Louisiana

Louisiana's Rural Health Transformation Program is allocating $208.4M in Year 1 across key initiatives such as workforce development, technology innovation, sustainable access, and care model improvement. Notification of awards, contract completion and quarterly reports are scheduled for Fall 2026. Program managers and state contacts have been assigned to support grantees and facilitate implementation across rural health facilities. Key contacts: Melder Burton RuralHealthTransformation@la.gov; Shelia Sterling RuralHealthTransformation@la.gov; Anita Stewart RuralHealthTransformation@la.gov; Alex Levy RuralHealthTransformation@la.gov Event schedule: - Notification of initial award selection - October 2, 2026 - Notification of denial for all strategies - October 16, 2026 - CEA/contract completion - October 30, 2026 - Quarterly Report to CMS - November 29, 2026 - RHTP Advisory Council Meeting - November 5, 2026 - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM - Capitol, House Committee Room 3 - Next monthly webinar - December 10, 2026 - 12:30 PM-1:30 PM - Streaming

Announcement of the Louisiana Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council formation. The Advisory Council will support the state's efforts in rural health transformation.

Louisiana is preparing an application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, which allocates approximately $200 million per year over five years to the state for rural health infrastructure, workforce, and access. The strategy focuses on high-morbidity, provider shortage areas and emphasizes innovative care models, strategic partnerships, and improving health outcomes. Rural health priorities include heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco use, all at higher rates than urban areas.

This RFI seeks information to inform Louisiana's statewide EHR implementation for rural providers under LA RHTP, focusing on integration, provider onboarding, and implementation staffing. No funding is announced. The final strategy will guide future EHR partner procurements. Key contacts: ruralhealthtransformation@la.gov Event schedule: - Public Notice of RFI - 07/13/2026 - CT - Deadline for Receipt of RFI Responses - 07/17/2026 - 11:59PM CT - Optional Vendor Presentations - July 20-29, 2026 - TBD CT

Event schedule: - requirements. LDH reserves the right to approve, partially fund, defer, or deny any application based on available resources and program considerations. 8 Version 1.0, Published , 2026 - July 2

The Louisiana Rural Tech Catalyst Fund (RTCF) is part of the state's Rural Health Transformation Program, supporting healthcare technology innovation to improve rural outcomes. The program received strong interest in its first cohort, with applications under review as of the document date. RTCF employs milestone-based funding and emphasizes measurable impact, partnerships, and scaling innovative solutions in Louisiana's rural communities. Event schedule: - Application Review Period - Award Announcements (anticipated) - 10/15/2026 - Program Launch & Contracting

Louisiana's RHTP distributed over $12.7M through its Rural Clinician Credit Bank in Year 1, funding 53 awards across 28 parishes with a strong focus on critical rural workforce and provider sustainability. The program also launched its EHR Voucher initiative, offering up to 75% reimbursement for rural provider EHR migration to ONC-certified systems and setting stage for application periods in 2026-2027. Parishes in the Acadiana corridor, Evangeline, and St. Landry received the most funding, reflecting targeted support for high-need rural regions. Key contacts: RuralHealthTransformation@la.gov; MAHARural@cms.hhs.gov Event schedule: - Budget Year 1 Annual Report submitted - 08/31/2026 - NCC Year 2 Continuation Request submitted - 08/31/2026 - Quarterly Report deadline - 11/29/2026 - CEAs due for signature - 09/15/2026 - Year 2 application period opens

The program is supported by more than $208 million in federal funding, positioning Louisiana to draw down over $1 billion over five years. It includes the creation of a Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council to guide implementation and align efforts with statewide and local priorities. Key focuses include workforce expansion, technology modernization, care delivery innovation, chronic disease burden reduction, and improved coordination of health services. Event schedule: - , 2026 - April 07 - Governor Landry establishes the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability at LDHNew office will strengthen rural health care access, workforce, and outcomes across Louisiana

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced the state's new Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a multi-year initiative designed to improve access, quality, and sustainability of rural health care. The RHTP offers recruitment grants and matching funds to help hospitals attract new physicians. The program's launch coincides with the sale of four financially troubled rural hospitals, including Northern Louisiana Medical Center (NLMC), which may benefit from the new state funding opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) has awarded Louisiana $37.7 million in federal funding. This funding is dedicated to building Louisiana’s rural healthcare workforce by supporting education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts.

Louisiana will receive $37.7 million to build the state's rural healthcare workforce.

The program includes multiple strategic funding opportunities such as the Rural Clinician Credit Bank, Rural Collaborative Provider Models, Medicaid Alternative Payment Model, Regional Care Conveners and Navigation Networks, Food is Medicine, Telehealth Infrastructure, and Rural Health Facilities Capital Improvement. Application deadlines range from June to August 2026, with various initiatives aimed at strengthening rural healthcare access, quality, and coordination. Event schedule: - Deadline to Submit Written Questions: Extended through Monday, , 2026 - July 6 - Learn More About This Funding Opportunity - Application Submission Deadline for Year 1 Funds: Wednesday, , 2026 - August 5 - Learn More About This Funding Opportunity - Deadline to Submit Written Questions: Tuesday, , 2026 - July 7 - Learn More About This Funding Opportunity - Application Submission Deadline for Year 1 Funds: Friday, , 2026 - August 7 - Learn More About This Funding Opportunity - Deadline to Submit Written Questions: , 2026 - July 9 - Learn More About This Funding Opportunity - Application Submission Deadline for Year 1 Funds: , 2026 - August 14 - Learn More About This Funding Opportunity - Deadline to Submit Written Questions: Extended through Friday, , 2026 - June 12 - Learn More About This Funding Opportunity - Application Submission Deadline for Year 1 Funds: , 2026 - July 10 - Learn More About This Funding Opportunity

Announcement of a Rural Health Transformation Summit in Louisiana to foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in rural health. The event includes networking sessions and presentations on funding and strategies to improve rural health outcomes. Event schedule: - Rural Health Transformation Summit - 06/11/2026 - Natchitoches Events Center, 750 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA