HHS Region 7 · Iowa Health and Human Services — Healthy Hometowns
Program Overview
The Iowa Rural Health Transformation Program, coordinated by Iowa Health and Human Services and supported by multi-year federal awards, advances through pilot and competitive RFP phases to strengthen rural health infrastructure and sustain Critical Access Hospitals and rural providers. The current implementation emphasizes collaborative hub-and-spoke care models—particularly for oncology and cardiovascular health—network expansion, workforce recruitment, telehealth integration, and evidence-based initiatives managed via IowaGrants.gov. The structured plan continues to track multiple key initiatives and strategic goals, with a major focus on building Health Hubs, expanding cancer screening and treatment, co-locating rural providers, enhancing health information exchange, and mobile EMS community care. Current structured plan tracks 12 key initiatives and 10 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Iowa — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (99)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk County | 503,175 | 10.3% | 7.1% |
| Linn County | 230,004 | 9.4% | 6.2% |
| Scott County | 174,608 | 11.5% | 7.3% |
| Johnson County | 156,639 | 17.1% | 7.2% |
| Black Hawk County | 131,049 | 14.9% | 9.0% |
| Dallas County | 107,968 | 6.3% | 4.8% |
| Woodbury County | 106,247 | 14.0% | 10.7% |
| Story County | 100,466 | 18.2% | 5.6% |
| Dubuque County | 99,030 | 9.7% | 5.8% |
| Pottawattamie County | 93,424 | 12.1% | 8.0% |
| Warren County | 54,409 | 5.1% | 2.7% |
| Clinton County | 46,268 | 13.2% | 8.6% |
AI source: IA - 2026 - Iowa first in the nation to award RHTP funding
AI auto-updated Oct 12, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
1,232,642 rural residents
Iowa continues to implement its Rural Health Transformation Program, Healthy Hometowns, with over $78 million already awarded and new grant opportunities in process. The state has launched key initiatives such as Hometown Connections and the Combat Cancer Health Hub Program, with multiple RFPs for cancer, cardiovascular, maternal health, residencies, and equipment acquisition active or recently closed. State dashboards confirm ongoing statewide rollout, with $226.2M in funding listed and active procurement. This sustained activity aligns with Iowa's telehealth and prevention strategies. State opportunities: 1 active (1 open, 9 past/closed), $226.2M listed funding. Key opportunities: Iowa Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke Networks (RFP COMPADM26007); Iowa School Based Services (RFP MEDIOMC26023); Iowa Best and Brightest Medical Equipment Program (RFP PHTHORC26011). Strategy alignment: supports telehealth, prevention, maternal health priorities.
Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), led by Healthy Hometowns, advances a statewide hub-and-spoke approach to revitalizing rural healthcare delivery. The strategy continues to focus on integrated clinical and specialty health networks, targeted investments in medical equipment and workforce recruitment, and competitive RFPs to strengthen care coordination and access. Current efforts are reinforced by major investments in cancer, maternal, cardiovascular, EMS, and chronic disease initiatives, with direct emphasis on transparent public dashboards and measurable outcomes.
Model
Statewide hub-and-spoke model integrating rural hospitals, clinics, EMS/mobile integrated health, multi-agency co-location hubs, and specialty networks (oncology, maternal, cardiovascular, transport services) to deliver coordinated, high-quality, and patient-centered rural population health.
Key Initiatives (12)
Timeline: RHTP implementation is set for FY2026–2031, with primary RFPs issued July–September 2026, contract awards beginning October 31, 2026, initial services launched by 2027, and the contract period continuing through September 2031.
Focus on lung, breast, colorectal, skin, and prostate cancers with expanded screening, equipment upgrades, and supportive care across the state.
Initiatives like Hometown Connections and Health Information Exchange aim to improve rural healthcare connectivity and coordination.
