HHS Region 10 · WA Health Care Authority — RHTP
Program Overview
The program supports collaborative efforts with sub-awardees to advance rural health access and infrastructure, with current activities including program design, competitive awards, evaluation, and regular updates through webinars. Current structured plan tracks 8 key initiatives and 6 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Washington — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (39)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| King County | 2,287,171 | 8.6% | 5.2% |
| Pierce County | 930,319 | 8.8% | 5.9% |
| Snohomish County | 844,430 | 8.0% | 5.5% |
| Spokane County | 549,056 | 11.7% | 7.3% |
| Clark County | 516,959 | 8.0% | 5.5% |
| Thurston County | 299,067 | 9.5% | 6.4% |
| Kitsap County | 277,881 | 8.2% | 5.4% |
| Yakima County | 257,152 | 15.5% | 11.7% |
| Whatcom County | 230,503 | 12.9% | 7.2% |
| Benton County | 212,905 | 11.0% | 8.2% |
| Skagit County | 131,328 | 11.6% | 7.4% |
| Cowlitz County | 112,360 | 12.2% | 8.0% |
AI source: WA - 2026 - Washington State RHTP Overview and Initiatives
AI auto-updated Oct 11, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Due Nov 5, 2025
8 related documents
WA - 2025 - Washington RHTP (rhtp-webinar-qa-20251027)
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
780,653 rural residents
Washington has extended application periods for multiple Rural Health Transformation Program funding opportunities, including maternal health, provider technology, and workforce incentive grants. The state is actively soliciting vendor proposals for revenue cycle and materials management consultation to support rural hospitals and is preparing to award contracts. Several procurements remain open, with applications under review or pending selection for service delivery. The program continues to clarify eligibility, respond to applicant questions, and align with workforce, maternal health, and telehealth priorities. State opportunities: 9 total (9 past/closed), $12.3M listed funding. Key opportunities: Washington RHTP Activity 1.4: Sustain and strengthen maternal, emergency, and specialty services at risk in rural areas; Washington RHTP OTP Workforce Incentive Program (2026HCA9); Washington RHTP OTP Workforce Incentive Program (2026HCA9) — Round 2. Strategy alignment: supports workforce priorities.
Washington’s RHTP strategy is led by the Health Care Authority, Department of Health, and Department of Social and Health Services, in coordination with the Governor’s Office. The program invests in sustainable rural health transformation through six targeted initiatives: developing community-based care, supporting Native family health, advancing technology, expanding specialty and emergency care, growing the rural health workforce, and strengthening behavioral health. Implementation includes a phased federal funding schedule, an advisory committee for ongoing engagement, and a dedicated reserve for Tribal governments informed by formal consultation.
Model
Multi-sector, integrated delivery system transformation through hospital and provider innovation, community- and Tribal-driven investments, technology and data modernization, rural workforce development, and behavioral health system expansion, supported by ongoing stakeholder and Tribal advisory input.
Key Initiatives (8)
Timeline: Application submitted fall 2025; federal funding available annually through 2026–2030; implementation begins late 2025 with annual reporting and initiative phases; 10% of funds reserved for Tribal investments throughout the period. Provider Technology Fund contracts extend through September 30, 2031, including annual and quarterly reporting. RHT-AC meets quarterly from June 2026.
Washington is investing in long-term solutions to improve rural residents' access to high-quality specialty and emergency medical services.
The program aims to expand and sustain the rural behavioral health system to reduce strain on rural hospitals and school-based services.
There is a dedicated investment focus on improving health outcomes for Native families in rural communities.
