Rural Health Radar for April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Federal Funding Update and Call to Action

Proposed cuts will affect nearly all facets of rural health

Last week, we received notice of a leaked alleged U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) document that outlines the Trump administration's proposed Health and Human Services (HHS) budget cuts for 2026. The explainer from the National Rural Health Association details enormous cuts to programs across all facets of rural health.

At the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health, these cuts would affect nearly all of our programs and effectively shut down our office after 45 years of programming. This includes the the Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants (Flex and SHIP). While the OMB document is not a final proposal to Congress, we are monitoring developments closely to understand what this may mean for all of all of us in rural health care. Below is an update, as best we can predict:

Current grants:
While the leaked document does not specify cuts to our existing contracts, it does indicate what we may find in the FY2025 Rescissions Package anticipated for release in about two weeks.
2024-25 SHIP contracts end on May 31, 2025. Please send invoices as soon as possible while funding is still allowed.
2024-25 Flex contracts end on August 31, 2025. Please complete work and send invoices as soon as possible.
Upcoming work:
2025-26 SHIP contracts are slated to start June 1, 2025. We are awaiting notice of this funding. If we do receive this funding, we anticipate that contracts will be significantly delayed.
2025-26 Flex year is set to begin on September 1, 2025. Thanks to all who have shared reports and feedback for the year ahead. We sincerely hope to receive funding to operationalize your ideas.
Future work:
All future Wisconsin Office of Rural Health work is facing uncertainty. The leaked provisional budget, if approved by Congress and implemented by the Administration, would effectively close our office. Historically, Congress has added items back into presidential budgets after hearing from constituents.
Please read the NRHA explainer to learn more about how to contact your elected officials so they understand the value of your work.

Due Soon

Q1 2025 Emergency Department Transfer Communication (EDTC) due April 30, 2025

MBQIP measure for CAHs
Did you receive an email with a Qualtrics link on April 3? If not, please contact Megan Polster for a copy.

Q4 2024 OP-18 Data due May 1, 2025

MBQIP/CMS measure for CAHs
Submit to HQR via Outpatient CART/Vendor

Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) Invoices

We encourage our 2024-25 SHIP grantees to submit invoices for reimbursement to Megan Polster as soon as possible.

Invoices are for the June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025 grant period.
SHIP Invoicing Template
Example SHIP Invoice

Learn

Health Profession Scholarships & Loan Assistance Program Webinar

April 25, 2025 12-1 p.m. -- the last one for spring 2025!

Learn about programs including the National Health Service Corps, Health Professions Loan Assistance Program, and the Rural Provider Loan Assistance Program, and hear from recipients of the programs regarding their application and funding experiences.

View slides shared at previous 2025 sessions.

Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Finder

A new tool to help rural hospitals and clinics find Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) programs that provide free technical assistance to improve financial and operational performance, quality, and transition to value-based care.

Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program (TTAP) is a federally-funded initiative that offers comprehensive technical assistance to rural hospitals to address financial and operational challenges and maintain essential health services in their communities.

Rural Health Stabilization Program

Applications accepted on rolling basis

Administered by National Rural Health Resource Center

Assistance to rural hospitals, at no cost to them, to help improve financial stability by enhancing or expanding health care services that meet community needs.

Fund

National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program

Due: May 1, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Three loan repayment programs with increased funding for eligible clinicians, including an increase of 50 percent in the two-year award amount to $75,000 for full-time primary care participants

Compare programs and learn more about eligibility, site types, and service commitment.

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program

Applications due May 8, 2025

Scholarships for students pursuing eligible primary care health professions training who commit to providing primary care health services in a Health Professional Shortage Area for two to four years.

Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Rebate Program

Offers rebates for approximately 70% of the cost of purchasing and installing a ROPS kit on tractors.

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis

Alliant Energy Community Grants

Applications due May 15, 2025

Awarded in Alliant Energy service areas to build stronger communities, including funding first responder equipment.

Please contact Kevin Jacobson, WORH Loan Assistance Program Manager, for help identifying grant opportunities to support your important work.

Celebrate

UW Oshkosh Addresses Gap in Rural Health Care through Telehealth

The UWO telehealth program was initiated with 32 accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students who completed modules and received a telehealth certification. Matthew Baker is one of those nursing students. He spends part of his day traveling to Wisconsin’s rural counties, assisting people with telehealth.

“Maybe it’s gathering data, so gathering their vitals. Maybe one day, they go in for a blood draw, and then they talk with the provider and or nurse as well, but it’s mostly just staying in communication with the medical team,” Baker said.

In 2023, UWO received a $175,000 UW Innovation Grant to support its telehealth programs. UWO nursing students are learning telehealth skills by partnering with the ThedaCare as well. The end goal is to improve health outcomes for the Badger State’s rural communities.

View the complete story by Spectrum News 1.

UW Oshkosh news story nursing telehealth

Matthew Baker is part of UW Oshkosh's School of Nursing and is helping connect rural residents with telehealth. (Spectrum News1/Rhonda Foxx)

Reference

Medicare proposes updates to Inpatient Psychiatric Payment Rates

Fiscal Year 2026 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule CMS-1829-P Fact Sheet See also, the unpublished proposed rule slated to publish on April 30, 2025.

Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Technical Assistance Center to support stakeholders across the nation in the development of rural residency programs.

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