Program Overview
The Minnesota Rural Health Transformation Program, administered by the Department of Health's Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, is actively implementing structured initiatives supporting rural and Tribal healthcare, with recent RFPs issued for hospitals, clinics, tribal nations, and clinicians. Current priorities include workforce retention, pediatric mental health, provider collaboration, expanded telehealth and health IT access, targeted technical assistance—including a Rural Telehealth Services Center needs assessment—and thorough stakeholder engagement. The program continues to use evidence-based frameworks, tracking progress across multiple key strategic goals and initiatives through 2030. Current structured plan tracks 16 key initiatives and 13 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Minnesota — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (87)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hennepin County | 1,269,496 | 10.0% | 5.4% |
| Ramsey County | 542,945 | 12.3% | 8.3% |
| Dakota County | 445,771 | 5.8% | 3.6% |
| Anoka County | 370,349 | 7.0% | 4.8% |
| Washington County | 276,238 | 5.1% | 3.5% |
| St. Louis County | 200,123 | 13.2% | 6.6% |
| Olmsted County | 164,498 | 7.5% | 4.7% |
| Stearns County | 160,865 | 12.9% | 7.6% |
| Scott County | 154,557 | 4.6% | 2.8% |
| Wright County | 148,269 | 5.2% | 3.9% |
| Carver County | 110,041 | 4.4% | 3.0% |
| Sherburne County | 100,560 | 5.1% | 3.1% |
AI source: MN - 2026 - Request for Proposal: Rural Residency Training Grant Program
AI auto-updated Sep 15, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
5 related documents
MN - 2025 - RHT Plan - Public Comments
Auto-grouped context match (38%)
1,260,920 rural residents
Minnesota is still in the planning phase for the Rural Health Transformation Program. Federal and state awards have been announced, but active competitive grant solicitations (such as for rural clinical rotations and residency training) remain open and no subawards have yet been made. The Department of Health has allocated a portion of the state's first-year award but is mainly conducting planning, application, and stakeholder engagement activities. This indicates the state has not yet entered the implementation phase with awards to local providers. State opportunities: 3 active (3 open, 19 past/closed), $394.0M listed funding. Key opportunities: FY 2027 Rural Clinical Rotations Grant Program Request For Proposal; Minnesota FY2027 Community Clinic Grant; Rural Residency Training Grant Program. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, care access priorities.
Minnesota’s RHTP continues a partnership-driven, regionally focused approach to strengthening rural health workforce, financial sustainability, and access. Recent priorities remain the expansion of rural clinical rotations and residency training, implementation of telehealth access points, and comprehensive rural telehealth needs assessments. Initiatives are reinforced by active community and Tribal engagement, targeted technical assistance, and robust compliance aligned with federal program requirements.
Model
Regional, partnership-driven transformation emphasizing rural workforce expansion through clinical rotations, rural residency programs, and fellowships; innovations in access through telehealth access points and feasibility studies for statewide telehealth centers; collaborative financial sustainability models; enhanced health IT and technical assistance; compliance and stakeholder input; and pilot care models guided by needs assessments and evaluation frameworks.
Key Initiatives (16)
Timeline: 12/29/2025 to 10/30/2030
Focused efforts on maternal and child mental health and broad tele-buprenorphine access aim to address rural behavioral health access gaps.
Retention programs target rural clinicians and advanced practice providers to stabilize and grow the rural health workforce.
Expansion of telehealth access points and technology support improves rural residents' access to care.
