IHA, ICAHN Celebrate National Rural Health Day
Today, in recognition of National Rural Health Day, IHA and the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) are celebrating Illinois’ rural hospital community for their tireless efforts to provide high-quality care to their patients and address healthcare challenges facing rural communities across the state.

IHA and ICAHN also recognize the innovative ways small and rural hospitals are serving their communities, including developing mobile clinics that expand access to care, advancing unique education initiatives, and strengthening community outreach efforts.

“Illinois’ small and rural hospitals are the heart of their communities, delivering exceptional care as their dedicated workers tirelessly strive to improve the health of the patients they serve,” IHA President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi said. “Through new and innovative approaches, Illinois’ small and rural hospitals are expanding access to care, promoting wellness, and helping their communities remain strong and safe. IHA and ICAHN are proud to represent these hospitals and applaud the compassion and hard work of our rural healthcare workers.”

National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to bring attention to and honor the efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, State Offices of Rural Health, and other stakeholders dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural America. Click here to learn more about how Illinois’ small and rural hospitals are making a positive impact on their communities. Read rural health stories from ICAHN members and explore some ways ICAHN hospitals turn collaboration into action for their communities.

CMS Announces 2026 Medicare Part A and B Premiums and Cost-Sharing, Part D Monthly Adjustments
On Nov. 14, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced 2026 Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts, as well as Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts. While the vast majority of Medicare Part A beneficiaries do not pay premiums, certain enrollees pay a monthly premium in order to voluntarily enroll in Medicare Part A. Such enrollees buy into Part A with premiums ranging from $311 to $565 per month, representing increases of $26 and $47 compared with 2025 premiums, respectively. Medicare Part A deductibles and cost-sharing increased about 3.5% from 2025 levels, with a 2026 deductible of $1,736, daily hospital coinsurance for the 61st-90th day at $434, daily hospital coinsurance for lifetime reserve days at $868, and skilled nursing facility daily coinsurance (days 21-100) at $217.
 
Medicare Part B premiums also increased from $185 in 2025 to $202.90 in 2026. The annual deductible for Medicare Part B beneficiaries increased to $283 in 2026, up from $257 in 2025. Income-related monthly adjustment amounts for Medicare Parts B and D were also released, with details by income level available here.
 
Staff contact: Cassie Yarbrough

FDA: Updated Use Instructions for B Braun Medical Hemodialysis Blood Tubing Set
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware that B Braun Medical, Inc. (BBMI) has identified a manufacturing issue associated with certain lots of Streamline Bloodline Set for Dialog+. While BBMI has received no reports of serious injuries or deaths associated with this issue, the damaged products could potentially lead to life-threatening bloodstream infections, blood loss or air embolism. Though the devices do not need to be removed from where they are used and sold, BBMI has issued updated use instructions. Click here to access updated use instructions for the blood tubing set and details about the recall and affected products.

New Heart Disease Calculator Predicts 30-Year Risk for Young Adults
A new Northwestern Medicine study introduces a first-of-its-kind online calculator that uses percentiles to help younger adults forecast and understand their risk of a heart event over the next 30 years. With rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension rising among younger Americans, the study authors say identifying long-term risk earlier could help bend the curve on future heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide. 

The free tool, designed for adults aged 30 to 59, calculates a person’s 30-year risk of developing heart disease using common health measures, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking status, diabetes history and kidney function. After a person enters their information, the calculator displays their percentile rank among 100 peers of the same age and sex, along with a simple visual. The research team stresses that the tool, based on the American Heart Association’s PREVENT equations, is designed to encourage discussions between patients and clinicians and is not a substitute for clinical care. Click here for more information.