(Sept. 19, 2025) – HRSA Accepting Applications for State Loan Repayment Program
The Health Resources and Services Administration is currently accepting applications for the State Loan Repayment Program, which provides cost-sharing grants to states to operate their own loan repayment programs for primary care providers to serve in Health Professional Shortage Areas.
In return for serving in these underserved communities, providers receive loan repayment awards. The application period runs through Jan. 12, 2026.
Information for Critical Access Hospitals
The Critical Access Hospital bills for facility and professional outpatient services only when physicians or practitioners reassign their billing rights to the CAH.
Learn how CAHs can prevent Fiscal Intermediary Shared System reason codes 31006 and 31007 (indicating that providers don’t have a reassignment on file in PECOS) claim denials:
- CAHs must submit the reassignment application through PECOS or the paper Form CMS-855I
- Starting in January 2026, we'll deny CAH claims for professional services if a reassignment isn't in PECOS
More Information:
Prostate Cancer: Talk to Your Patients about Screening
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Your patients’ Medicare Summary Notices promote prostate cancer screenings. During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, talk to your patients about screening.
Medicare helps pay for prostate cancer screenings, once every 12 months for men over age 50. Find out when your patient is eligible for screening (PDF). If you need help, contact your eligibility service provider.
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Before You Go ...
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found stimulant-related overdose deaths have surged since 2011, with nearly 60 percent of overdoses involving cocaine or psychostimulants.