South Dakota

South Dakota secured $189.4 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation Program. The state has released multiple rounds of RFPs to support digital health modernization and coordinated care for rural, tribal, and frontier healthcare systems. Three consultant organizations have been selected for implementation and project management support. Key contacts: Melissa Magstadt DOH.info@state.sd.us; DOHmedia@state.sd.us Event schedule: - First Round RFP Release - February 25, 2026 - Second Round RFP Release - March 3, 2026 - First Awards Announcement - May 21, 2026

South Dakota was awarded approximately $189.4M in FY2026 under the Rural Health Transformation Program, with a comprehensive, state-led strategy targeting rural hospital stabilization, Medicaid payment transformation, digital health infrastructure, and rural workforce expansion. Core initiatives include health IT modernization, alternative payment models, EMS regionalization, expanded maternal and behavioral health services, and workforce recruitment and retention efforts. The program directly addresses rural health disparities across all 64 rural counties, including Tribal and frontier populations.

This document offers detailed clarifications for rural providers and applicants regarding eligible uses of funding, application rules, and technical requirements for the Digital Health Modernization and Technology Grant Program. It specifies nuances on EHR certification/replacement, project tiering, cost eligibility, contract periods, and documentation needed for application and reimbursement. EMS and mobile diagnostic modernization details are highlighted as forthcoming program areas. Event schedule: - Technical Assistance Call - 05/14/2026 - Application eligibility window open (costs eligible) - 02/20/2026 - Year 1 Grant End Date (last eligible expense date) - 07/31/2027 - Final Closeout/Reporting Period End - 09/30/2027

This application template supports rural health care providers seeking funding to modernize technology, equipment, and consulting in South Dakota. Applicants must specify service areas by county, follow national interoperability standards, and submit metrics for improving rural health delivery. Sustainability planning and regional innovation center proposals are included.

South Dakota will award $89.3M for digital health modernization with a focus on electronic health records, telehealth, diagnostic and network upgrades, cybersecurity, workforce training, and the creation of regional innovation centers. The program aims to advance patient care, data security, interoperability, and sustainable technology infrastructure for rural and underserved health providers. Subrecipient requirements mirror robust federal compliance, supporting local projects through a competitive, tiered grant framework. Event schedule: - Application Open - 05/07/2026 - Online grant portal - Application Close - 06/30/2026 - Online grant portal - Grant Period Start - 02/20/2026 - Grant Period End - 07/31/2027 - Award Announcement - August 2026

South Dakota has launched a comprehensive initiative to transform behavioral health care for rural and frontier populations with a nearly $190 million federal award. The project is focused on implementing the CCBHC and Collaborative Care models, expanding crisis care capacity, and integrating physical and behavioral health systems. Early-phase goals include certifying clinics, developing payment models, and establishing quality assurance and data systems.

South Dakota received over $189 million in FY2026 for the Rural Health Transformation Project, with a major focus on digital health modernization for rural and underserved healthcare providers. Approximately $89.4 million will be available for the first grant period in 2026, with competitive sub-grants planned for electronic health records, interoperability, digital equipment, security, workforce training, and regional innovation. No individual recipient awards have yet been made; sub-grant opportunities will be detailed in the forthcoming RFA.

This summary document compiles state applications to the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) for FY26, outlining high-level strategies, priorities, and proposed funding totals for each participating state. Major themes include addressing maternal and chronic disease disparities, use of new technology such as telehealth, and significant rural workforce expansion efforts. Award rows reflect overall proposed state-level plans as described; no sub-recipient or hospital-specific allocations are itemized.

South Dakota's PACT initiative establishes a new Medicaid primary care payment and quality incentive model, with $62.7M in grant funding for infrastructure, care management, and technology. The program aims to sustain rural primary care practices by shifting to value-based prospective payments, focusing on prevention, population health, and provider team support. Implementation runs from 2026-2030, beginning with planning and launching statewide in 2028.

This initiative funds statewide implementation of CCBHC and Collaborative Care Models in South Dakota to improve behavioral health care in rural and frontier areas. It includes workforce development, crisis and telehealth infrastructure, payment system transformation, and data infrastructure modernization.

This initiative focuses on expanding evidence-based chronic disease management programs in rural South Dakota, including funding for rural healthcare providers and caregiver support. It aims to improve health outcomes through sustainable community-based interventions and enhanced care coordination.

South Dakota's EMS initiative targets the development of EMS Hubs to improve coverage and response times, expands workforce training, and integrates advanced technology including telemedicine. The program aims to enhance rural emergency response sustainability and coordination statewide.

The initiative will establish a statewide digital training platform and deliver virtual and in-person training to enhance rural healthcare workforce capabilities. It aims to improve care quality and provider retention through professional development.

The timeline outlines key quarterly activities and funding releases for the RHTP in 2026, emphasizing planning, program launch, and expanded funding for behavioral health, Medicaid support, and digital modernization.

This Q&A document clarifies the eligibility requirements, allowable costs, funding structure, and application mechanics for South Dakota's Rural Health Transformation Program RFA No. 26-09RHT-020. It provides key details on EHR replacement, enhancement categories, EMS priorities, and audit/reimbursement rules. The guidance addresses multi-year funding, maintenance/support limits, types of eligible facilities, and caps on personnel costs for applicants. Event schedule: - Project eligible cost start date - 02/20/2026 - Year 1 application/grant period end - 07/31/2027 - Final reports due after grant end - 07/31/2027 - 09/30/2027 - Expected release of Year 2 RFP - January 2027

The program offers grants through a Request for Applications process, supported by technical assistance including Q&A sessions, call recordings, and slide decks. It is administered by the South Dakota Department of Health and includes opportunities to participate in technical assistance calls and utilize various project and budget templates. Key contacts: rh*@**********nk.org Event schedule: - Technical Assistance Call - 06/11/2026 - 3:00 PM CT - webinar