RUPRI Health Panel Keith J. Mueller, PhD, Chair

1) What definitions of “rural” areas are the most relevant for identifying the needs of rural patients, providers, and health care systems within the context of population-based total cost of care (PB-TCOC) models? We encourage the Committee to consider rural definitions consistent with others used in federal programs. [...] We refer the committee to our recommendations for defining rural, in pages 11 – 12 of this document: Considerations for Defining Rural Places in Health Policies and Programs 2) What are the characteristics and health care needs of rural Medicare beneficiaries (demographics, chronic conditions, practice patterns, other factors)? The RUPRI Health Panel offers suggestions for addressing population. [...] We have offered policy considerations to bolster primary care in rural places, page 14 of this document: Primary Care: The Foundation for a High Performance Rural Health Care System 4) What major programs, payment mechanisms, and other policies have sought to assist rural health care providers in serving rural communities and patients? mailto:PTAC@HHS.gov . [...] The RUPRI Health Panel published a summary of progress made in various programmatic efforts initiated as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Taking Stock: Policy Opportunities for Advancing Rural Health The Panel, with Dr. [...] The Committee should find these papers helpful: The Role of Telehealth in Achieving a High Performing Rural Health System: Priorities in a Post-Pandemic System The Evolving Landscape of National Telehealth Policies during a Public Health Emergency: Responsiveness to Rural Needs 10) What kinds of resources have been effective in assisting in the development of the rural health workforce, includ.