Colorado

Senators led a letter to CMS urging adjustments to the implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program. The effort reflects concern over program rollout and aims to support rural health systems. No direct award announcements or solicitations are involved.

The inaugural Colorado eHealth Solutions Challenge awarded $122,000 to three pilot projects focused on health IT and revenue cycle solutions for rural healthcare. Projects address critical access barriers—transportation for medical appointments and improved billing and denial prevention for rural hospitals. All pilots will launch in 2026 and demonstrate scalable models for improving health data coordination and operational stability in Colorado communities.

Colorado's RHTP Advisory Committee reviewed updates on the grant application (RFA) process, advanced payment policy, and technical assistance resources. A waiver from the Colorado State Controller allows advance payments to rural providers through June 2027, provided there is documented cash need and oversight. The RFA is open with expanded guidance and webinars to support applicants, and financial safeguards are built into the process. Key contacts: Michelle Mills; Courtney Roy; Challon Winer; Erin Ulric Event schedule: - RFA Release - 06/18/2026 - MT - RFA Deadline - 08/03/2026 - 11:59 PM MT - Budget/Workplan Webinar - 07/08/2026 - MT - Contract end date for first year - 2027-09-30 - Colorado - Application deadline for funding - 2023-08-03 - Colorado - Next Advisory Committee Meeting - 2023-07-20

This document provides detailed rural eligibility requirements for applicants to the Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program, focusing on census tract verification in Weld, Larimer, and Mesa counties. Eligibility must be demonstrated at the physical address level using HRSA/FORHP tools. Specific ZIP codes commonly classified as federally rural are provided for guidance.

Colorado RHTP will invest over $200 million in year one to transform rural health care through 10 statewide initiatives, including telehealth, workforce expansion, chronic disease prevention, EMS and hospital stabilization, and value-based care pilots. The plan covers all 52 rural and frontier counties, two Tribes, and commits to reducing telehealth access gaps and strengthening rural hospitals and workforce by FFY2031. Event schedule: - Planning and early launch of rural chronic disease prevention programs - 2026 - Colorado - Development and launch of rural health networks, EMS, and hospital readiness programs - 2026 - Colorado - Health workforce needs assessment and curriculum planning - 2026 - Colorado - Vendor engagement for value-based care model design - 2026 - Colorado - Development of telehealth and technology integration project plan and pilot grants - 2026 - Colorado

This advisory committee meeting marked a transition from program design to program implementation and statewide progress review. CRHC was recognized as the central technical assistance and training provider for RHTP, offering support across all 53 rural and frontier counties. The meeting covered advance payment waivers, the upcoming RHTP grant application cycle, and the coordination requirements between CRHC and HCPF. Key emphasis was placed on workforce development, application guidance, and ongoing stakeholder engagement. Key contacts: Michelle Mills; Joe Theine; Sara Leahy; Marcy Cameron Event schedule: - Advisory Committee Meeting - 06/22/2026 - 10:00 – 11:30 AM MT - Virtual - RFA Guidance Webinar - June 23, 2026 - 9:00 – 10:30 AM MT - Virtual - RHTP Office Hours - June 23, 2026 - 12:00 – 1:00 PM MT - Virtual - RHTP Office Hours - June 25, 2026 - 8:00 – 9:00 AM MT - Virtual - Applications Due - 08/03/2026 - 11:59 PM MT - Online - Next Advisory Committee Meeting - 07/20/2026 - MT - Virtual

This document provides a template letter of support for RHTP applications intended to strengthen rural healthcare in Colorado. It emphasizes collaboration and commitment to improving access, outcomes, and workforce capacity in rural and frontier counties.

This letter expresses organizational support for a Rural Health Transformation Program application focusing on improving rural health care access, outcomes, and workforce in Colorado's rural and frontier counties. It emphasizes collaboration and commitment to advancing rural healthcare transformation.

Colorado's proposal for a State Directed Payment (SDP) program under Medicaid would drive an estimated $378 million in additional federal support to rural and urban hospitals through an MCO-directed model. The initiative is designed to maximize federal funds, enhance quality of care, and support coverage expansion while embedding rural hospital protections and quality reporting into the payment system. Implementation is targeted for July 1, 2025, pending CMS approval. Key contacts: Alison Sbrana; Annie Lee; Emily King; Josh Block Event schedule: - Proposed CMS submission date - 07/01/2025

Colorado HCPF is launching the ACC Phase III with more rural hospital and provider support, advanced value-based care, and targeted population health strategies. Major goals include controlling Medicaid cost trends, increasing automation in member renewals, expanding provider networks (especially for behavioral health and prenatal care), and protecting rural health system viability. The plan targets improved access and outcomes for rural, aging, and at-risk populations while navigating federal Medicaid changes.

The Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program updated its guidance to allow applicants to allocate up to 20% of their budgets to minor renovations (Category J), reflecting recent CMS clarification. Updated guidance and templates are now available for applicants. Deadline for RHTP grant applications is August 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT. Key contacts: CRHC_RHTP@coruralhealth.org; hcpf_rhtp@state.co.us Event schedule: - RHTP Application Deadline - 08/03/2026 - 11:59 PM MT

Rendered portal snapshot captured from Colorado RHTP apply page. Page indicates applicants can submit and save progress. Apply link: https://coloradorhtp-rfa.my.site.com/apply