MN - 2026 - Minnesota Department of Health RHTP Technical Advisory Services for Health Information Technology (HIT) Purchases Request for Proposals
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MN - 2026 - Minnesota awarded $193 million for first year of RHTP
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MN - 2025 - RHTP Project ECHO for Maternal and Behavioral Health RFP
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MN - 2026 - Request for Proposal: RHTP: Project ECHO for Maternal and Behavioral Health
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
Due Oct 30, 2026
1 related document
MN - 2026 - Request for Proposal: Rural Residency Training Grant Program
GovDelivery RFP announcement
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
Due Oct 30, 2026
1 related document
MN - 2026 - Fy 2027 Rural Clinical Rotations Grant Program Grant Request For Proposal (RFP)
Primary source
Minnesota Department of Health
Due Sep 14, 2026
5 related documents
MN - 2025 - Open Request for Proposal: Rural Telehealth Services Center Needs Assessment and Design Proposal
Primary source
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-2027 | Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Supports tribal nations in carrying out new or expanded initiatives under RHTP to improve rural health access, workforce, and delivery infrastructure in Minnesota. | $808K | Other | |
| 2026-2027 | White Earth Nation Supports tribal nations in carrying out new or expanded initiatives under RHTP to improve rural health access, workforce, and delivery infrastructure in Minnesota. | $651K | Other | |
| 2026-2027 | Red Lake Nation Supports tribal nations in carrying out new or expanded initiatives under RHTP to improve rural health access, workforce, and delivery infrastructure in Minnesota. | $637K | Other | |
| 2026-2027 | Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Supports tribal nations in carrying out new or expanded initiatives under RHTP to improve rural health access, workforce, and delivery infrastructure in Minnesota. | $567K | Other | |
| 2026-2027 | Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Supports tribal nations in carrying out new or expanded initiatives under RHTP to improve rural health access, workforce, and delivery infrastructure in Minnesota. | $318K | Other | |
| 2026-2027 | Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Supports tribal nations in carrying out new or expanded initiatives under RHTP to improve rural health access, workforce, and delivery infrastructure in Minnesota. | $252K | Other | |
| 2026-2027 | Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Supports tribal nations in carrying out new or expanded initiatives under RHTP to improve rural health access, workforce, and delivery infrastructure in Minnesota. | $178K | Other | |
| 2026-2027 | Lower Sioux Indian Community Supports tribal nations in carrying out new or expanded initiatives under RHTP to improve rural health access, workforce, and delivery infrastructure in Minnesota. | $150K | Other | |
| 2026-2027 | Upper Sioux Community Supports tribal nations in carrying out new or expanded initiatives under RHTP to improve rural health access, workforce, and delivery infrastructure in Minnesota. | $150K | Other | |
| 2026-2027 | Prairie Island Indian Community Supports tribal nations in carrying out new or expanded initiatives under RHTP to improve rural health access, workforce, and delivery infrastructure in Minnesota. | $150K | Other |
This practical guide aims to assist rural health programs, practitioners, and partners in understanding and advancing innovation within rural health systems. It provides strategies, tools, and examples for designing, implementing, and scaling innovative approaches tailored to rural realities. Focus areas include community-centered design, workforce development, appropriate technology adoption, care models, partnerships, evaluation, financing, and leadership. Key contacts: Britta Anderson; Alycia Bayne; Alana Knudson; Luciana Rocha
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Minnesota has been awarded over $193 million for the first year of the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, recognizing its plan to strengthen rural health. Funding targets technological innovation, workforce expansion, and improving outcomes for chronic diseases. The strategic plan was developed through broad stakeholder input and supports sustainable rural health delivery. Key contacts: Andrea Ahneman andrea.ahneman@state.mn.us Event schedule: - MDH application submitted - 11/04/2025 - News Release Date - 12/30/2025 - Implementation begins - Early 2026
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Minnesota Department of Health posted a Request for Proposal for the Rural Clinical Rotations Grant Program, targeting clinical training programs including physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and other related professions. The application deadline is October 30, 2026. Event schedule: - Application deadline - 10/30/2026 - 4:30 P.M. CT
Event Schedule
This document provides guidelines for the approved use of Minnesota's RHTP logo by sub-recipients. It covers acceptable formats, color palettes, and placement to ensure consistent branding in materials related to RHTP funding.
Minnesota is soliciting public input to inform the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program, seeking ideas to sustainably improve rural health care delivery. Focus areas include emergency, primary, chronic, mental, and maternal health, as well as workforce and technology solutions. The document provides structured prompts for input on evidence-based interventions, innovative care models, workforce development, and technology use.
Core Initiatives
Minnesota seeks $1 billion over five years (2026-2030) from RHTP. The plan focuses on rural health workforce, new access points via telehealth and regional models, supporting financial sustainability, and expanding services. The application was shaped by over 40 stakeholder meetings and nearly 350 public comments.
The Rural Health Transformation Program (CFDA 93.798) is allocated $10 billion in federal discretionary funding for FY 2026. This is one of the largest competitive health grants in the HHS portfolio, focusing on rural hospital and Medicaid transformation.
The program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health with a substantial award totaling $193,090,618 covering performance from late 2025 through 2030. Several administrative supplements are scheduled over 2026 to support continuing program activities.
Event Schedule
This document provides general information about the Minnesota Office of Rural Health and Primary Care and notes the 2025 Minnesota Rural Health Award winners announced on November 20, 2025. It references National Rural Health Day annually in November but contains no specific RHTP award or funding details.
Reference: Department of Health allocated 2% of the state's first-year award to 10 Link: https://thecirclenews.org/medicaid-changes-put-pressure-on-tribal-health-care-as-new-federal-funding-reaches-minnesota/
This document confirms subscription to the Rural Health Transformation Program updates from the Minnesota Department of Health. No funding or award details are included.
