Read this in your browser May 14, 2026What's NewSeveral Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) that were previously forecasted on Grants.gov were temporarily removed and the forecasts were re-posted late last week. As a result, individuals who subscribed to the original forecast will not receive updates or notifications for these opportunities. We encourage all interested applicants to visit Grants.gov and re-subscribe to these NOFOs to ensure they receive notifications when the funding opportunities are posted, as well as any subsequent updates. The following opportunities may be of particular interest:
Mental Health Awareness Month: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, HRSA is highlighting the importance mental of health among pregnant and postpartum women. Research has shown that rural mothers experience higher rates of postpartum depression compared to urban mothers. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can be reached at 1-833-TLC-MAMA and offers free, confidential support 24/7 by call, text, and chat. Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program – deadline for next cohort September 30. Participants in this program – including Critical Access Hospitals and Inpatient Prospective Payment System hospitals – receive virtual and on-site technical assistance to address financial and operational challenges while maintaining essential health services for their communities. Funded by FORHP and carried out by experts at the Georgia Southern University Center for Rural and Public Health Practice and Research, the program accepts applications on an ongoing basis, with a cut-off of September 30 for the next cohort.
Funding and OpportunitiesCDC Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Grants – June 8. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides grants to support the efforts of current and former Drug Free Communities grant recipients to prevent substance use among youth by addressing local drug crises and emerging drug use issues. The focus is on prevention of opioid, methamphetamine, and prescription drug use among youth, including activities targeting rural and tribal communities. According to the most recent data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (2024) both opioid use/misuse, alcohol use disorder, and binge drinking was higher among rural adolescents than urban adolescents in the previous year. Additionally, use of methamphetamines is consistently higher in rural than urban areas across many age groups. HUD FY 2025 Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants – July 6. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) makes grants to national organizations that can provide technical assistance for the development of affordable housing strategies in rural communities.
Policy UpdatesSend questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. CMS Expands Electronic Prior Authorization Initiative. This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the expansion of electronic prior authorization as part of its Health Tech Ecosystem initiative. Building on efforts that began in January 2026, CMS is strengthening collaboration among health plans, providers, and certified electronic health record (EHR) vendors to streamline prior authorization for medical items and services. The expanded initiative brings together health systems, hospitals, physician practices, EHR vendors, and digital health developers—alongside payers—to enable end-to-end, consistent electronic prior authorization workflows across the healthcare system. Participants will also align with CMS Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule requirements, focusing on closing workflow gaps and improving technical coordination across stakeholders. Full implementation of electronic prior authorization infrastructure is expected by January 1, 2027. New Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration. This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that beginning July 1, 2026, eligible Medicare beneficiaries will have access to GLP-1 medications for $50 per month. Eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug plan will be able to access these medications through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration, which will run through December 31, 2027. The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge operates under the Secretary’s authority to test new approaches to care delivery under Medicare and is supported by CMS, including centralized processes for claims adjudication and payment to pharmacies. Part D sponsors will not bear financial risk for eligible GLP-1 drugs provided under the demonstration and will not be required to opt in for their enrollees to access these medications. CMS will continue to work with stakeholders—including providers, pharmacies, and manufacturers—to support implementation and ensure all partners have all information prior to the demonstration’s launch. Medicare Shared Savings Program ACO Application Toolkit Available – Apply by June 23. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a toolkit with resources for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to apply for the upcoming cycle of the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Applications will be accepted through the ACO Management System from June 9 through noon ET on June 23. For more information, visit the Application Types & Timeline webpage. Email questions to SharedSavingsProgram@cms.hhs.gov. Final Rule: Criteria for Determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas. – Effective August 15. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) issued a final rule updating the criteria for determining Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTAs), which are geographic areas within Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) experiencing shortages of maternity care professionals. The rule also includes responses to public comments received on the proposed rule. Updated MCTA designations will be implemented beginning August 15, 2026.
