Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Announcements

February 4, 2021

HHS: Special Enrollment Period for Health Coverage.  In response to the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced a special period for enrollment of qualified individuals and families, February 15 through May 15, in those states served by the HealthCare.gov platform. Some states run their own websites for enrollment and may or may not make a similar offer. Enter your zip code to find local help

GAO on Federal Response to the Pandemic.  The January report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) provides an overview of actions taken and offers 13 additional recommendations that include improving the medical supply chain through the Strategic National Stockpile, and better service to older adults in rural areas through the Older Americans Act.

NIH: Methamphetamine Overdose Deaths Rise Sharply Nationwide.  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that, from 2011-2018, deaths more than quadrupled among non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaska Natives from 4.5 to 20.9 per 100,000 people. The U.S. average for people aged 25 – 54 increased from 1.3 to 7.3 per 100,000 people during that time period.