Arizona Center for Rural Health
Recent News About Arizona Center for Rural Health
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Arizona faces risk of Medicaid cuts under proposed Republican healthcare changes
Republican initiatives to modify healthcare policies could result in thousands of Arizonans losing their coverage, as hospitals might return to a time when emergency departments were crowded with uninsured patients.
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Medicaid expansion at risk as GOP considers cutting federal funding
With Donald Trump returning to the White House and Republicans gaining full control of Congress in 2025, the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion faces potential cuts.
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Bipartisan bill seeks permanent reauthorization for Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program
U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, Maggie Hassan, John Barrasso, and Marsha Blackburn have introduced the Rural Hospital Flexibility Act.
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Cancer disproportionately affects Hispanics despite lower incidence rates
For Beatriz Topete, cancer has been a recurring presence throughout her life.
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University professor joins prestigious fellowship with Department of Energy
Marc Verhougstraete, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Arizona's Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, is participating in the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Science & Technology Policy Fellowships...
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Phoenix Children's Hospital exits network with major insurer amid contract dispute
The contract between BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona (AZ Blue) and Phoenix Children’s Hospital has expired, resulting in the hospital no longer being an in-network provider for AZ Blue patients.
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Health insurance navigators face uncertain future amid political shifts
Maria Losoya, a health insurance navigator in southern Arizona, plays a crucial role in assisting uninsured residents of Santa Cruz County.
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CMS introduces new standards aimed at reducing maternal mortality
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced new health and safety standards for hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) offering obstetrical services.
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Arizona boosts rural maternity care with $2.5M AHCCCS funding
Roughly 20% of expecting and new mothers in Arizona receive inadequate prenatal care, according to a report from the March of Dimes.
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Future uncertain for ACA navigators amid upcoming presidential election
Maria Losoya is a pivotal figure in southern Arizona's border communities, known for her ability to navigate the health insurance marketplace.
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Biden-Harris Administration expands Medicaid coverage to include traditional tribal healthcare
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has approved section 1115 demonstration amendments, marking a significant development in health care access. This approval allows Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for traditional health care practices at Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, Tribal facilities, and urban Indian organizations (UIO). The initiative is aimed at enhancing culturally appropriate health care and improving outcomes for tribal communities in Arizona,...
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Arizona Center receives $4.4M HRSA grants for improving rural health services
TUCSON, Arizona — The Arizona Center for Rural Health, part of the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, has been awarded two grants by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support health services in rural communities. These areas have historically lagged behind urban regions in healthcare access.
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University receives $1.6M grant to aid Indigenous nursing students
Indigenous students pursuing nursing careers at the University of Arizona College of Nursing will benefit from additional financial support thanks to a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Service.
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Sage Memorial Hospital opens new state-of-the-art facilities in Ganado
On August 23, 2024, Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) in Ganado, Arizona, celebrated the grand opening of its new $177 million state-of-the-art facilities. The event was attended by community members and leaders from across Indian country.
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5M HRSA grant supports geriatric care workforce development in rural Arizona
The Arizona Center for Rural Health (AzCRH) is collaborating with the Center on Aging to improve the health of older adults in rural Arizona. A nearly $5 million, five-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) was awarded to the Arizona Center on Aging in June to support the Arizona Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP).
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Native American public health officials face challenges accessing critical data
Access to accurate data is crucial for making informed public health decisions. However, epidemiologists and public health workers serving Native American communities often face significant challenges due to restricted access to the latest data from state and federal agencies.
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Navigators assist families with health insurance at back-to-school events
Back to School means gearing up for the year ahead, and for many that includes addressing healthcare needs. Finding healthcare can be a daunting task, but Arizona Center for Rural Health Certified Assisters are here to help. Armed with years of experience, patience, and information, Navigators assist families in understanding their health insurance coverage and the benefits and eligibility for Medicaid (AHCCCS or KidsCare in Arizona), Affordable Care Act (ACA) Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM), and other coverage.
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Medicaid explores partnerships with tribal communities on new podcast
Medicaid can partner with tribal communities to better serve their members, who face persistent and significant health disparities. Before deciding how to address tribal needs, it is critical for Medicaid agencies to forge strong partnerships by actively listening to what the tribes need and want. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how Medicaid can better serve tribes by establishing clear lines of communication between tribal communities and Medicaid staff. The episode highlights the importance of respect in building partnerships with tribes...
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Rural health conference marks half-century milestone highlighting key advancements
Agnes Attakai, MPA, grew up in two worlds. In Southern California, she and her five siblings enjoyed city life. In the summertime, the kids stayed with their grandparents on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, where they had no electricity or running water.
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Biden-Harris Administration proposes policies targeting maternal mortality reduction
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has proposed new policies aimed at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity, which disproportionately affect underserved communities. The Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) proposed rule also includes measures to increase access to care and advance health equity.