Nebraska Initiatieve - Click to view an accessible PDF.
HHS Region 7 · Nebraska DHHS — Rural Health Transformation
Program Overview
The Nebraska Rural Health Transformation Program remains in its initial implementation phase, deploying statewide initiatives slated to launch in Spring 2026 with rolling annual funding opportunities for rural providers. Major focus areas continue to be food as medicine, emergency and behavioral health, workforce acceleration, eHealth, and facility modernization, under direct oversight by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and active guidance from established Health Care Advisory Regions. The program maintains emphasis on technology-enabled solutions, regional care coordination, and targeted workforce and access enhancements. Current structured plan tracks 18 key initiatives and 24 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Nebraska — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (93)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas County | 590,736 | 11.8% | 7.7% |
| Lancaster County | 326,696 | 11.9% | 6.9% |
| Sarpy County | 197,389 | 5.6% | 4.0% |
| Hall County | 62,536 | 14.1% | 12.1% |
| Buffalo County | 50,579 | 9.9% | 5.3% |
| Dodge County | 37,351 | 11.0% | 7.9% |
| Scotts Bluff County | 35,843 | 12.9% | 8.9% |
| Madison County | 35,532 | 13.1% | 7.7% |
| Platte County | 34,716 | 9.8% | 8.1% |
| Lincoln County | 33,802 | 12.4% | 7.0% |
| Adams County | 31,052 | 12.7% | 8.5% |
| Cass County | 27,161 | 5.2% | 3.1% |
AI source: NE - 2026 - FORM 5 – SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
AI auto-updated Oct 16, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
7 related documents
NE - 2026 - RHTP Initiative 3.3 Awards
RHTP Initiative 3.3 Awards
677,796 rural residents
Nebraska has opened RFAs for the Rural Health Transformation Program and issued applicant guidance and budget instructions, but no awards have been made yet. Applications are due October 26, 2026, and multiple funding opportunities are posted with detailed parameters. The state is currently in an active application and review phase, and procurement rounds remain open. Award decisions and subrecipient selections are still pending. State opportunities: 1 active (1 open, 15 past/closed), $9.5M listed funding. Key opportunities: Critical Access Hospitals to Rural Emergency Hospitals Conversion Grants; Nebraska RHTP Initiative 5.3: Modification of Existing Clinical Facilities for Mental Health Crisis; Rural Virtual Reality and Skills Acceleration Network. Strategy alignment: supports telehealth, care access, workforce priorities.
Nebraska’s RHTP maintains operation of a regionally coordinated, technology-enabled framework for rural health transformation, focusing on workforce acceleration, infrastructure modernization, integrated care, and prevention-first initiatives. Competitive RFAs administered by DHHS require detailed work plans, budget justifications, compliance with matching and indirect cost requirements, and full organizational documentation, ensuring transparency and effective stewardship. Applicants must participate in state quality improvement systems and report on project performance, with expanded technical assistance and compliance oversight. Targeted investments continue in school kitchen and farm-to-school initiatives, behavioral health crisis stabilization, facility modernization, and enhanced applicant support for rural, tribal, and food desert communities.
Model
Statewide, regionally coordinated, prevention-first rural health transformation—integrating technology, workforce development, transparent data, and cross-sector partnerships to close rural care, equity, and outcome gaps.
Key Initiatives (18)
Timeline: Five-year RHTP award cycle with initial RFAs beginning March 2026, first grant funding in Spring 2026, and annual application rounds each program year.
Funding focused on recruitment, retention, and training of rural healthcare providers to address workforce shortages.
Initiatives to keep care local and leverage consumer-facing technology aim to improve access in rural and frontier counties.
Significant efforts are underway to build and sustain the rural health workforce to address current gaps.
