Louisiana Rural Health Policy Forum

This session will explore how CMS is taking decisive action to combat suspected fraud and improper payments by implementing key program integrity initiatives through the end of 2025, and provide an overview of the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model.  Learn about the provisions within the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center Proposed Rule (CMS-1834-P), the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule (CMS-1828-P) and the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule (CMS-1830-P).  The session will close with a summary of the Hospital Price Transparency regulations and how transparency empowers individuals to make well-informed health care decisions.

Health policy has been a much-discussed topic since the Trump Administration’s second term and the 119th Congress began in early 2025! This session will cover the latest health policy updates at the federal level pertaining to the Rural Health Clinic program and day-to-day operations. From regulatory to legislative updates, from recent care management changes to the latest on Medicare Advantage, this is a vitally important session for RHC attendees seeking the latest information and opportunities to be involved in federal advocacy.

This session will explore how rural healthcare leaders can engage in effective advocacy at the state and federal levels, during times of uncertainty. Participants will gain insight into current rural health policy trends in Washington and receive practical guidance on how to amplify their voices using tools provided by the NRHA; including Voter Voice campaigns, storytelling platforms, social media toolkits, letter-writing strategies, and opportunities for engagement during NRHA’s Annual Policy Institute. The session will also highlight ways to collaborate with NRHA and LRHA to build collective im-pact and influence. 

Louisiana is only one of several states which require a separate state licensure of rural health clinics in addition to CMS certification. In late 2024, significant revisions were made to LAC Title 48, Chapter 75, the state statute for rural health clinic licensure. We will discuss how these changes impact the LDH licensing process. We will also look at what these changes in the LDH survey process mean operationally for RHCs as well as share observations about current licensure trends.

​​​​Hear from some of the most influential advocates on the frontlines of health policy in Louisiana. Panelists will share real-world insights on building partnerships, influencing policy, and amplifying rural voices in the legislative process. The advocates will also discuss the main takeaways from this year’s session, policy they are supporting, and the health policy work they are prioritizing moving forward.

Leaders from Louisiana Medicaid Managed Care Plans will answer important and common questions related to the needs of rural healthcare providers and patients.

LRHA staff will present a summary of the organization’s 2025 state and federal advocacy activities to date, provide an overview of upcoming planned advocacy activities, explain how rural providers can engage in LRHA’s advocacy work, and provide information on how LRHA can support members in their own advocacy activities. The session will close with a listening session for attendees to share their highest needs and greatest concerns to inform LRHA’s future advocacy work and priorities.