Montana

Montana was awarded $233 million in RHTP federal funds in 2026, with $8.7 million dedicated specifically to rural EMS agency equipment and ambulance replacement. Four agencies received new ambulances, while 75 rural EMS agencies and three tribal governments gained specialized equipment such as ventilators and cardiac monitors to improve care. The investment addresses needs for reliable emergency responses and patient transfers from rural to larger facilities. Event schedule: - State award announcement - 09/30/2026 - Montana

Superseded by MT - 2026 - Montana RHTP Rural EMS Grants Open for 2026

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services announced appointments to the RHTP Center of Excellence Advisory Council. This advisory body will guide RHTP transformation in rural hospital and Medicaid strategy for Montana.

Montana Governor Gianforte and DPHHS announced a $239.7 million second-year award to strengthen rural health care across the state. The award supports ongoing transformation efforts to improve rural health services and infrastructure.

Montana received a $239.7 million second year award under the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen rural health care access and services.

Montana is issuing this RFP to select a vendor to provide technical assistance for the statewide development of a Community Health Aid Program (CHAP) under the RHTP. The focus is on workforce, behavioral health, and improving rural health infrastructure. The RFP specifies evaluation requirements and a five-year service period. Key contacts: Patrick Navarro Patrick.Navarro@mt.gov Event schedule: - RFP Open - 09/03/2026 - 2:00 PM MDT - RFP Close - 10/01/2026 - 2:00 PM MDT

The FY26 DPHHS Community Integrated Health Pilot Site Grant in Montana supports rural EMS agencies to manage or expand Community Integrated Health programs. Awards fund FTE, equipment, supplies, travel, and other approved expenses consistent with the state's CMS approved RHTP plan. Key contacts: Angie Brakefield angela.brakefield@mt.gov

The Montana Department of Labor is soliciting proposals for Rural Healthcare Marketing Services as part of the RHTP workforce development initiative. This opportunity aims to attract and retain rural physicians through targeted strategies. The announcement is for an open procurement process, not a grant award. Key contacts: Dax Lilly dax.Lilly2@mt.gov Event schedule: - RFP Close Date - 07/16/2026 - 2:00 PM MDT

Montana DPHHS continues advancing the RHTP procurement process and released guidance on vendor registration and funding notifications. A vendor information webinar is scheduled for March 11 to inform potential applicants. Event schedule: - RHTP Vendor Information Webinar - 03/11/2025 - 10:00 AM MT - webinar

Montana RHTP Implementation Team (MRIT) will distribute $60.3M in Year 1 provider payments to eligible rural healthcare facilities, launching a statewide implementation model. Activities include expanded access to care, telehealth, repairs, and quality improvement, with targeted menu selections for facilities. MRIT is the bridge between Montana DPHHS and providers, focusing on sustainable implementation, change management, and technical assistance. Key contacts: Shani Rich Event schedule: - Montana Healthcare Conference - 10/08/2026 - Montana - Initial site launch for CoE recommendations - March 2027 - Montana - Additional CoE sites launch - September 2027 - Montana

This annual performance report documents Montana DPHHS’s progress toward major strategic goals in rural health and Medicaid transformation for FY 2026. Notable achievements include reducing improper payments in SNAP, implementing Medicaid Expansion community engagement and cost-sharing, improved transitions from institutional to community care, and modernization of EHR and billing systems. The report also discusses behavioral health system transformation, administrative efficiency gains, and efforts to expand child care access and workforce stability. Event schedule: - EHR RFP bid opening - 03/2026 - EHR RFP closed - 05/2026 - Anticipated Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA) for EHR RFP - November 2026

The State of Montana has been awarded $239.7 million in second-year funding through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to expand rural health services and improve provider sustainability. This builds on $233 million received in the first year and recognizes Montana's strong performance and planning. Year one achievements include emergency medical service upgrades, expanded community-based care, stakeholder-driven maternal health programming, and the creation of a Rural Health Center of Excellence framework. In year two, Montana will emphasize EHR modernization, support for tribal health programs, workforce initiatives, and operationalization of its Center of Excellence.

Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has announced the availability of $4 million in first-year grants for upgrading ambulances and equipment in rural EMS agencies, funded through the state's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The program is part of a five-year federal initiative supported by CMS/HHS, with Montana slated to receive up to $1.2 billion. Eligibility is based on demonstrated need, and applications are accepted through an online portal until August 15, 2026. The grants are aimed at strengthening emergency care capacity in Montana’s rural and frontier communities.