03/31/2027
Draft Recommendations Report Due
05/07/2027
Final Recommendations Report Due
March – May, 2027
Pilot Site Selection
09/30/2027
Contract End
03/31/2027
Draft pilot funding recommendations due
05/07/2027
Final pilot recommendations report due
09/01/2027
Anticipated Contract End
December 2026, March 2027, June 2027, September 2027
Written Progress Reports Due
09/01/2026
Anticipated Contract Start
MN - 2026 - Request for Proposal: Rural Clinical Rotations Grant Program
Sep 14, 2026 15:54
·EmailMN - 2026 - Request for Proposal: Rural Residency Training Grant Program
Sep 14, 2026 15:53
·EmailMN RHTP site updated — 1 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
MN RHTP site updated — 1 new, 2 existing source(s) refreshed
MN RHTP site updated — 1 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed. Showing the 40 most recent of 107.
MN - 2026 - Award Search - Search HHS Grant Awards
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MN - 2026 - Department of Health allocated 2% of the state's first-year award to 10
MN - 2026 - Cost Proposal: Analysis of the Rural Maternity Care System
Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness Program
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Confirmation of Practice Form – Full-Time Practice Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program
Race/Ethnicity/Gender Survey Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program
Payment Verification Form for Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
Confirmation of Practice Form – Half-Time Practice Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program
Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program Qualified Loan Form
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MN - 2026 - Sample Contract: Technical Assistance for Rural Health Care Entities in Support of Community & Clinical Linkages (PDF)
MN - 2026 - ORHPC Health Care Funding - MN Dept. of Health
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State of Minnesota Professional and Technical Services Contract
Minnesota Management & BudgetStatewide Operating Procedure RHTP 2011 Document
DOCX
Minnesota Management & BudgetStatewide Operating Policy RHTP 2011 Document
DOCX
Minnesota Statewide Operating Procedure RHTP 2012 Document
DOCX
Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy RHTP 2012 Annual Report
DOCX
Minnesota Statewide Operating Procedure RHTP 2012 Document
DOCX
Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy RHTP 2014 Document
DOCX
Minnesota QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE February 20, 2024 Run SWIFT Queries For Supplier Contract Data This Guide Provides A List Of SWIFT Queries Agencies Commonly Use To Look Up Informat
Appropriation Maintenance Application (AMA) Glossary
Minnesota RHTP 2014 Document
Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy Owner: Minnesota Management And Budget, Debt Management RHTP 2011 Document
Minnesota Management And Budget Statewide Operating Procedure Minnesota Management And Budget, Budget Division Number 0306-01.1 Issued: January 16, 2014 Revised: N/A Legislative Ad
Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy Owner: Minnesota Management And Budget, Financial Reporting Unit Number: 0402-02 Issued: April 1, 2014 Last Major Revision: July 1, 2015 Last U
Minnesota Wire Transfer Request Part 1: Paying Agency Information Agency Requesting Wire: Business Unit: Part 2: Wire Instructions Date To Wire The Funds: Wire Amount In US Dollars
Minnesota Procedure Number #0802-02.1 Date Issued: 08/06/2015 Date Revised: 08/06/2024 Warrant Special Handling Authority: Minnesota Management And Budget, Vendor Payments Unit Req
Minnesota Appendix A – Risk Assessment Agencies Number Agency Name 1. Department Of Administration (Cabinet) 2. Department Of Agriculture (Cabinet) 3. Department Of Commerce (Cabin
Minnesota RHTP 2015 Document
Minnesota Sales and Use Tax - Direct Pay Authorization
Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy Owner: Minnesota Management And Budget, Accounting Services RHTP 2017 Document
Minnesota Management And Budget Statewide Operating Procedure Minnesota Management And Budget, Budget Division Number 0301-01.2 Issued: June 24, 2015 Revised: N/A Modifying Appropr
Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy Owner: Minnesota Management And Budget, Budget Division Number: 0204-01 Issued: November 8, 2013 Last Major Revision: N/A Last Updated: Septemb
Minnesota Policy Number #0802-02 Date Issued: 08/06/2015 Date Revised: 08/06/2024 Warrant Special Handling Authority: Minnesota Management And Budget, Vendor Payments Unit Request
Minnesota RHTP 2015 Document
Minnesota Policy Number #0102-01 Date Issued: 08/02/2018 Date Revised: 03/09/2020 Internal Control System Authority: Minnesota Management And Budget, Internal Control And Accountab
Minnesota Management And Budget Statewide Operating Procedure Minnesota Management And Budget, Cash Management Unit Number 0601-01.1 Issued: January 16, 2015 Revised: N/A Request T
Minnesota RHTP 2011 Document
Minnesota RHTP 2015 Document
Minnesota QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE September 9, 2024 Troubleshooting Payments On Interagency Vouchers SWIFT Uses The Bilateral Netting Process To Issue Payments From One Agency To Ano
MN - 2026 - Request for Proposals: Needs Assessment and Design Proposal for a Potential Rural Telehealth Services Center (RTSC) in Minnesota
Rural Telehealth Services Center Needs Assessment RFP
MN - 2026 - RFP Attachments: Rural Telehealth Services
Rural Telehealth Services RFP Attachments
MN - 2026 - Cost Proposal: Rural Telehealth Services
Rural Telehealth Services Cost Proposal
MN - 2026 - Sample Contract: Technical Assistance for Rural Health Care Entities in Support of Community & Clinical Linkages (PDF)
Minnesota RHTP Sample Contract
Event schedule: - All applicants must be able to demonstrate applicable membership and compliance with their corresponding accrediting bodies. * *Applications Due:* , 4:30 p.m. More information is available: Rural Health Transformation... - *Application Deadline: , 2026* - July 17 - *Eligible Applicants:* State, county, city, township, and tribal governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and private institutions of h...