WA - 2025 - Washington RHTP (rhtp-webinar-qa-20250925)
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WA - 2026 - RHTP NOFO Overview, Washington’s Community Input Themes, and Application Planning 1
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WA - 2026 - Washington Public Engagement
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WA - 2026 - Washington RHTP An Overview Summary
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WA - 2026 - Dear Tribal Leader Letter
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WA - 2025 - Update on Washington’s RHTP: the big picture
Award evidence — reconciled 2026-09-27
WA - 2027 - Tribal RHT
Award evidence — reconciled 2026-09-27
Washington Health Care Authority
Due Oct 2, 2026
1 related document
WA - 2026 - RHTP New webpages for the Department of Health’s RHT Program work (rural-health-transformation-program)
WA HCA RHT program page (RNEP announcement)
Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA)
Due Sep 8, 2026
10 related documents
WA - 2026 - RFA 2026HCA9 Exhibit D Budget Proposal Template
Canonical HCA9 package document
Washington State Health Care Authority
Due Sep 3, 2026
9 related documents
WA - 2026 - RFA 2026HCA14 Exhibit D Budget Proposals Template
Canonical HCA14 package document
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | The Rural Collaborative The Rural Collaborative – Rural Health Network Support (RHTP Subrecipient) | $5.4M | Rural Health Network Support | Source ↗ |
| 2025 | Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) WSHA receives funding to support technology and cybersecurity infrastructure improvements in rural hospitals. | $42.0M | Health IT | |
| 2025 | UW - University of Washington UW's WWAMI residency supports rural workforce development, expanding training for rural healthcare providers. | $5.5M | Workforce | |
| 2025 | TRC - The Rural Collaborative (30 member hospitals) TRC engages 30 independent rural hospitals to build capacity, improve revenue cycle management, and co-design payment models. | $5.4M | Quality Improvement | |
| 2025 | WSU - Washington State University WSU supports rural training initiatives, including 'grow-your-own' workforce programs and nursing education. | $2.6M | Workforce | |
| 2025-2030 | Washington Tribes and Indian Health Care Providers 10% of the total Rural Health Transformation award will go directly to tribes and IHCPs for strengthening rural healthcare and investments in maternal health. | $30.2M | Population Health |
Washington Health Care Authority's Foundational Community Supports (FCS) program has launched Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) rental arrears funding as of April 1, 2026, partnering with Spokane Housing Authority for implementation. The newsletter outlines an extensive calendar of trainings, events, and collaborative webinars supporting supportive housing, supported employment, aging wellness, justice-involved populations, and fidelity to evidence-based practices. FCS continues to build provider capacity, drive quality improvement, and connect with partners across the state under Medicaid Transformation, with special focus on National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Key contacts: Anessa Williams anessa.williams@hca.wa.gov; Crystal Getchell Crystal.Getchell@hca.wa.gov; Anessa Williams anessa.williams@hca.wa.gov; Crystal Getchell Crystal.Getchell@hca.wa.gov Event schedule: - HRSN Office Hours - October 5, 2026 - 4 - 5 p.m. PT - Virtual Teams link - Supportive Housing Learning Collaborative Kickoff - October 2, 2026 - 10 - 11 a.m. PT - Zoom webinar - HRSN Rental Assistance Provider Training - October 5, 2026 - 10 - 11 a.m. PT - Teams webinar - Supported Employment Webinar - October 8, 2026 - 9 - 10 a.m. PT - Rutgers Zoom webinar - Cultural Responsiveness: Aging and Wellness - October 13, 2026 - 10 - 11:30 a.m. PT - Rutgers Zoom webinar - Supportive Housing Topic: The Housing Specialist's Superpowers - October 14, 2026 - 11 a.m. PT - Rutgers Zoom webinar - Buried in Treasures Learning Community - October 15, 2026 - 9:30 a.m. PT - Rutgers Zoom webinar - WISe-FCS Integration Webinar - October 20, 2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. PT - Zoom webinar
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Core Initiatives
Washington received approximately $181 million in the first year of RHT funding to support rural hospitals, clinics, and providers. The program is administered through a partnership of the Health Care Authority, Department of Health, Department of Social and Health Services, and the Governor’s Office. Six strategic initiatives focus on community-based care, Native family health, technology investments, specialty and emergency care, workforce development, and behavioral health. Event schedule: - Rural Health Transformation Program webinar - September 3, 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Advisory Committee - August 27, 2026 - Extensions for rural health funding opportunities - August 6, 2026 - CORRECTION: New funding opportunity for rural health - July 29, 2026 - New opportunities for rural health transformation - July 22, 2026
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This document is an internal RFQ intake form for a rural health workforce education project in Washington State under RHTP, aimed at providing in-person revenue cycle education for rural hospital staff. The initiative targets approximately 30 staff for one training in year one, with an estimated total budget of $30,000. The RFQ process is aligned with RHTP goals to reduce billing errors and enhance workforce skills. Key contacts: Rachel Price rachel@ruralcollaborative.com Event schedule: - Target RFQ/RFP issue date - 04/27/2026 - Vendor response deadline - 05/06/2026 - Target award decision date - 05/08/2026
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Washington State Department of Health announces the formation and membership of the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Committee (RHT-AC) to provide guidance on rural health program implementation. The committee includes representatives from tribal delegates, rural hospitals, health jurisdictions, behavioral health, allied and medical professionals, labor, aging agencies, and community organizations. Coordination is led by WA-DOH in partnership with HCA and DSHS. Key contacts: Molly Biehl molly.biehl@doh.wa.gov; Candice Wilson OTPHR@doh.wa.gov; Aren Sparck aren.sparck@hca.wa.gov; Tim Collins timothy.collins@dshs.wa.gov Event schedule: - , 2026 - August 7 - Re: Informative – Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Committee Update
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This webinar presents early implementation lessons from Washington, Tennessee, and Florida in using RHTP funding. It focuses on progress, key decisions, and partnership alignment to support sustainable rural health transformation.
