Colorado

Updated about 20 hours ago

Core Initiatives

1. Advocate for improved implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program

Memorial Regional Health received $2.18 million in RHTP funding to upgrade its electronic health records system and expand behavioral health crisis services. This award advances rural health infrastructure and service capacity improvements in Colorado. Event schedule: - Award Announcement Date - 10/05/2026 - Steamboat Springs, CO

The Colorado RHTP Advisory Committee convened to discuss statewide interest in RHTP funding opportunities and the readiness of rural and frontier counties. A major focus was on launching the upcoming RFA, including technical assistance, webinars, and office hours. Stakeholder feedback indicates a need for clearer eligibility, partnership, and application guidance, with an estimated total program budget for first-year awards over $160 million. Key contacts: April Randle; Camille Harding; Dannon Cox; Jack Devie Event schedule: - Allowable/Non-Allowable Expenses Webinar - 05/19/2026 - MT - Virtual - Prepping for the RHTP Grant Webinar - 05/26/2026 - MT - Virtual - Understanding the RHTP Budget Webinar - 05/28/2026 - 1:00 PM MT - Virtual - Vendor and Partnerships Webinar - 06/10/2026 - 2:00 PM MT - Virtual - How to Fill Out the RFA Webinar - 06/23/2026 - 9:00 AM MT - Virtual - Office Hours Start - 06/23/2026 - MT - Virtual - RHTP RFA Release Target - 06/15/2026 - MT - Virtual - Next Advisory Committee Meeting - 06/22/2026 - MT - Virtual

This work plan guidance outlines the process for RHTP applicants to develop, track, and report their Year One project activities and outcomes. Applicants must focus on SMART goals and measurable health indicators tied to rural hospital and Medicaid transformation, including workforce, EMS, telehealth, and chronic disease risk factors. Quarterly progress and a five-year outlook are required. Event schedule: - Year One Project Start - 10/01/2026 - Year One Project End - 09/30/2027

The Colorado RHTP Advisory Committee summarized the results of the grant review process, with 112 eligible applications and over $168M of recommended funding across multiple rural health program areas. 95% of hospital applicants, including nearly all Critical Access and Rural hospitals, are recommended for full or partial funding. Key activities supported include whole-person health, telehealth expansion, workforce development, EMS coordination, chronic disease intervention, and behavioral health care improvements. Key contacts: Michelle Mills; Joe Theine; Kari Snelson; Kevin Stansbury Event schedule: - Advisory Committee Meeting - 09/28/2026 - 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM MT - Virtual - Stakeholder Meeting - 09/29/2026 - 4:00 PM MT - Virtual - NOA with BY2 Amount - 10/15/2026 - Revised BY2 Budget Narrative Due - 10/31/2026

Colorado’s 2025-26 Healthy Colorado For All report showcases implementation milestones in immunizations, maternity, behavioral health, and prevention, emphasizing health equity and regional variation. Rural disparities remain pronounced, with 11% of Medicaid members in rural and 3% in frontier counties, half of rural areas classified as Maternity Care Deserts, and persistent differences in diabetes control and oral health by race/ethnicity. Major reforms include ACC Phase III launch, Medicaid eConsult platform, expanded doula services, and the approved HRSN (1115) waiver for broader social supports.

Colorado proposes a new State Directed Payment (SDP) program under CHASE, maximizing federal Medicaid support and potentially directing up to $378 million in additional reimbursements to hospitals. The strategy prioritizes both rural and urban providers by leveraging intergovernmental transfers, refined fee methodology, and quality measures. Implementation is targeted for July 2025, with annual model evolution and refinement.

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

The RHTP Advisory Committee convened to review program milestones, budget status, and funding mechanisms for the $165 million Year 1 implementation in Colorado. 85% of Year 1 funding will be distributed via competitive RFAs, focusing on hospital support, workforce, telehealth expansion, and chronic disease prevention. The committee reaffirmed the consultative role in program oversight and discussed formation of subcommittees, especially on data, to advance program deliverables. Key contacts: April Randle; Camille Harding; Dannon Cox; Jack Devie Event schedule: - Advisory Committee Meeting - 04/24/2026 - 2:00 - 4:00 PM MT - Virtual - HCPF Executive Director Appointment (Gretchen Hammer) - 04/13/2026 - CMS Budget Release Notice - 04/21/2026 - CMS Memo for RHTP Governance - 04/06/2026

This editorial covers a local board meeting discussing the 2027 budget for the Upper San Juan Health Service District (USJHSD), which operates Pagosa Springs Medical Center. It describes how Colorado is distributing over $169 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grants to support rural providers, including a $400,000 women’s health remodel at the Medical Center. The text highlights ongoing Medicaid cuts and critiques on RHTP's restrictive use of funds, noting these changes may not offset financial challenges for rural hospitals.

This editorial examines the financial struggles of the Pagosa Springs Medical Center and related EMS services in rural Colorado despite $170 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grants funded by CMS. The article highlights an anticipated operating deficit for the medical center, exacerbated by rising costs, particularly due to increased reliance on expensive travel nurses. It also places the RHTP funding in the context of broader federal Medicaid cuts, noting that current program design does not necessarily address the long-term sustainability of rural health systems.