EMS Community Care Mobile works to expand emergency medical services tailored for rural community needs.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
1 related document
IA - 2026 - RHTP Engagement Events in October
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
1 related document
IA - 2026 - RHTP Engagement Events in October
Grouped files
1 related document
IA - 2026 - RHTP Engagement Events in October
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Due Nov 17, 2026
5 related documents
IA - 2026 - Request for Information Healthy Hometowns Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke Networks of Care
Supporting source: Iowa Cardiovascular RFI and submission guidance
IA - 2026 - RFI# COMPADM26007 Regarding Healthy Hometowns Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke Networks of Care
Reference source: How to Submit in Response to RFI# COMPADM26007
IA - 2026 - funding opportunities
Auto-linked by identifier
IA - 2026 - Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke networks
Notice of Intent to Release — Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spokes (RFP COMPADM26007)
IA - 2026 - Healthy Hometowns Cardiovascular Health Hub Program Request For Proposal # Compadm26007
Primary source
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Grouped files
1 related document
IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Release RFP PHTHOPD27001 - Public Health Lead Entities
Official Iowa HHS Notice of Intent
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Due Sep 23, 2026
1 related document
IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Release for School Based Services
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Combat Cancer Health Hub Program Establishes hub-and-spoke networks of cancer care across Iowa, connecting a central specialized cancer center with local clinics to expand access, provide screenings, telehealth, workforce recruitment, and equipment purchases. | $11.0M | Population Health | |
| 2026 | Adair County Memorial Hospital Supports recruitment of MD/DO physician for rural hospital healthcare workforce. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Avera Holy Family Hospital Funds rural recruitment of family practice physician (MD/DO) in Emmet County. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Boone County Hospital Supports hiring of physician assistant and primary care physician for Boone County Hospital. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Cass County Memorial Hospital DBA Cass Health Funds recruitment of physician (MD/DO) or ARNP for rural hospital. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | CHI Health Mercy Corning Supports recruitment of internal medicine physician and registered nurses for Adams and Taylor Counties. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Central Iowa Hospital Corporation Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Decatur County Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Guttenberg Municipal Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Iowa Specialty Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence |
This leadership update highlights RHTP-funded innovation in rural health, including Iowa's $11M Combat Cancer Health Hub Program, Hudson Headwaters' regional women's health network in New York, and a summary of recent federal awards to states for rural hospital upgrades, EMS training, and expanded specialty care. The $50 billion RHTP investment continues to drive improvements in access, technology, network development, and workforce capacity nationwide. Event schedule: - Rural Health Transformation RoundUp newsletter date - 09/24/2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Local news reported Senator Grassley discussed the Rural Health Transformation Program in Carroll County, IA. No specific award or recipient named. Event schedule: - Announcement - 07/09/2026 - Carroll County, IA
Event Schedule
Iowa received $209 million in federal RHTP funding for FY2026 to launch the Healthy Hometowns plan focused on rural health care transformation. The state is investing significantly in cancer prevention and treatment, alongside legislative proposals targeting improved access to care and public health policies.
Core Initiatives
This RFP enables organizations to apply as hub-and-spoke networks to strengthen cardiovascular and chronic disease care for rural Iowans. Federal RHTP funds are used to expand access to advanced diagnostics, interventions, rehabilitation, and tele-cardiology. The procurement offers flexible options for applicants to serve as regional hubs, expand hub capacity in underserved regions, or sustain local spokes focused on prevention and management. Key contacts: Jennifer Zepeda jennifer.zepeda1@hhs.iowa.gov; iowagrants.helpdesk@hhs.iowa.gov Event schedule: - RFP Issued - 09/21/2026 - CT - www.IowaGrants.gov - Letter of Intent (Mandatory) - 10/19/2026 - CT - Jennifer.Zepeda1@hhs.iowa.gov - Round 1 Questions Due - 10/05/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - www.IowaGrants.gov - Round 2 Questions Due - 10/30/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - www.IowaGrants.gov - Applications Due - 11/17/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - www.IowaGrants.gov - Applicant Oral Presentations - 01/11/2027 - CT - TBD - Post Notice of Intent to Award - 01/19/2027 - CT - https://hhs.iowa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/notice-intent-award - Contract Year 1 Period - 2027-01-29 to 2027-10-30 - Iowa