NE - 2026 - RHTP Initiative 3.3 Rural Health Care Workforce Incentive and Sustainability Model Intent to Award
RHTP Initiative 3.3 Intent to Award
NE - 2026 - Intent to Award
Intent to Award (R 4533 NHAP Legal Services)
NE - 2026 - RHTP Initiative 3.3 Rural Health Care Workforce Incentive and Sustainability Model Intent to Award (RHTP_Initiative_3.3_RFA_Intent_to_Award)
RHTP Initiative 3.3 Intent to Award (variant)
NE - 2026 - Nebraska Project Summary RHTP
Auto-grouped context match (38%)
NE - 2026 - Nebraska RHTP
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
NE - 2026 - Mary Lanning Healthcare successful in RHTP grant applications
Mary Lanning Healthcare news article
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Due Jul 31, 2027
2 related documents
NE - 2027 - RHTP RFA – Initiative 2.5: Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) to Rural Emergency Hospitals (REH) Conversion
Primary source
NE - 2026 - RHTP – Initiative 2.5 Request for Applications
Initiative 2.5 application cover form (2024)
Nebraska Department of Education (NDE)
Due Sep 1, 2026
5 related documents
NE - 2026 - School Kitchen Modernization Grants Informational/Question and Answer Session Announcement
Informational Q&A Session Announcement
Nebraska DHHS Division of Behavioral Health
Due Aug 31, 2026
5 related documents
NE - 2026 - RHTP RFA 5.3 – Modification of Existing Clinical Facilities for Mental Health Crisis (Nebraska DHHS)
NE - 2026 - Request for Applications
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Lutheran Family Service of Nebraska Inc Funding to support modification of clinical facilities to enhance mental health crisis services in rural Nebraska. | $2.4M | Quality Improvement | |
| 2026 | The Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital Association DBA Mary Lanning Memorial Healthcare Funding to support modification of clinical facilities to enhance mental health crisis services in rural Nebraska. | $1.0M | Quality Improvement | |
| 2026 | Valley Hope Association DBA Valley Hope of O’Neill Funding to support modification of clinical facilities to enhance mental health crisis services in rural Nebraska. | $418K | Quality Improvement | |
| 2026 | Central Wyoming Counseling Center DBA Nebraska Panhandle Counseling Center Funding to support modification of clinical facilities to enhance mental health crisis services in rural Nebraska. | $349K | Quality Improvement | |
| 2026 | Boone County Health Center Selected for award under Nebraska RHTP Initiative 4.4a (Chronic Disease Navigation and Education), following the Request for Application that closed March 27, 2026. | $340K | Population Health | |
| 2026 | Morrill County Community Hospital Selected for award under Nebraska RHTP Initiative 4.4a (Chronic Disease Navigation and Education), following the Request for Application that closed March 27, 2026. | $340K | Population Health | |
| 2026 | Niobrara Valley Hospital Selected for award under Nebraska RHTP Initiative 4.4a (Chronic Disease Navigation and Education), following the Request for Application that closed March 27, 2026. | $340K | Population Health | |
| 2026 | Memorial Health Care System Selected for award under Nebraska RHTP Initiative 4.4a (Chronic Disease Navigation and Education), following the Request for Application that closed March 27, 2026. | $340K | Population Health | |
| 2026 | Pawnee County Memorial Hospital Selected for award under Nebraska RHTP Initiative 4.4a (Chronic Disease Navigation and Education), following the Request for Application that closed March 27, 2026. | $340K | Population Health | |
| 2026 | Winnebago Comprehensive Health System Selected for award under Nebraska RHTP Initiative 4.4a (Chronic Disease Navigation and Education), following the Request for Application that closed March 27, 2026. | $340K | Population Health |
Nebraska has successfully implemented $177 million in RHTP funding, as highlighted by a recent update featuring Dr. Oz. The announcement notes progress in rural health transformation efforts in the state.
Box Butte General Hospital launched a Remote Patient Monitoring program funded by Nebraska's RHTP to support chronic disease management through technology. The $200,000 award advances care coordination for rural patients using home monitoring devices aligned with existing chronic care services. Event schedule: - Program Enrollment Start - Sep 2024 - Nebraska Panhandle
Nebraska DHHS has announced a new RHTP dashboard to inform the public throughout the Rural Health Transformation Program effort.
Nebraska DHHS announced awards for its RHTP Initiative 5.3 to modify existing clinical facilities to better address mental health crises in rural areas. Thirteen recipients received federal funding totaling approximately $5.78 million for this purpose. Key contacts: Unknown DHHS.DBHPrevention@nebraska.gov Event schedule: - RFA Closure Date - 08/31/2026 - Award Announcement Date - 09/01/2026
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Mary Lanning Healthcare received four RHTP grants totaling $1.5 million to fund technology upgrades, behavioral health unit improvements, and pharmacy training. Nebraska as a state received $218.5 million from CMS for this five-year program, with further RFAs planned. Event schedule: - Engagement event - Aug 28 - Written By Alex Strauss
This addendum amends the RHTP 1.3 Farm-to-School RFA to clarify that there is no maximum award amount per applicant, with awards up to $150,000 available on a rolling basis. Eligible expenses focus on equipment and supply purchases that increase school access to local, minimally processed foods, prioritizing rural, frontier, tribal, and food desert communities. Administrative costs, food, and construction are not allowed; all expenditures require NDE approval and reporting.
