...
The Senate approved the bipartisan VA MISSION Act which extends funding for the Veterans Choice Program. The Choice program funding is a temporary extension as other provisions in the bill are implemented for a bolstered care in the community experience. The Choice program has been...
The House Veterans Affairs Committee proposed new, bipartisan legislation to extend funding for the Veterans Choice program for an additional year while the VA implements wide-ranging reforms to the healthcare collaborations in communities. The MISSION Act was spearheaded by House VA Committee Chairman Phil Roe and...
The Harkin Institute at Drake University released their first annual Harkin on Wellness Report. The report highlights the work of top wellness and nutrition initiatives across the country in order for other communities, leaders, and health providers can learn from the successes of others. Many...
CMS announced an interim final rule entitled, "Durable Medical Equipment Fee Schedule Adjustments to Resume the Transitional 50/50 Blended Rates to Provide Relief in Rural Areas and Non-Contiguous Areas" this week. Follow the link below to read more and view a chart showcasing the new...
CMS announced their new initiative on rural health today. "CMS is taking measureable steps toward improving access to health care for rural populations, including forming a council of experts tasked with addressing rural health issues, engaging stakeholders in rural communities, and partnering with health organizations to...
Ransomware attacks continue to plague hospitals, particularly critical access hospitals where excess money and time to treat and prevent such attacks is scarce. The Texas Hospital Association is working extensively with their member hospitals to thoroughly prepare their systems and staff for cybersecurity threats. [button link="https://healthitsecurity.com/news/helping-struggling-hospitals-recover-from-ransomware-attacks"...