This annual report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reviews the FY 2024 progress in advancing healthcare equity for rural, Tribal, and geographically isolated (RTGI) communities. It highlights strategic initiatives by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including improving health equity, streamlining prior authorization processes, and expanding access to care through innovative payment models and data-driven policymaking. The report emphasizes the geographic, demographic, and systemic challenges facing RTGI populations while outlining actions to enhance health care access, affordability, and outcomes for underserved communities. Significant achievements include the launch of Rural Emergency Hospitals policies, the Rural Health Hackathon, and tailored resources for Tribal and U.S. territory health systems. The document aims to align healthcare policies with the CMS Framework for Health Equity to address disparities comprehensively.
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Table of Contents
- From the Co-Chairs 3
- Executive Summary 4
- Introduction 8
- Apply a Community-Informed Geographic Lens to CMS Programs and Policies 9
- Increase Collection and Use of Standardized Data to Improve Health Care 13
- Strengthen and Support Health Care Professionals 16
- Optimize Medical and Communication Technology 19
- Expand Access to Comprehensive Health Care Coverage, Benefits, and Services and Supports 21
- Drive Innovation and Value-Based Care 24
- The Path Forward 28
- Acronyms 29
- References 31