Core Initiatives
The Nebraska RHTP is progressing through advisory meetings in multiple regions, focusing on rural workforce incentive programs, chronic disease management, and maternal health. Input from local providers highlights stability of the five-year workforce commitment but raises concerns regarding eligibility, sustainability, and implementation of incentives. Year 2 RHTP funding decisions and RFAs are pending, with regional advisory bodies refining workforce and EMS strategies. Key contacts: Kitra Monnier Kitra.monnier@nebraska.gov; Treasa Hunt; Alex Zimmer Event schedule: - Safety and Wellness Conference - September 17, 2026 - CT - Civic Center - Early Childhood Health Event - October 8, 2026 - CT - Hearing Services Center - Year 2 CMS Award Decision Expected - November 1, 2026 - Next Central HCAR Meeting - November 17, 2026 - CT - Central Community College, Grand Island
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Applicants must submit a detailed budget and narrative using the provided template, with a maximum grant request capped at $20,000. Guidance is provided for indirect costs, matching funds, and budget justification requirements. Only allowable costs as defined by federal regulations can be included.
Nebraska’s Keep Care Local initiatives under the Rural Health Transformation Program focus on expanding rural access to care, integrating community health workers, advancing technology-enabled services, and improving behavioral and maternal health outcomes. The program includes developing a statewide CHW certification pathway, supporting crisis stabilization centers, and strengthening the rural health workforce and infrastructure. Initiatives further target modernization of long-term care, better pharmacy access, and coordinated care for veterans and high-needs populations.
Core Initiatives
Nebraska announced a Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Dashboard to improve rural health monitoring and transformation efforts.
Nebraska's RHTP includes numerous initiatives such as workforce recruitment, CAH to REH conversions, rural food programs, telehealth expansions, and behavioral health facility enhancements. Multiple RFAs targeting public, private, nonprofit, and tribal organizations are released throughout the year for specific projects. The program emphasizes collaboration with agencies such as the Department of Education and NE Health Care Association to support rural health system improvements. Event schedule: - Community Health Worker Networks RFA Release - 01/08/2026 - Rural Jurisdictional Stockpiles RFA Release - 01/21/2026 - Modification of Existing Clinical Facilities for Crisis Stabilization Centers RFA Awardees Announced - 04/20/2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Reference: DR OZ Returns to Nebraska for Update on Successful Implementation of 177 Million in Rhtp Funding Link: https://ruralradio.com/kneb-am/news/dr-oz-returns-to-nebraska-for-update-on-successful-implementation-of-177-million-in-rhtp-funding/
Mary Lanning Healthcare in Nebraska was successful in securing RHTP grant applications. No specific award amounts or program details were provided in the source.
This document is a supporting file for Nebraska's Assisted Living Facility Modernization Grant under RHTP for fiscal year 2026; however, it contains no substantive information or program details.
This work plan outlines training for Community Health Workers under Nebraska RHTP initiatives focused on chronic disease prevention and farm-to-school procurement policy assistance. It serves as an implementation document to guide activities and performance measures for the awarded projects.
Nebraska Initiatieve - Click to view an accessible PDF.
NE RHTP site updated — 1 new, 2 existing source(s) refreshed
NE RHTP site updated — 1 new, 51 existing source(s) refreshed
NE - 2024 - Box Butte General Hospital Launches Remote Patient Monitoring
NE RHTP site updated — 25 new, 38 existing source(s) refreshed
NE RHTP site updated — 1 new, 2 existing source(s) refreshed
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed. Showing the 40 most recent of 299.
2018 Procurement Manual Updated 09132018
15 Hypertension Ambulatory
14 Medication Adherence
2020 WhatisHBPMedicine
2019 Measure 438 MIPSCQM
LB1124
NebraskaRIDEFactSheet
NE - 2021 - List of Respondents - 08/18/2021
NE - 2021 - List of Respondents - 07/19/2021
NE - 2003 - List of Respondents
NE - 2026 - Attachment 1 to Work Order 2
XLSX
NE - 2001 - List of Respondents
NE - 2001 - List of Respondents
NE - 2010 - Molina Response Exhibit to Healthy Blue Protest
NE - 2026 - UnitedHealthcare of the Midlands Proposal
NE - 2026 - Nebraska Total Care Proposal - Part 2
NE - 2026 - Molina Proposal
NE - 2026 - Medica Proposal
NE - 2026 - Healthy Blue Proposal
NE - 2023 - Attachment 23 - Expansion RC and Non-Exp HIPP RC Calculation Examples
XLSX
NE - 2021 - Attachment 21 - Risk Corridor
XLSX
NE - 2022 - Attachment 20 - Heritage Health Calendar Year 2022 Capitation Rate Certification Exhibits
XLSX
NE - 2016 - Attachment 16 - Example Base Data Model - Physical and Behavioral
NE - 2015 - MS Word Format
DOCX
NE - 2015 - Attachment 15 - High Cost Drug Pool Risk Corridor
NE - 2014 - MS Word Format
DOCX
NE - 2014 - Attachment 14 - Access Standards
NE - 2013 - MS Word Format
