Updates on the RHTP

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that every state will receive funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a $50 billion initiative established by H.R. 1 during last year’s reconciliation package. In 2026, states will receive first-year awards averaging around $200 million each, with the total funds distributed over five years. The program is intended to “expand access to care, bolster the rural health workforce, and support innovative care models,” according to CMS. The announcement also lists the specific amounts awarded to each state in 2026.

CMS has also established the Office of Rural Health Transformation (ORHT) within the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS). The ORHT will lead implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program, guide states through their transformation plans, provide technical assistance, and coordinate federal and state partnerships.

To kick off the creation of the office, CMS released a compilation of Rural Health Transformation Program Project Abstracts from each state. 

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