Rural Health Transformation Program- call for ideas

The federal reconciliation bill created a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Federal funds will be available from 2026-2030. To participate in the program, each state’s Medicaid office must submit a detailed Rural Health Transformation Plan that is approved by the Center for Medicaid Studies (CMS). Plans must address how we will improve access to care, improve health outcomes, increase the clinical workforce, improve financial solvency, and more.  For more information on the RHTP, here is a brief overview and a slide deck.

The RHTP application process will be a sprint. CMS must approve applications by December 31, 2025. There are still a lot of unknowns as we wait for more information from CMS; however, applications may be due as early as Sept 30. Washington’s Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and Health Care Authority (HCA)—with support from the Governor’s Office—are partnering on the application. We will be consulting with Tribal nations. We are also soliciting ideas from stakeholders outside these agencies.  
•    HCA has launched a public website that details the process to submit ideas.  
•    We are having direct conversations with the following groups: The WA Council, The Rural Collaborative, WSMA, WSHA, WACH. 
•    DOH and DSHS are directly engaging their key stakeholder groups, too.