DOCX
NE - 2013 - Attachment 13 - Reporting Requirements
NE - 2012 - Attachment 12 - Example Capitation Rates
NE - 2011 - MS Excel Format
XLSX
NE - 2011 - Attachment 11 - Data Exhibits Dental
NE - 2010 - MS Word Format
DOCX
NE - 2010 - Attachment 10 - Liquidated Damages
NE - 2022 - Attachment 9 - 2022 Health Care Acquired Conditions
NE - 2026 - Attachment 4 Rating Regions
DOCX
NE - 2026 - Attachment 2 - Nebraska Counties Classified by Urban, Rural, & Frontier Status
NE - 2026 - MS Excel Format
XLSX
NE - 2026 - Form 8 – References
DOCX
NE - 2026 - Nebraska RHTP Health Care Advisory Regions Map
NE - 2026 - RHTP RFA – Initiative 1.1 School Kitchen Modernization Grants
Superseded RFA (pre-8/26/2026 update)
NE - 2026 - RHTP Initiative 1.1 School Kitchen Modernization Grants Request for Application
Original RFA (pre-7/6/2026 update)
NE - 2026 - Informational/Question and Answer Session Announcement for RHTP 1.1 School Kitchen Modernization Grants
Auto-linked process guidance fallback (10%)
NE - 2026 - RHTP Initiative 1.1 School Kitchen Modernization Grants Request for Applications
RFA (updated 8/26/2026)
NE - 2026 - RFA for Nebraska RHTP Initiative 5.3 Modification of Existing Clinical Facilities for Mental Health Crisis
Supporting source (superseded form version)
NE - 2026 - RHTP Initiative 5.3 Awards - Intent to Award for Modification of Existing Clinical Facilities for Mental Health Crisis
RHTP Initiative 5.3 Public Notice of Award (09/01/2026) -- 13 awardees, $5,549,692.25 total
NE - 2025 - RFA RHTP 5.3 Form 3 Applicant Budget
Initiative 5.3 Form 3 - Applicant Budget
NE - 2026 - Nebraska RHTP Initiative 5.3: Modification of Existing Clinical Facilities for Mental Health Crisis
Supporting source (current form version)
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Mary Lanning Healthcare secured four RHTP grants totaling approximately $1.5 million to upgrade technology, behavioral health infrastructure, and workforce training. Nebraska's RHTP efforts support ongoing rural healthcare improvements via multi-year funding from CMS. Event schedule: - Announcement Date - 08/26/2026 - 1:23 PM CT - Hastings, Nebraska
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Nebraska Department of Education is soliciting applications under RHTP Initiative 1.3 to support food production, aggregation, processing, and distribution infrastructure that expands access to local, minimally processed foods in Nebraska schools. Priority is given to projects serving rural, frontier, tribal, and food desert communities. Approximately $8.34 million in federal funds is available, with a focus on equipment, supplies, and operational costs supporting procurement and kitchen readiness. Key contacts: Kayte Partch Kayte.Partch@nebraska.gov Event schedule: - RFA opens - 06/12/2026 - RFA release date - 06/15/2026 - Application due date - 08/31/2026 - Period of Performance - 06/01/2026 - 06/30/2027
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Nebraska's RHTP Initiative 1.1 will provide up to $2.23 million in federal funds through competitive grants to rural and frontier schools for kitchen modernization. Eligible schools must submit menus, budget documentation, and equipment quotes when applying; grant purchases must support increased scratch-cooking and more nutritious meals. The program targets improved nutrition and participation rates in school meal programs by supporting the purchase of new kitchen equipment and menu reforms. Key contacts: Kayte Partch Kayte.Partch@nebraska.gov Event schedule: - RFA Release Date - 05/28/2026 - Application Due Date - 08/31/2026 - Period of Performance Start - 06/01/2026 - Period of Performance End / Liquidation Date - 06/30/2027 - Annual Report Due - 06/30/2027
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This document outlines instructions and requirements for applicants preparing the budget section of their Rural Health Transformation Program subaward application, including allowable costs, indirect costs, and match documentation. It specifies that requested DHHS grant funds must not exceed $20,000. Applicants must provide a detailed budget narrative and justification for all expenses and explain the basis for matching funds.
This guidance document addresses applicant eligibility, allowable expenses, match requirements, and the award ceiling for NCDD subawards under RFAs #7571, #7572, and #7573 in Nebraska for FFY2027. The Council funds up to 75% of project costs, with a maximum award of $20,000 per applicant and a required 25% match. Applicants may expand or strengthen existing programs as long as activities are new, innovative, and non-duplicative. Event schedule: - Application Due Date - 10/26/2026 - Project Period Start - January 1, 2027 - Project Period End - December 31, 2027
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This FAQ provides updated guidance on funding eligibility, equipment definitions, program income, and minor alterations for RHTP Initiative 1.3 in Nebraska. It clarifies allowable costs, program income distinctions, and removes the prior maximum grant request ceiling. The document specifically addresses common applicant questions regarding procurement, renovations, and farm-to-school supply chains.
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule