Category: HRSA

MedPAC June Report to Congress Highlights Rural Considerations for Medicare Advantage Provider Networks

June 27, 2024

MedPAC June Report to Congress Highlights Rural Considerations for Medicare Advantage Provider Networks

As part of its mandate from Congress, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) reports each June on improvements to Medicare payment systems and issues affecting the Medicare program, including changes to health care delivery and the market for health care services.

This year’s report addresses approaches for:

  • Updating clinician payments
  • Incentivizing participation in alternative payment models
  • Rural considerations for network adequacy standards and prior authorization in Medicare Advantage
  • Assessing health care utilization data sources for Medicare Advantage enrollees
  • Paying for software technologies in Medicare
  • Medicare’s Acute Hospital Care at Home program.

Click Here to Read Full Report

New Funding Opportunity – Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program – HRSA-24-120

June 26, 2024

New Funding Opportunity – Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program – HRSA-24-120

The Health Resources and Services Administration has announced new funding available for the Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program, HRSA-24-120.

The focus of this funding opportunity is on strengthening maternal care and reducing disparities in the Delta Region, by expanding access and coordination of health care services before, during, and after pregnancy.

The funding will work to address unacceptable rates of maternal morbidity and mortality in the regions.

Up to four cooperative agreements will be awarded to recipients in the Delta region, totaling approximately $7 million over four years (September 30, 2024 – September 29, 2028).

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy will hold a technical assistance webinar on Tuesday July 9th from 3 – 4 p.m. ET.

Review the funding opportunity to learn more about eligibility & apply

For questions contact: Nikita Patel, DeltaMCCProgram@hrsa.gov, 301 594-3288

Conference: National Telehealth Conference, July 16

June 24, 2024

Conference: National Telehealth Conference, July 16

Join HRSA’s Office for the Advancement of Telehealth for an online conference featuring health care professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from around the country.

Conference topics for sessions during the all-day event include:

  • Licensing across state lines to increase access to behavioral health care
  • Implications of health policy to inform telehealth’s future
  • Expanding access to services for underserved and low-income communities
  • Exploring health care innovations and future telehealth technologies
  • Improving health equity through expansion of broadband connectivity and adoption of telehealth

Cost: Free

When: Tuesday, July 16, 9:30 a.m. ET

Click Here to Register

Webinar: Federal Grant Resources for Rural Communities, June 26

June 24, 2024

Webinar: Federal Grant Resources for Rural Communities, June 26

Join this webinar to ensure your community is not left out of an unprecedented opportunity to apply for federal grants for infrastructure, energy and conservation projects.

The Center for Rural Affairs will review grant resources available to you, including a grant guide, Sam.gov resources, and a grant writer rolodex.

Cost: Free

When: Wednesday, June 26, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT

Click Here to Register

Upcoming Webinar: HHS Finalizes Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Rule – Impacts for RHCs, July 15

June 24, 2024

Upcoming Webinar: HHS Finalizes Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Rule – Impacts for RHCs, July 15

Join this webinar, hosted by the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC), for information on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid final rule regarding section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities and the RHC impacts.

Over the next year, several requirements established in this rule will go into effect for RHCs, including:

  • Requirement to post a notice of nondiscrimination.
  • Requirements to post notice of availability of translation and auxiliary aid services in top 15 foreign languages.
  • Requirement to establish and train employees on policies and procedures related to nondiscrimination.

NARHC offers an in-depth analysis of this rule and the need to knows for RHCs in becoming compliant before each effective date during this webinar.

Additional time for Q&A will be provided. Advanced registration is required.

Cost: Free

When: Monday, July 15, 2:00 p.m. ET

Click Here to Register

New Information on Federal Financing of Medicaid IT for Behavioral Health

June 24, 2024

New Information on Federal Financing of Medicaid IT for Behavioral Health

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an informational bulletin, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

The guidance describes opportunities for state Medicaid agencies to receive enhanced federal matching rates for certain health Information Technology aimed at increasing access to behavioral health treatment and improving coordination of care for co-occurring physical health conditions, such as telehealth and electronic connections to Health Information Exchanges.

It also reminds state Medicaid agencies how to apply for enhanced Medicaid matching rates for these types of expenditures.  Medicaid is an important source of insurance in rural areas, and leveraging federal dollars can help rural communities expand their capacity to deliver behavioral health services.

Click Here to Read CMS Informational Bulletin

Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth

June 24, 2024

Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth

ProviderBridge.org was created through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act by the Federation of State Medical Boards and HRSA’s Office for Advancement of Telehealth.

The site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing by state as well as a provider portal to connect volunteer health care professionals to state agencies and health care entities.

Go to ProviderBridge.org

New Funding Opportunity: Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR) – Workforce Expansion Program (WEP) HRSA-24-098

June 21, 2024

New Funding Opportunity: Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR) – Workforce Expansion Program (WEP) HRSA-24-098

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to increase the nursing workforce in rural (non-metro) and underserved areas to address the critical shortage of nurses, specifically in acute and long-term care settings.

The Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR) – Workforce Expansion Program (WEP) enhances nursing education and baccalaureate degree nursing students.

HRSA will award approximately $4.7 million to up to five grantees over a period of four years through this funding opportunity.

Eligible Applicants include:

  • Accredited schools of nursing
  • Entities that offer associate degrees in nursing, such as community colleges
  • Hospitals and nurse-managed health centers
  • Nursing homes and hospice facilities
  • Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics
  • Native American tribal governments and organizations

View funding opportunity for complete eligibility information

There is Still Time to Become an NHSC Site!

June 21, 2024

There is Still Time to Become an NHSC Site!

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) New Site Application is currently open for eligible health care sites.

NHSC-approved sites provide outpatient, comprehensive primary health care services to people in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).

As an NHSC site, you can recruit and retain qualified providers using NHSC Loan Repayment Programs and attract NHSC Scholars who are ready to fulfill their service obligation.

NHSC Leads and State/Territorial Primary Care Office (PCO) staff are available to answer questions about eligibility and the application process.

The application is open now through Tuesday, June 25 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Helpful Resources:

Click Here to review the Site Reference Guide (it details everything that is expected of NHSC-approved sites).

Apply Here

Northwest Missouri Maternal Health Partnership Meeting – July 11

June 18, 2024

Northwest Missouri Maternal Health Partnership Meeting – July 11

Join Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) IEA Region 7 for a Maternal Health meeting in St. Joseph on July 11.

Learn about HRSA maternal health programs and resources, and join the discussion about maternal health issues, including:

  • Challenges in serving mothers and families
  • Strategies and models to support maternal health
  • Current technical assistance needs
  • Opportunities for collaboration

This meeting is offered in person only; there will not be a virtual option.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday, July 11, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Where:

East Hills Library

502 N. Woodbine Rd

St. Joseph, MO 64506

Register Here