January 13, 2022 What's New Spread the Word About Vaccine Boosters. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services released new resources – posters, flyers, videos, and talking points – to help promote the extra protection from COVID-19 boosters. All vaccinated adults aged 18+ are eligible for a booster. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded booster eligibility to include adolescents ages 12 to 17, recommending that they receive a booster shot five months after their initial vaccination. The CDC also released a new resource, based on input from rural health departments and organizations, with 12 strategies to increase vaccine uptake in rural communities (pdf). Search by zip code to find nearby locations providing adult and pediatric vaccines and boosters for COVID-19 and the flu at vaccines.gov. Coverage Available for At-Home COVID-19 Tests. Beginning January 15, 2022, individuals with private health insurance coverage or covered by a group health plan who purchase an over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized, cleared, or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be able to have those test costs covered by their plan or insurance. Insurance companies and health plans are required to cover eight (8) free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month. There is no limit on the number of tests (including at-home tests) that are covered if ordered or administered by a health care provider following an individualized clinical assessment. This policy comes in addition to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' effort to provide up to 50 million free, at-home tests to community health centers and Medicare-certified rural health clinics for distribution at no cost to patients and community members. Saturday, January 15 is the Last Day for HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment. As of Tuesday, January 11, nearly 14 million consumers had signed up for coverage through the Federal site, HealthCare.gov, and State-based Marketplaces. Those still looking to sign up before the Saturday deadline can find local help from certified assisters. Last year, HHS released a series of reports on access to health care coverage for uninsured and underinsured populations, including rural Americans. This research details a higher degree of zero- and low-premium health plans available to eligible rural residents. Request for Comment on Broadband Programs in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Comment by February 4. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is responsible for distributing more than $48 billion in broadband funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was passed in November. The NTIA requests comment from stakeholders across the nation to inform their development of programs for these funds, which will be allocated to states for distribution. CDC: Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Adults. During 2015 – 2019, an estimated 10.6 million adults in the United States reported having had suicidal thoughts during the previous year. While these are national and state-level data, the report stresses that effective prevention requires more information at the population level. In 2020, the CDC reported that suicide rates in rural areas were higher than urban areas from 2000 through 2018. Rural Healthy People 2030 Survey – Deadline February 14. The Southwest Rural Health Research Center at Texas A&M University wants to hear from individuals who live or work in rural communities for a 20-minute survey on the most important Healthy People 2030 objectives for rural health. The project is supported by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy through its Rural Health Research Centers program. Ongoing: HRSA Payment Program for RHC Buprenorphine-Trained Providers. In June 2021, HRSA launched an effort to improve access to substance use disorder treatment by paying for providers who are waivered to prescribe buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) still have the opportunity to apply for a $3,000 payment on behalf of each provider who trained to obtain the waiver necessary to prescribe buprenorphine after January 1, 2019. Approximately $1.5 million in program funding remains available for RHCs and will be paid on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Send questions to DATA2000WaiverPayments@hrsa.gov. There is ongoing availability of a free online course for waiver eligibility training from the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine and the Providers Clinical Support System. COVID-19 Resources Provider Relief Fund (PRF). The reporting portal is open for providers required to report on PRF payments during Reporting Period 2, and will remain open until March 31, 2022. NARHC Assistance with Federal Programs for COVID-19 Testing, Vaccine Distribution, and Provider Relief Fund. The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) has background information and guidelines in its collection of technical assistance webinars for all COVID-related programs designated for Rural Health Clinics. Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Resources for COVID-19. A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from our grantees and stakeholders. Rural Health Clinic Vaccine Distribution (RHCVD) Program. Under the program, Medicare-certified RHCs will receive direct COVID-19 vaccines in addition to their normal jurisdictions' weekly allocation. Contact RHCVaxDistribution@hrsa.gov for more information. Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation. The new resources help individuals, teachers, school administrators, librarians, faith leaders, and health care professionals to understand, identify, and stop the spread of misinformation. The toolkit includes common types of misinformation and a checklist to help evaluate the accuracy of health-related content. Online Resource for Licensure of Health Professionals. As telehealth usage increased during the pandemic, FORHP funded new work with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards to reduce the burden of multi-state licensure. The site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing in each state for psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists assistants, and social workers. HRSA COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund. HRSA will provide claims reimbursement at the national Medicare rate for eligible health care providers administering vaccines to underinsured individuals. HHS Facts About COVID Care for the Uninsured. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) helps uninsured individuals find no-cost COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines. The HRSA Uninsured Program provides claims reimbursement to health care providers generally at Medicare rates for testing, treating, and administering vaccines to uninsured individuals, including undocumented immigrants. There are at-a-glance fact sheets for providers and for patients in English and Spanish. CDC COVID-19 Updates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides daily updates and guidance, including COVID-19 Vaccination Trainings (pdf) for new and experienced providers, and Tips for Talking with Patients about COVID-19 Vaccination. New: Updated Guidelines on Quarantine and Isolation, and Rural Considerations for Vaccine Confidence and Uptake Strategies (pdf). HHS/DoD National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network. A joint program of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is available at no cost to hospitals caring for COVID-19 patients and struggling with access to enough critical care physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialized clinical experts. Teams of critical care clinicians are available to deliver virtual care through telemedicine platforms, such as an app on a mobile device. Hear from participating clinicians, and email to learn more and sign up. Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth. ProviderBridge.org was created by the Federation of State Medical Boards through the CARES Act and the FORHP-supported Licensure Portability Grant Program. 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. New: Reaching Farm Communities for Vaccine Confidence. The AgriSafe Network is a nonprofit organization that provides information and training on injury and disease related to agriculture. Their health professionals and educators created a social media toolkit that aims to provide clear messages about COVID-19 vaccination for agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers. Funding and Opportunities HAC Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans Initiative – January 21. The nonprofit Housing Assistance Council (HAC) provides up to $30,000 for projects that assist low-income, elderly, and disabled veterans with home repair, support homeless veterans, help veterans become homeowners, and/or secure affordable rental housing in areas that meet the USDA definition for rural property. Indian Health Service Domestic Violence Prevention Program – February 2. Tribes and Tribal organizations may apply for an estimated 39 awards of up to $200,000 per year for a five year program. The funding will support culturally appropriate practices for prevention and trauma-informed services. CDC Public Health Associate Program Host Sites – February 18. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seek partnership with public health agencies to serve as host sites for the Public Health Associate Program (PHAP). PHAP is a paid training program funded by the CDC to give associates hands-on experience across a variety of public health settings. HRSA Rural Health and Economic Development Analysis Program – March 8. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will make one award to research the economic impact of health care on rural economies. Eligible entities may include, but are not limited to, public and private institutions for higher education, public or private health research organizations, and foundations. CDC Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country – March 16. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will make approximately 30 awards of up to $150,000 per year for a five year project. Successful applicants are Tribal governments and organizations that can create programs connecting cultural teachings and practices to health and wellness. USDA Program for Women and Minorities in STEM Fields – March 31. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest total funding of $384,000. The grants will go to learning and recruitment activities aiming to increase the number of women and minorities from rural areas that pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. Eligible applicants are public and private organizations that can reach the target audience of K-14 students – that is, kindergarten through twelfth grade plus two years of schooling such as community college. Rural Health Research Research in this section is provided by the HRSA/FORHP-supported Rural Health Research Gateway. Sign up to receive alerts when new publications become available. High Performing Rural Health System. This brief presents the RUPRI Health Panel's vision for a high-performing rural health system and specific pillars of such a system. The RUPRI Health Panel envisions rural health services that are affordable and accessible for all rural residents through a sustainable health system that delivers high quality, high value services. A high-performing rural health system informed by the needs of each unique rural community and population groups will improve community health and well-being. Rural Hospitals that Closed between 2017‐20: Profitability and Liquidity in the Year Before Closure. Researchers at the North Carolina Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center used data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Healthcare Cost Report Information System to compare the pre-closure profitability of rural hospitals that closed between 2017 and 2020 with the performance of rural hospitals that remained open. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. Comments Requested: 2023 Proposed Updates to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Program – March 7. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeks public input on proposed MA and Prescription Drug Program (Part D) regulations related to marketing and communications, quality ratings for plans, provider network adequacy requirements, special requirements during disasters or public emergencies, and strategies to reduce beneficiary out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. This rule would also revise regulations for special needs plans to improve integration of Medicare and Medicaid. Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans continues to increase in rural and urban areas. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Expanded Eligibility Allows More Rural Clinicians to Qualify for Loan Repayment – Thursday, January 13 at 2:00pm ET. Recent funding increases make it much easier for rural clinicians to qualify for loan repayment in return for serving at approved sites for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). In FY 2020, approximately 14,000 primary, dental, and mental healthcare providers served in National Health Service Corps programs, receiving federal funding in exchange for providing care in a health professional shortage area. The deadline for three different NHSC Loan Repayment Programs has been extended to February 3. There are two upcoming Q&A sessions for applicants, each running from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET: one on Friday, January 14, and another on Tuesday, January 18. Find meeting details on the information pages for each program. Office Hours for Rural Health Care Connect – Thursday, January 13 at 2:00 pm ET. The federally funded program that brings telecommunications to rural health care facilities will hold an hour-long session to answer questions about the new online portal for funding requests. The deadline to file for FY2022 funding is April 1. Rural Health Research Gateway: Aging in Place in Rural America – Tuesday, January 18 at 1:00 pm ET. Researchers will present results from a range of studies on the challenges, opportunities, and policy for older adults aging in place in rural areas. CMS Q&A Session: Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System – January 18 at 2:00 pm ET. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting a live Question and Answer Session for ground ambulance providers and suppliers that have been selected to start reporting into the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System in 2022. Each year through 2024, CMS is required to identify representative samples of ground ambulance organizations to collect and report data on cost, revenue, and utilization. Organizations selected will report data for one year, and CMS expects that each organization will be selected and need to report information only once through 2024. Questions may be submitted in advance to AmbulanceDataCollection@cms.hhs.gov with "January 18 Q&A" in the subject line or submitted during the session. The FAQs will be updated with questions from the session. Nearly three-quarters of ambulance agencies provide life-saving care to rural areas. The Rural Emergency Hospital (REH), a New Hospital Type – Wednesday, January 19 at 1:00 pm ET. Members of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services will review their recent report on the new designation for hospitals that will provide 24-hour emergency services, but not inpatient care. HRSA: The Current State of Cervical Health – Thursday, January 20 at 10:00 am ET. HRSA's Office of Women's Health will join with the Office of Global Health to honor Cervical Health Awareness Month with a session titled, The Current State of Cervical Health Domestically and Internationally: An Opportunity for Knowledge Exchange and Bidirectional Learning. Resources of the Week FCC Affordable Connectivity Program. Throughout the pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has guided a federal program, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) that provided low-cost internet connection for individuals and households. The EBB was replaced on December 31, 2021 with the Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligible households may receive a monthly discount on internet service and one-time discount on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. BIA Online Resource for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. The Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) provides a registry, tip line, and other resources for the collaborative initiative with the U.S. Department of Justice announced last year. Approaching Deadlines HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Program – January 13 HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Implementation – January 13 CDC Research on Telehealth Strategies for PrEP and ART – January 18 Comments Requested: DEA Regulation of Telepharmacy Practice – January 18 NIH Researching Behavioral Risk Factors for Cancer in Rural Populations – January 18 Department of Labor YouthBuild Program – January 21 HAC Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans Initiative – January 21 CDC Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health – January 24 ACL Empowering Communities for Chronic Disease Self-Management – January 25 ACL Empowering Communities to Deliver and Sustain Falls Prevention Programs – January 25 CDC Seeking Public Input on Work-Related Stress for Health Workers – Extended to January 25 HRSA Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program – January 25 CDC Cancer Prevention and Control for State, Territorial, and Tribal Organizations – January 26 Comments Requested: Proposed Updates to the Federal Health Insurance Exchanges – January 27 HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program – extended to January 27 HRSA Access to HIV Services for Women and Children – January 28 HRSA Rural Health Network Development Planning Program – January 28 HHS COVID-19 and Health Equity Impact Fellowship – extended to January 31 HHS Technology Challenge for Racial Equity in Postpartum Care – January 31 HRSA Centers of Excellence for Training Minorities in Health Professions – January 31 SAMHSA-American Psychiatric Association Diversity Leadership Fellowship – January 31 HRSA Leadership Education in Adolescent Health – February 1 Indian Health Service Behavioral Health Integration Initiative – February 2 Indian Health Service Domestic Violence Prevention Program – February 2 Indian Health Service Forensic Healthcare Services for Domestic Violence Prevention – February 2 Indian Health Service Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention Program – February 2 Indian Health Service Zero Suicide Initiative – February 2 National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs – Extended to February 3 CDC Research to Prevent Firearm-Related Violence and Injuries – February 4 Comments Requested: NIH Draft Report on Priorities for Rural Telehealth – February 4 NTIA Request for Comment on Broadband Programs in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – February 4 RWJF Summer Health Professions Education Program for Underrepresented Minorities – February 5 HRSA Predoctoral Training in Public Health Dentistry and Dental Hygiene – February 7 SAMHSA Harm Reduction Program – February 7 VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families – February 7 USDA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grants – February 8 IHS Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation – February 10 IHS Tribal Self-Governance Planning – February 10 CDC Strengthening Infection Prevention – February 11 Rural Healthy People 2030 Survey – February 14 SAMHSA Grants for Rural Emergency Medical Services Training – February 14 CDC Public Health Associate Program Host Sites – February 18 CDC Evaluating Substance Use Prevention Incorporating ACEs Prevention – February 22 HRSA Mobile Health Training - Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention – February 22 USDA Rural eConnectivity Broadband Loan and Grant Program – February 22 Comments Requested: 2023 Proposed Updates to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Program – March 7 HRSA Rural Health and Economic Development Analysis Program – March 8 Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Behavioral Health Care Technical Assistance (RCORP-BHCTA) – March 9 CDC Rigorous Evaluation of Recovery Support Services – March 14 CDC Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country – March 16 HRSA Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program – March 18 HRSA Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program – March 21 USDA Program for Women and Minorities in STEM Fields – March 31 FCC/USAC Rural Health Care Connect Fund – April 1 FCC/USAC Telecommunications Program – April 1 HRSA Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program – April 5 USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance Program – April 5 Ongoing Opportunities CFPB Rental Assistance Finder HHS/DoD National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network Extended Public Comment Period for FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program FCC Affordable Connectivity Program FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance HRSA Payment Program for Buprenorphine-Trained Clinicians – Until Funds Run Out AgriSafe Nurse Scholar Program – March 2022 AHRQ Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Grants – September 2022 AHRQ Research to Improve Patient Transitions through HIT – December 2022 American Indian Public Health Resource Center Technical Assistance ASA Rural Access to Anesthesia Care Scholarship Burroughs Wellcome Fund Seed Grants for Climate Change and Health – Quarterly through August 2023 CDC Direct Assistance to State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Health Agencies CDC Training Pediatric Medical Providers to Recognize ACEs Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program Department of Commerce American Rescue Plan Funding for Indigenous Communities – September 2022 Department of Commerce: Economic Development Assistance Programs Department of Labor Dislocated Worker Grants DRA Technical Assistance for Delta Region Community Health Systems Development EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund FEMA/SAMHSA Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) GPHC & RWJF: Rapid Cycle Research and Evaluation Grants for Cross-Sector Alignment HRSA Technical Assistance for Look-Alike Initial Designation for the Health Center Program Housing Assistance Council: Housing Loans for Low-Income Rural Communities HUD Hospital Mortgage Insurance Program IHS Tribal Forensic Healthcare Training IHS/DOD Medical Supplies and Equipment for Tribes (Project TRANSAM) NARHC Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional Course NIH Project Talk Initiative Host Site Applications NIH Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health – May 2022 NIH Practice-Based Research for Primary Care Suicide Prevention – June 2022 NIH Research – Alcohol and Other Substance Use – Various Dates Through August 2022 NIH Research: Intervening with Cancer Caregivers to Improve Patient Outcomes – September 8, 2022 NIH Research on Minority Health/Health Disparities – September 8, 2022 NIH Research on Palliative Care in Home/Community Settings – September 8, 2022 NIH Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health – Various Dates Until September 2023 NIH Researching the Role of Work in Health Disparities – Various Dates Until September 2024 NIH Special Interest Research – Pandemic Impact on Vulnerable Children and Youth – May 2024 Nominations for Federal Advisory Commission on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Nominations for National Advisory Committee on Migrant Health Primary Care Development Corporation Community Investment Loans Rural Graduate Medical Education Planning and Development RWJF Investigator-Initiated Research to Build a Culture of Health RWJF Pioneering Ideas Brief Proposals SBA Guaranteed Loans for Small Business Southeast Rural Community Assistance Loans Tribal Grant Writing Training USDA Community Facilities Program USDA Community Food Projects Technical Assistance USDA Drinking Water and Waste Disposal for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages USDA Economic Impact Initiative Grants USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants USDA Healthy Food Financing Initiative Technical Assistance USDA Intermediary Relending Program USDA Rural Business Development Grants USDA Rural Business Investment Program USDA Rural Energy Savings Program USDA SEARCH – Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (for Water/Waste Projects) USDA Summer Food Program USDA Technical Assistance for Healthy Food Financing Initiative USDA Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans USDA Funding for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Projects USDOT Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (R.O.U.T.E.S) | 
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