Learning Events and Technical AssistanceFirst Healthcare Advisory Committee (HAC) Meeting Open to the Public – Monday, May 18 at 2:00 pm Eastern. The HAC advises the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on programs and policies to improve the U.S. healthcare system. This first meeting will include an introduction of Committee members, discussion of the Committee’s vision, and establishment of bylaws. A detailed final agenda is posted on the Committee’s website and will include Zoom webinar access information. The meeting will be held virtually, and no registration is required for those who wish to watch or provide public comment. Listening Session on New Medicaid HCBS Option – Tuesday, May 19 at 1:30 pm Eastern. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting a national virtual listening session on May 19 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss Section 71121 of Public Law 119-21, which gives states a new option starting in July 2028 to provide home and community-based services (HCBS) through Medicaid. CMS seeks input from states, providers, health plans, participants and family members, self-advocates, direct service professionals, advocacy and disability organizations, Tribal and rural partners, and all other interested stakeholders on opportunities to expand access, improve cost efficiency, and address potential implementation challenges. CMS will attend in listen only and will not respond to comments or take part in discussion. Stakeholders can also submit written comments to CMS at MedicaidReforms@cms.hhs.gov and indicate “Comments on 1915(c)(11) Waiver Option” in the subject line.
Resource of the WeekGroup Prenatal Care in Rural Areas. This Issue Brief, developed by the FORHP-funded Rural Maternal Health Data Support and Analysis Program, describes how prenatal care can be delivered in a group setting in rural communities, drawing from the experiences of a Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (Rural MOMS) network in northern Minnesota. It also shares lessons learned from other group-oriented maternal health services provided by FORHP-funded networks.
Approaching DeadlinesCMS Now Accepting Applications for the LEAD Model for ACOs – May 17 Become a New Site for the National Health Service Corps – May 19 DOL Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Indian and Native American Program - Employment and Training Grants – May 22 AHRQ Seeks Nominations for U.S. Preventive Services Task Force – Submit by May 23 DOT’s Safe Streets for All Grant Program – May 26 DOJ Rural Law Enforcement Violent Crime Reduction Initiative – initiate in Grants.gov by May 27 CMS Seeks Input on the 2028 Medicaid HCBS Quality Measure Set – Comment by May 28 Indian Health Service Capital Infrastructure Program – May 30 Veterans Affairs Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program – May 31 CMS-Driven Partnership for Quality Measurement Seeks Rural Experts – Nominate by June 1 CMS Proposes Updates for the FY 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System – Comment by June 1 Proposed 2027 Hospice Rule: Higher Payments Paired with New Oversight Tools – Comment by June 1 CMS Proposes Updates for the FY 2027 Inpatient Rehabilitation Prospective Payment System Facilities – Comment by June 1 CMS Releases 2027 Medicare Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule - Comment by June 1 USDA Delta Health Care Services Grant Program – June 1 USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program – June 5 USDA Regional Food System Partnerships – June 5 CDC Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Grants – June 8 USDA Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program – June 8 CMS Proposed Collection in Self-Attestation for Recertification of CORFs, OPT/SLP, RHCs Providers and PXR Suppliers – Comment by June 9 CMS Proposes Expansion of Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) Model – Comment by June 9 CMS Seeks Input on Proposed Changes to Medicare Hospital Payments – Comment by June 9 VA Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grants – June 12 CMS Proposes New Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs – Comment by June 15 USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants – June 30 USDA Rural Development: Intermediary Relending Program – June 30 HUD FY 2025 Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants – July 6 FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grants – July 23 Medicare Shared Savings Program ACO Application Toolkit Available – Apply by June 23 NIH Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) Phase II – July 31 Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – August 14 Final Rule: Criteria for Determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas. – Effective August 15 Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program –September 30 USDA Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program – December 31
Forecasted OpportunitiesCMS Student Loan Repayment for Nursing Home Staff – Coming soon HRSA Delta Rural Integrated Health Network Program – 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 EPA Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) 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 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. 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 |
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