Federal

The Trump Administration announced a $120 million federal investment to expand maternal and infant health services and increase primary care access in rural America through the Rural Health Transformation Program. This reflects a strong federal commitment to improving rural health infrastructure and outcomes.

This document announces the FY2026 federal grant allocations for all 50 states under the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Each state's RHTP award, totaling $10 billion across the US, supports rural health transformation initiatives spanning workforce, technology, population health, payment reform, and rural Medicaid.

This document compiles State-level abstracts from Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) applications submitted in December 2025. Each abstract summarizes the purpose, anticipated outcomes, major partners, and proposed program activities to be implemented with RHTP funds under the federal initiative. The document presents illustrative budgets, details of transformation plans, and a wide array of strategic approaches but is intended for public information and does not reflect final awards.

This CMS guidance defines the scope, definitions, and application of Category E (Workforce) for Rural Health Transformation Program funding. It clarifies eligible workforce recruitment and retention activities, eligibility standards for various roles such as LPNs, PMHNPs, community paramedics, CHWs, and doulas, and the applicability and enforcement of 5-year rural service commitments. States are provided with decision criteria, common questions, and requirements for tracking, enforcing, and forgiving service obligations.

This fact sheet provides guidance on allowable and unallowable uses of Category B Provider Payments under the Rural Health Transformation Program. It outlines restrictions, sustainability requirements, and the 15% cap on Category B funding, as well as allowable example expenditures tied to state RHT transformation plan initiatives. The document clarifies payment models and directs states to ensure RHTP funds do not duplicate existing programs.

This document provides an overview of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a $50 billion initiative created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to transform care and improve outcomes in rural communities. It summarizes eligible use of funds, program strategic goals, and application requirements, and provides a timeline for application and awardee selection. Key goals include prevention and chronic disease management, workforce development, behavioral health, and technology advancement.

This policy paper analyzes capital access challenges facing rural hospitals and other rural health facilities. It presents an overview of major capital funding programs and historical trends, emphasizing the complexity of blended financing and persistent access barriers. The report highlights the importance of technical assistance, partnerships, and varied funding streams for sustaining and modernizing rural healthcare infrastructure.

Reference: ACC Warns PFS Proposals Could Stifle State Digital Health Investments Link: https://insidehealthpolicy.com/inside-telehealth-daily-news/acc-warns-pfs-proposals-could-stifle-state-digital-health-investments

Reference: CMS Touts Digital Health Rhtp Investments Eight States Link: https://insidehealthpolicy.com/inside-telehealth-daily-news/cms-touts-digital-health-rhtp-investments-eight-states

Reference: Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to the Centers for Medicare and Link: https://www.americanactionforum.org/weekly-checkup/rural-health-transformation-program-time-to-show-the-work/