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Iowa HHS is issuing an RFP for up to $10.5 million to fund the development or expansion of rural residencies and rural tracks in selected medical specialties statewide, excluding counties above 150,000 population with university main campuses. Eligible applicants include Iowa hospitals, health systems, GME consortia, and non-profits, with the goal of expanding the rural physician workforce. Awards will support planning, design, and program implementation for ACGME-accredited residencies in obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, psychiatry, and general surgery. Key contacts: Mike Drotzt Michael.drotzt@hhs.iowa.gov Event schedule: - RFP Issued - 07/24/2026 - CT - Round 1 Questions Due - 07/30/2026 - CT - Responses Posted By (Round 1) - 08/07/2026 - CT - Final Questions Due - 08/14/2026 - CT - Responses Posted By (Final) - 08/19/2026 - CT - Applications Due - 08/24/2026 - 4:00 PM CT - https://www.iowagrants.gov/ - Release of Applicants - 08/27/2026 - CT - Notice of Intent to Award Posted - 09/24/2026 - CT - https://hhs.iowa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/notice-intent-award
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Iowa plans to release an RFP in mid-2026 to develop a rural residency program in Internal Medicine or Obstetrics/Gynecology. This initiative focuses on building rural healthcare workforce capacity through accredited residencies. Event schedule: - Question and answer period - July 2026 - Deadline for bid proposals - July 2026 - Award contract(s) - August 2026
Iowa’s RHTP focuses on innovative partnerships, enhanced workforce programs, and expanded use of health information technology to transform rural health access and outcomes. Multi-pronged initiatives target maternal/child health, cancer, chronic disease, EMS integration, and provider recruitment and retention. The program expects significant infrastructure upgrades, robust telehealth deployment, and technical assistance for rural providers.
Healthy Hometowns is Iowa’s ambitious rural health transformation plan proposing up to $1 billion over 5 years from CMS Rural Health Transformation Program focused on building Health Hubs, workforce expansion, cancer care, health information exchange, community care, and EMS mobile telehealth services.
Core Initiatives
The Healthy Hometowns program aims to reduce avoidable emergency department visits, increase local care and telehealth services, and improve provider-to-population ratios in rural Iowa. It includes multiple initiatives focusing on network development, workforce recruitment, cancer prevention, chronic disease management, health information exchange, and EMS integration.
Core Initiatives
The Iowa Rural Health Transformation Program (Healthy Hometowns) application outlines comprehensive strategies to address chronic disease, cancer, workforce gaps, EMS, and health information exchange inequities facing rural Iowa. Data tables document substantial disparities in access, health outcomes, workforce distribution, and system performance between rural and urban areas. The technical alignment matrix details multi-sector integrated approaches, including hub-and-spoke models, technology adoption, community partnerships, and targeted workforce initiatives.
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This application outlines Iowa's strategy to leverage the Rural Health Transformation Program for significant improvements in rural health care. Key initiatives include care coordination, specialty access, workforce recruitment, cancer prevention and treatment, telehealth investments, health information exchange expansion, and EMS innovation. The plan targets measurable improvements in access, local service availability, care coordination, and rural health outcomes.
The Iowa congressional delegation led by Senator Chuck Grassley sent a letter to the CMS Administrator advocating additional funding for Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), known as Healthy Hometowns. As part of the Working Families Tax Cuts law, the RHTP invested $209 million in its first year to improve rural healthcare access in Iowa. The letter highlights early successes, such as advanced equipment purchases and expanded services in rural hospitals, and requests continued federal support. Over five years, Iowa is slated to receive at least $100 million annually for rural healthcare transformation.
2025-12-31
Award Announcement
RHT Program awards decided by December 31, 2025.
2025-11
Application Deadline
Application submissions for RHT Program funding close in early November 2025.
2025-09
NOFO Release
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for RHT Program released by mid-September 2025.
IA RHTP site updated — 1 new, 2 existing source(s) refreshed
IA RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
IA RHTP site updated — 4 new doc(s)
IA RHTP site updated — 3 new doc(s)
IA canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×2, Jun 16–Jun 17)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
IA - 2026 - DAS Bidding Opportunities
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IA - 2026 - Community Services Block Grant
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IA - 2026 - Iowa Congressional Delegation Urges CMS to Expand Rural Health Funding
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IA - 2026 - Iowa PCA Offers Rural Health Technical Assistance Sessions
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Iowa Emergency Medical Services System Standards July 2026
2026 · PDF
Notice of Intent to Award Request for Proposal Number: PHTHMRH27002
2027 · PDF
Notice of Intent to Award Request for Proposal Number: COMPSCS27025 Marketing and Advertising Services
2026 · PDF
IA - 2026 - Senator Grassley Discusses Federal Rural Health Transformation Program Funding
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IA - 2026 - NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES
2026 · PDF
IA - 2026 - NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES
2026 · PDF
IA - 2026 - Social Services Block Grant
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IA - 2017 - Please accept our apologies. We can't find that page
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IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Award (RFP FWBPEHV26018: Iowa Family Support Network)
IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Award (COMPADM26002: Health Hub Technical Assistance Provider)
Iowa SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT FIDELITY REVIEW MANUAL Deborah R. Becker Sarah J. Swanson Sandra L. Reese Gary R. Bond Bethany M. McLeman RHTP 2008 Reference
IA - 2017 - The Community Access and Eligibility's procurement office issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) to find organizations to handle different aspects of healthcare. RFPs require detailed answers in each request, outlined in the…
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IA - 2007 - Keeping Iowa’s Farms in the Family | Governor Kim Reynolds
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IA - 2026 - Vision for Iowa | Governor Kim Reynolds
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IA - 2026 - Welcome to the Governor of the State of Iowa | Governor Kim Reynolds
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IA - 2026 - Family Planning Program | Health & Human Services
2026 · HTML
example daily certificate (40.31 KB) .pdf
Child Care Task Force Report
2021 · PDF
Access the HCBS ID Waiver Tiered Rate Fee Schedule (185.17 KB) .pdf
2019 · PDF
Family Planning Progress Report 2019 (9.78 MB) .pdf
2019 · PDF
Family Planning Progress Report 2019 Executive Summary (649.92 KB) .pdf
2019 · PDF
This competitive RFP from Iowa HHS seeks Hub-and-Spoke oncology networks to receive up to $26.7M over five years for increasing rural access to chemotherapy and specialty cancer care. The program funds network development, telehealth integration, and financial sustainability planning for rural providers. Spoke sites include critical access hospitals, rural clinics, FQHCs, and independent practices, with explicit requirements for collaborative budgeting and service expansion. Key contacts: Jennifer Zepeda [email protected] Event schedule: - RFP Issued - 05/08/2026 - CT - Letter of Intent (Mandatory) - 06/03/2026 - CT - Round 1 Questions Due - 05/20/2026 - 4:00 PM CT - Responses Posted By - 05/27/2026 - CT - Round 2 Questions Due - 06/03/2026 - 4:00 PM CT - Round 2 Responses Posted By - 06/10/2026 - CT - Applications Due - 06/17/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - Applicant’s Oral Presentations (if requested) - August 3, 2026 - CT
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Key contacts: Ryan Roovaart reconsiderationrequest@hhs.iowa.gov Event schedule: - Legislation Enacted (House File 972 establishes Healthy Hometowns Program) - 2025-07-01 - America/Chicago - Iowa - Anticipated start/execution of Co-Location Site Lead contracts - 2026-10-31 - America/Chicago - Iowa - Deadline to complete minor renovations and begin services at Co-Location Site - 2027-12-31 - America/Chicago - Iowa - Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) Report Due - 2026-10-31 - CST - Insurance Certificate Due - CST - Monthly Progress Report Due (15th working day after month) - CST - Quarterly Report Due - 2027-01-15 - CST - Quarterly Report Due - 2027-04-15 - CST
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
During a visit to Carroll, Iowa, Senator Charles Grassley addressed questions about the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program and its funding. The RHT Program is a $50 billion federal initiative, overseen by CMS, providing states with annual funding from 2026 to 2030 to support rural health transformation. Funds are used to expand telehealth, attract healthcare professionals, and modernize rural facilities. Each year, $5 billion is distributed to states automatically, while the remaining $5 billion goes to select facilities based on rural population and health system characteristics.
The Iowa Primary Care Association (PCA) is hosting two technical assistance sessions in Forest City to help organizations prepare for upcoming Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funding opportunities aimed at rural care transformation. These sessions, part of Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Healthy Hometowns initiative, focus on improving coordinated care access in rural areas through co-located and school-based healthcare models. The Iowa PCA, recently chosen as the statewide technical assistance provider, will offer both in-person and virtual sessions across the state. The sessions are timed to align with an upcoming Iowa HHS RFP, making them relevant for a broad range of rural health and social service organizations.