Eligibility requirements will change at the end of June for the MORx program, which pays for 50% of eligible low-income seniors' out-of-pocket costs for medications covered by Medicare Part D. As of June 30, MORx members only covered by Medicare will no longer be eligible for the program. Individuals receiving Medicaid and Medicare (dually-eligible members) will continue to be covered by MORx. This change is expected to impact approximately 60,000 seniors. Individuals with

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy has announced a new funding opportunity to address the opioid epidemic in rural areas. The Rural Health Opioid Program will bring together health care providers, such as local health departments, hospitals, primary care practices, and substance abuse treatment centers, as well as social service, law enforcement, and other community groups to respond to the opioid epidemic in a rural community. Approximately $3 million will be awarded

Statewide Medicaid managed care services began May 1 for non-aged, blind, and disabled patients. If you need more information on managed care, check out Mo HealthNet's provider training presentation here. Mo HealthNet is also hosting sixteen webinar trainings in June, including sessions specifically devoted to RHC services. You can find the full schedule and registration information here.

The Missouri General Assembly's 2017 Legislative Session adjourned May 12. Of the 1,966 bills and resolutions filed, only 76 passed. This is a very low number historically; more than 140 were approved in 2016 and 2015. Members received MARHC's full end-of-session report in the May newsletter. It details the major issues addressed in the Legislature this year as well as bills of interest to rural health clinics. Healthcare issues MARHC monitored include: After-Hours Car