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, allocates $10 billion annually to states for rural health system transformation from 2026–2030. Washington must submit a state plan to access funds, with major priorities in rural health access, workforce, quality, partnerships, and financial stability. Large potential losses in Medicaid/ACA coverage could impact hundreds of thousands of rural WA residents along with critical access and rural hospital viability.
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Core Initiatives
Washington received over $181 million in federal RHTP funds for Budget Period 1. State agencies and partners are implementing six initiatives spanning hospital innovation, tribal health, workforce development, technology upgrades, behavioral health, and community-based care. Year 1 activities include competitive bid awards, program design, evaluation, and engagement with rural partners and communities. Key contacts: RHT Program Inbox Not provided Event schedule: - Budget Period 1 Award Date - 12/29/2025 - PT - Olympia, WA - Next RHT Program Webinar - December 2026 - PT - Webinar
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Nevada Medicaid received federal approval for a five-year Section 1115 waiver to cover health services for eligible incarcerated youth and adults before release. This initiative aims to bridge the health care gap for justice-involved individuals by ensuring they have access to screening, diagnostics, case management, care coordination, and medications before returning to their communities. The waiver will be phased in across correctional facilities, enhancing continuity of care and improving outcomes statewide. Key contacts: Ann Jensen; James Dzurenda
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Core Initiatives
This document provides a collection of resources including Washington’s RHT Program plan, budget summaries, gubernatorial endorsement, and webinar recordings/slides to support recipients and stakeholders. Key contacts: HCA Rural Health Transformation Program Event schedule: - September 2026 webinar - 09/16/2026 - April 2026 webinar - 04/14/2026
This document provides general information on how to participate in Washington state's RHT program, emphasizing that most funding awards will go to groups identified in the CMS application and that no competitive bids are currently open. It encourages interested parties to sign up for program updates and outlines ways to work with Washington state agencies. Key contacts: HCA Rural Health Transformation Program
September 30, 2027
Year One Tribal RHT Fund Spend Deadline
June 1, 2027
Year One underspent check
06/2026
RHT-AC first meeting
08/27/2026
Announcement of RHT-AC launch
WA - 2026 - October 2026 Foundations Newsletter: Launch and Training Updates for Washington FCS, HRSN Rental Arrears Funding, Supported Employment, and Supportive Housing
Oct 2, 2026 13:54
·EmailWA - 2024 - Nevada Receives Federal Approval to Provide Medicaid Coverage Before Release from Incarceration
Sep 28, 2026 16:30
·EmailWA RHTP site updated — 1 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
WA - 2026 - Last chance to submit questions for our RHTP webinar
Sep 12, 2026 11:57
·EmailWA RHTP site updated — 11 new, 0 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 788.
WA - 2026 - Washington RHTP Applications Open for Critical Technology Funding
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WA - 2026 - RFA 2026HCA9 Exhibit D Budget Proposal Template Amendment 2
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WA - 2026 - RFA 2026HCA12 Exhibit D Amendment 3
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WA - 2026 - RFA 2026HCA9 Exhibit D Budget Proposal Template
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WA - 2026 - RFA 2026HCA14 Exhibit D Budget Proposals Template
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WA - 2026 - RFP 2025HCA15 Exhibit D Cost Proposal Third Revision
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WA - 2026 - RFP 2025HCA15 Exhibit D Cost Proposal Second Revision
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WA - 2026 - RFP 2025HCA15 Exhibit D Revised Cost Proposal
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WA - 2026 - RFP 2025HCA15 Attachment 1 Revised Average Product and Client Usage
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WA - 2026 - RFP 2025HCA15 Exhibit E Data Security Questionnaire
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Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) RHTP Meeting Minutes
WA - 2026 - hca forecasted needs report fy27
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WA - 2026 - RFA 2026HCA12 Exhibit D Budget Proposal Template
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Washington Authorization For Release Of Information Health Care Authority Is Authorized To Release 1 Information Or Records About Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial Client I.D.