Event Schedule
Minnesota Department of Health posted a Request for Proposal for the Rural Residency Training Grant Program with an application deadline of October 30, 2026. The program aims to support rural residency programs training medical residents in primary care specialties at rural and underserved community-based sites. Event schedule: - Application deadline - 10/30/2026 - 4:30 P.M. CT
Event Schedule
This Minnesota Department of Health RFP funds expansion of rural clinical rotations for physician, PA, APRN, pharmacy, dentistry, dental therapy, and mental health training programs. Up to $2.5 million will be distributed to 4-8 grantees for adding, expanding, or enhancing clinical training in rural communities. Programs must demonstrate strong rural partnerships and commitment to rural health workforce development. Health equity and diversity are prioritized. Key contacts: Health.ORHPC.WorkforceGrants@state.mn.us Event schedule: - RFP Published - 09/14/2026 - CT - Informational Webinar - 09/29/2026 - 1:00 PM CT - Teams Webinar - Application Deadline - 10/30/2026 - 4:30 PM CT - Estimated Grant Distribution Announcement - Grant Period Start - 03/01/2027 - Grant Period End - 02/29/2028
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This solicitation aims to engage a vendor with experience in rural health, health services research, and hospital finance to develop recommendations for sustainable rural maternal care delivery models. The process will include stakeholder engagement, technical assistance, financial analysis, and scenario modeling to inform future pilot funding with RHTP dollars. Community and provider perspectives are prioritized, and the engagement strategy expects evidence-based frameworks and quarterly reporting. Key contacts: Emma Distel rural.transformation.MDH@state.mn.us Event schedule: - Application Deadline - 09/11/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - SWIFT Supplier Portal - Q&A Deadline - 08/31/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - Email to rural.transformation.MDH@state.mn.us - Anticipated Contract Start - September 2026 - CT - Anticipated Award Selection - 09/30/2026 - CT
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This Minnesota Department of Health RFP solicits proposals to assess needs and develop a design for a new telehealth services center supporting rural healthcare providers statewide. The work will identify gaps in rural telehealth, propose models for a centralized or alternative telecommunications center, and recommend strategies for overcoming regulatory, technological, and workforce barriers. The contract will run from September 2026 to September 2027, with deliverables including a comprehensive needs assessment, design options, final report, and summary presentation. Key contacts: Zomi Bloom grants.ruraltransformation.mdh@state.mn.us Event schedule: - Questions Due - 09/02/2026 - CT - Anticipated Evaluation & Selection Complete - 09/20/2026 - CT - Solicitation Multi-Factor Authentication Required - 10/16/2022 - CT - Anticipated Contract Term - September 2026 to September 2027 - CT
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
The Minnesota Department of Health will allocate approximately $4,000,000 for a needs assessment contract to design and evaluate the Rural Telehealth Services Center (RTSC) as part of RHTP. The program will prioritize Minnesota rural providers and coordinate with Tribal Nations, examining specialty clinical domains and telehealth service models. Assessment deliverables include stakeholder engagement, evaluation of interoperability, and identification of priority domains for future implementation. Event schedule: - Anticipated contract award date - 09/20/2026 - CT - Kickoff call - Interim Report submission deadline (6 months) - Final Report submission deadline (12 months)
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is soliciting vendor proposals for the Rural Health Transformation Program focused on rural maternity care system analysis and recommendations. The project is fully federally funded, with a maximum available budget of $3 million for the first period. Deliverables include iterative preliminary and final recommendations, advisory group engagement, and pilot site selection and support. Technical assistance and provider engagement are key features, and the RUCA methodology will be used to define rural areas. Event schedule: - Estimated Date of Award - 09/30/2026 - CT - Written Progress Reports - December 2026, March 2027, June 2027, September 2027 - CT
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives