Read this in your browser July 30, 2026What's NewNew Rural GME Development Guide Released. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has released A Guide to GME Development in Rural and Underserved Areas. Developed in collaboration with HRSA’s Rural Residency Planning and Development Technical Assistance Center, this practical guide is designed to help organizations develop and expand graduate medical education (GME) in rural and underserved communities. CMS Reminds Essential Community Providers to Apply or Renew by August 12. Essential Community Providers (ECPs) are health care facilities that serve predominantly low-income and medically underserved individuals. Eligible providers include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Clinics, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program providers, Title X family planning providers, Indian health care providers, Critical Access Hospitals, and other providers that meet eligibility criteria established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Under federal Affordable Care Act Marketplace requirements, Qualified Health Plan (QHP) issuers must include a sufficient number and geographic distribution of ECPs in their provider networks. To support this requirement, CMS maintains the Essential Community Provider List, which issuers use to identify and contract with eligible providers. Facilities that want to be included on the Final Plan Year 2028 ECP List should submit a new application or update an existing application by August 12, 2026. Existing ECPs are encouraged to complete the annual renewal process—even if no information has changed—to help ensure their information remains current and remain visible to Marketplace issuers seeking ECP network partners. HHS Request for Comment on the Update to the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease – Comment by August 15. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking input from the public on approaches to advance research and develop new interventions to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). Using publicly available data from the National Center for Health Statistics researchers found a higher burden of dementia risk factors for rural adults, with limited access to diagnosis and follow-up care than their urban and suburban counterparts. In addition to individuals living with AD/ADRD, the Department wants to hear from caregivers, researchers, clinicians, service providers, advocates, faith- and community- based organizations, state, Tribal, and local officials, policymakers, and other interested stakeholders.
Previously Announced FORHP FundingSmall Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program – Apply by August 6. Small rural health care facilities improve quality improvement culture by building capacity to effectively collect and use clinical data while implementing evidence-based approaches to improve health care quality with a particular focus on improving chronic disease outcomes. You can view a recording of the technical assistance webinar. HRSA Delta States Rural Development Network Program – Apply by August 12. This FORHP program seeks to improve access to, coordination of, and quality of health care services and associated health outcomes with a focus on 1) diabetes, 2) cardiovascular disease, 3) obesity, 4) acute ischemic stroke, 5) chronic lower respiratory disease, 6) cancer, or 7) unintentional injury/substance use in rural communities within the service area of the Delta Regional Authority. Applicants must demonstrate experience serving, or capacity to serve, populations in rural areas within the eight Mississippi Delta Region States (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee). For more information about this funding opportunity, you can listen to the pre-recorded webinar.
Funding and OpportunitiesHUD Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program – August 31. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development place a priority on rural communities for their funding to support comprehensive programs that make functional home modifications, repairs, and renovations to allow older adults who are low-income to age in place. HUD estimates 32 awards, each up to $3 million for a three-year project. DOJ Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program – September 14. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) provides funding to support a comprehensive approach to addressing abuse in later life, including domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, neglect, abandonment, economic abuse, or willful harm committed against victims who are 50 years of age or older. Eligible applicants include state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as nonprofit and faith-based organizations that can provide training and support to law enforcement, local government and courts, and victim advocates. Priority consideration will be given to projects that combat human trafficking and provide direct victim services in rural, remote, and Tribal communities. DOT Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Program – September 21. A minimum of 15% of the total program funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will be awarded to projects located in rural areas to assist in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing, or leasing buses or related equipment, and rehabilitating, purchasing, constructing, or leasing bus-related facilities. Except for projects proposed by Indian tribes, all projects in rural areas (see 49 U.S.C. 5302(17)) must be submitted by a State either individually or as part of a consolidated State application. USDA Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program – September 30. The Rural Utilities Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes grants to eligible nonprofits to establish and maintain a revolving fund for loans and subgrants to individuals to construct, refurbish, rehabilitate, or replace individually owned wells or wastewater systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates around 15 percent of the U.S. population (over 43 million people) rely on private wells as their source of drinking water.
Policy UpdatesSend questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. CMS Proposes to Amend Medicaid Provider Tax Standards – Comment by September 21. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule to implement section 71115 of Public Law 119-21, which places new limits on certain Medicaid provider taxes that states assess health care providers to help finance the state share of Medicaid. Currently, 49 States and the District of Columbia have at least one health care-related tax. CMS Announces Marketplace Eligibility Data Matching Program with OPM. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a notice re-establishing a computer matching program with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to verify eligibility for minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The program allows CMS and State Administering Entities to use OPM health benefits data to determine eligibility for enrollment in Qualified Health Plans through the Marketplace, insurance affordability programs, exemptions, and eligibility renewals and appeals. OPM will provide CMS with monthly data on active federal employees and annual premium locality information to support Marketplace eligibility determinations. The matching program is scheduled to take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register and will remain in effect for an initial 18-month period, with an option to renew for one additional year if statutory requirements are met. CMS Proposes Updates to Medicare Shared Savings Program for Calendar Year 2027 – Comment by September 14. This proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), issued on July 14, 2026, seeks public comment on payment updates and policy changes to Medicare’s physician fee schedule payments, including the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). Proposals include an increase of the shared savings rate of level E of the BASIC track, changes to the regional adjustment methodology, a growth adjustment to incentivize new provider participation, and a new rural criterion for calculating advanced investment payments. There is also a proposal to allow Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to eliminate Medicare Part B cost sharing for beneficiaries. Comments on the proposed rule are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on September 14, 2026 in the Federal Register.
Resource of the WeekFrom Withdrawal to Regulation: The Brains Timeline for Early Recovery in Recovery Housing – Thursday, August 6 at 2:00 pm Eastern. On the first Thursday of each month, the Fletcher Group presents an online learning opportunity with the latest research, innovations, and best practices in subjects related to substance use disorder. In this webinar, participants will explore the neurobiology of addiction, gaining a practical understanding of how the brain changes during the first 18 months of recovery. Learn why common behaviors in recovery housing are often signs of neurological healing rather than noncompliance and discover evidence-informed strategies to support residents through each stage of recovery. The Fletcher Group is one of three Rural Centers of Excellence established by FORHP’s Rural Communities Opioid Response Program.
Approaching DeadlinesARC Appalachia READY Local Governments Training – July 31 NIH Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) Phase II – July 31 ACL Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) - State Programs for Dementia Specific Respite – August 3 ACL Dementia Capable Community Health Worker Programs – August 3 HUD Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing – August 3 DOJ Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program – August 5 Department of Education Promise Neighborhoods Program – August 6 HRSA Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program – August 6 ACF Child Abuse Prevention in Migrant and Tribal Communities – August 7 ACF Regional Partnership Grants – August 7 HUD Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Community Selection – August 10 USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network – August 10 SAMHSA Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Grant Program – August 11 CMS Essential Community Provider Application and Annual Renewal Form – August 12 HRSA Delta States Rural Development Network Program – August 12 New Request for Information to Support Executive Order (EO) 14401, “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness” – Comment by August 13 CMS Proposes Updates to Medicare Shared Savings Program for Calendar Year 2027 – Comment by September 14 Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – August 14 USDA Native Community Development Financial Institution Relending Demonstration Program – August 14 Final Rule: Criteria for Determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas. – Effective August 15 CMS Issues Final Rule to Strengthen Oversight of Health Care Accrediting Organizations – Comment by August 17 CMS Proposes to Codify Policies under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program – Comment by August 17 Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Program – Required Letters of Intent August 18 CMS Releases 2027 End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule – Comment by August 24 DOT Tribal Transit Competitive Program – August 25 CMS Seeks Input on the CY 2027 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Payment System Proposed Rule – Comment by August 31 HUD Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program – August 31 Medicare Proposes Changes to Home Health Program – Comment by August 31 DOJ Office of Violence Against Women Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program – September 1 DOJ Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program – September 1 CMS Proposes Updates to Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Payments for Calendar Year 2027 – Comment by September 14 DOJ Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program – September 14 NTIA Native Entities Grant Program – September 17 NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program – September 17 CMS Issues Draft Guidance for 2028 Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program Effectuation – Comment by September 18 CMS Proposes to Amend Medicaid Provider Tax Standards – Comment by September 21 DOT Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Program – September 21 CDC Rural Health Evaluation and Capacity Building Fellowship – September 25 Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program – Deadline for Next Cohort September 30 USDA America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative – September 30 USDA Rural Development: Intermediary Relending Program – September 30 USDA Rural Development: SEARCH – Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (for Water/Waste Projects) – September 30 USDA Rural Development: Telecommunications Infrastrastructure Loans & Guarantees – September 30 USDA Rural Utilities Service: Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program – September 30 USDA Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program – December 31
Forecasted OpportunitiesCMS Student Loan Repayment for Nursing Home Staff – Coming Soon
Ongoing OpportunitiesBold indicates HRSA- and/or FORHP-funded opportunities. Administration for Children & Families: Low Income Home Energy Assistance 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) Licensure Portability: The Multi-Discipline Licensure Resource Project National Rural Health Resource Center: Rural Hospital Stabilization Program NIH Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (R01 and R34 Clinical Trials Optional) – October 21, 2026 ProviderBridge: Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth 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/National Rural Health Association: Rural Hospital Technical Assistance 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 (R.O.U.T.E.S) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Physical Therapy Telehealth Research Study for Older Veterans – Ongoing until October 2026 UVM Center on Rural Addiction Contingency Management Certificate Course |