July Foundations — 60-0077-washington-health-care-privacy-toolkit.pdf
July Peer-to-Peer newsletter — 82-0692-guide-to-post-overdose-toolkit.pdf
WA - 2026 - paying for value survey payer template 2026.xlsx
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Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA) Manual Version 2.0
Authorization / Request for Out of State Travel - State Form 823 (R12 / 5-15)
Washington Utah Code Effective 5/9/2017 Superseded 5/14/2019 63A-5-104 Definitions -- Capital Development And Capital Improvement Process -- Approval Requirements -- Limitations On
Washington MDHHS Physician Primary Care Rate Increase Initiative Database January 2016 HCPCS Code Short Description Non-Fac Fac Comments 99201 Office/Outpatient Visit New $32.44 $1
Washington Plan Management Frequently Asked Questions-Published March 5, 2015 Q1. Will Health Care Independence Program Eligible Individuals Be Able To Enroll In Any Silver Level Q
Promoting Healthy Youth, Schools, and Communities: A Guide to Community-School Health Councils
Washington Minnesota Department Of Human Services DHS-7990-ENG 1-21 Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC And PSC-Y) Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) Parent-completed Version FIRST NAM
Washington EXECUTIVE DEPA RTMENT STATE OF CALIFORNIA EXECUTIVE ORDER N-01-19 WHEREAS The State's Spending On Prescription Drugs Has Increased At An Unsustainable Rate, Including Hi
At least 220,000 kids faced loss of TennCare due to lacking paperwork
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Complaint: United States v. Police Department of Baltimore City and Mayor and City Council of Baltimore
Service Animals - A Broad Definition (NY State Attorney General Civil Rights Bureau Brochure)
Building Trust in and Access to a COVID-19 Vaccine Among People of Color and Tribal Nations: A Framework for Action Convening Executive Summary
Louisiana Medicaid Dental Periodicity Schedule
Investigation of the Baltimore City Police Department
Washington Dealing With A Mental Health Crisis Information And Resources For First Responders P ...................... PROFESSIONAL RHTP Reference
Washington 1114 1 SEC. 3602. NO CUTS IN GUARANTEED BENEFITS. 2 Nothing In This Act Shall Result In The Reduction Or 3 Elimination Of Any Benefits Guaranteed By Law To Partici- 4 Pa
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Washington === Sheet: B5 MH & DD Sets === RHTP Reference
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Washington League Of Minnesota Cities, Minnesota Chiefs Of Police Association, Minnesota Sheriffs Association & The Best Practices Working Group BEST PRACTICES IN Law Enforcement R
Behavioral Activation - WA State CBT Plus 2012
WA - 2026 - RFA 2026HCA9 Exhibit D Budget Proposal Template Amendment 2
Canonical HCA9 package document
WA - 2026 - RFA #2026HCA9: Workforce Incentive Program for Rural Opioid Treatment Providers
Primary source
WA - 2026 - Professional Services Contract for OTP Workforce Incentive under RHTP (Sample Draft - RFA #2026HCA9)
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WA - 2026 - RHT OTP Workforce Incentive Program - Grant Opportunity
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WA - 2026 - EXHIBIT B: Application Questions - RHT OTP Workforce Incentive Program Grant Opportunity
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WA - 2026 - RFA No. 2026HCA9 Amendment No. 1
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WA - 2026 - RHTP – OTP Workforce Incentive Program RFA No. 2026HCA9 Amendment No. 2
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WA - 2026 - Washington RHTP OTP Workforce Incentive Program (2026HCA9) Request for Applications
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WA - 2026 - RHTP – OTP Workforce Incentive Program RFA No. 2026HCA9 Amendment No. 3
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WA - 2026 - RFA No. 2026HCA14: Incentivizing Hospitals to Sustain Essential Rural Maternal, Emergency, and Specialty Services
WA - 2026 - How to participate (how-participate)
Source listing page
WA - 2026 - HCA RFA No. 2026HCA14 RHTP Grant Application
Amendment 1 Notice
WA - 2026 - RHTP – Rural Hospitals (Maternal, Emergency and Specialty Services) RFA No. 2026HCA14 Amendment No. 1
Amendment 1
WA - 2026 - RHTP – Rural Hospitals (Maternal, Emergency and Specialty Services) RFA No. 2026HCA14 Amendment No. 2
Amendment 2 (Q&A responses)
WA - 2027 - EXHIBIT A: Applicant Forms and Certifications – RHT – Rural Hospitals (Maternal, Emergency and Specialty Services) RFA No. 2026HCA14
Exhibit A: Applicant Forms and Certifications
WA - 2026 - EXHIBIT B: Application Questions RFA 2026HCA14
Exhibit B: Application Questions
WA - 2026 - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT for Provider Technology Fund Resulting from Solicitation Number: 2026HCA14
Exhibit C: Sample Draft Contract
This Concept of Operations provides Washington's strategic blueprint for the statewide Community Information Exchange (WA CIE), a technology and legal framework funded by the Medicaid Transformation Project 2.0. WA CIE will link health and social service systems across regions, prioritize interoperability, and support community-based care coordination. The document outlines visions, mission, guiding principles, and identifies key pain points and opportunities for improvement, centering equity, client agency, and meaningful participation. Key contacts: Dan Renfroe Event schedule: - Document Published - 07/23/2026 - WA CIE Interim Advisory Committee Final Outcomes - 08/2026 - Key Informant Interviews - 2026-03 - Washington State - Focus Groups - 2026-04 - Washington State - Human Centered-Design (HCD) Mezzo Session - 2026-05 - Washington State - Human Centered-Design (HCD) Micro Session - 2026-05 - Washington State - ACH Deep Dive Meetings - 2026-05 - Washington State
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CMS awarded Washington State approximately $181 million in the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program. The funding supports rural hospitals, clinics, and providers to expand access, enhance quality, and improve health outcomes in rural communities. Webinar events provide updates on the use of funds and program progress. Key contacts: HCARuralHealthTransformationProgram HCARuralHealthTransformationProgram@hca.wa.gov Event schedule: - RHT Program Webinar - 09/16/2026 - 1:00 PM PT - Webinar - Microsoft Teams
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Washington State received approximately $181 million in funding for the first year to support rural hospitals, clinics, and providers. The program is run collaboratively by the Health Care Authority, Department of Health, Department of Social and Health Services, and Governor Ferguson’s Office. Six strategic initiatives guide the program focusing on community care, Native family health, technology investment, specialty and emergency care access, workforce development, and behavioral health expansion. Event schedule: - Save the date for our Rural Health Transformation Program webinar - September 3, 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Advisory Committee - August 27, 2026 - Extensions for rural health funding opportunities - August 6, 2026 - CORRECTION: New funding opportunity for rural health - July 29, 2026 - New opportunities for rural health transformation - July 22, 2026
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This solicitation seeks vendors to support 31 rural hospital districts in Washington by providing revenue cycle assessment, direct support, and interim workforce services. The goal is to enhance financial sustainability, address revenue leakage, and build internal staff capacity through coaching, targeted projects, and expertise tailored to rural provider types. The contract ceiling is $350,000 per vendor per year, with partial and full-service bids considered; all proposals must specify provider type experience. Key contacts: Kaley Eastman Kaley@ruralcollaborative.com; Rachel Price Rachel@ruralcollaborative.com Event schedule: - Questions Deadline - 06/26/2026 - PT - Response Due Date - 07/02/2026 - 5:00 pm PT - Valify portal
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This RFQ invites qualified vendors to provide on-demand, expert support in revenue cycle management and payer contracting to rural hospitals and clinics in Washington. Services include consultation, coaching, interim staffing, and crisis support, with a strong emphasis on addressing financial sustainability and reducing revenue leakage. The budget cap is $60,000 per vendor per year, and services support compliance, quality, and operational improvement for rural health providers. Key contacts: Kaley Eastman Kaley@ruralcollaborative.com; Emily Conner emily@ruralcollaborative.com Event schedule: - Questions Deadline - 07/01/2026 - PT - Response Due Date - 07/08/2026 - 11:59 pm PST - Valify portal
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This guidance outlines the requirements for recipients of the Washington RHT Program funding regarding communications, including needed federal acknowledgements, disclaimer practices, and review processes for public-facing materials. It provides detail on what materials must be reviewed and approved, the distinction between public and internal materials, and the mandatory process to remain compliant. Non-compliance may jeopardize program funding. Key contacts: HCARuralHealthTransformationProgram@hca.wa.gov Event schedule: - Publication date - 07/02/2026
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Washington was awarded over $181 million for Budget Period 1 of the Rural Health Transformation Program, launching six major initiatives to strengthen rural hospital innovation, workforce, care access, and community health. Priorities were informed by extensive stakeholder engagement with explicit attention to Tribal health, behavioral health, and technological transformation. The RHTP aims for long-term, statewide system transformation, not just short-term grants. Key contacts: RHT Program Inbox Event schedule: - Application deadline: RHT Advisory Committee - 04/24/2026 - HCA RHT Webpage - Washington RHT Program Webinar #2 - September 16, 2026 - 1:00 PM PT - Teams meeting (online) - Budget Period 1 Performance Start - 12/29/2025
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