May 8, 2026 Governor Morrisey Announces Additional $29.5 Million in Rural Health Transformation Funding Opportunities ...

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced the launch of the new $29.5 million Provider Productivity Support Fund (PPSF), a major initiative designed to reduce administrative burdens on healthcare providers and improve healthcare outcomes across the state. This new fund is part of more than $58 million in total funding opportunities currently made available through West Virginia's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

"Our healthcare providers are being asked to do more every year while navigating growing administrative demands that take time away from patient care," said Governor Morrisey. "This initiative is about improving healthcare access, supporting the professionals who deliver care, and helping more West Virginians stay healthy and active in the workforce. We need providers focused on patient care, not buried in paperwork, so we can improve healthcare outcomes across the state."

The initiative is funded through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and will be implemented under the Smart Care Catalyst (SCC) pillar to support providers participating in system-wide healthcare transformation efforts across West Virginia.

PPSF is designed to address the growing administrative and operational demands placed on healthcare providers, particularly in rural and underserved communities, so more time and resources can be focused on patient care rather than back-end processes. The initiative will support statewide infrastructure, care coordination, and operational improvements that help providers operate more efficiently while improving healthcare access, patient outcomes, and long-term community health.

Through centralized administration at the state level, Smart Care Catalyst will support both provider productivity initiatives and shared-service collaborations that reduce duplication, lower operational burdens, and strengthen long-term sustainability across West Virginia's healthcare system. Type 1 funding will focus on improving provider productivity and administrative efficiency, while Type 2 funding will support shared-service models and multi-provider collaboration.

Providers will apply directly to the State for funding under both tracks, helping improve consistency, reduce duplicative requirements, and streamline participation in broader healthcare transformation efforts. By modernizing these systems, the program aims to help providers deliver more effective care while supporting healthier communities and helping more West Virginians remain active in the workforce.

"This fund is about recognizing the realities providers face and responding with practical, system-level support," said Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh. "Reducing unnecessary burden and improving efficiency is essential not only for provider sustainability, but for protecting patient access to care, especially in rural areas."

Today's rollout builds on the administration's earlier Rural Health Transformation Program announcements, including a $28.56 million funding opportunity and the formation of the HealthTech Appalachia Investment Advisory Panel. Together, the initiatives represent more than $58 million in funding opportunities focused on improving healthcare outcomes, expanding access to care, and strengthening West Virginia's workforce.

This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of the financial assistance award totaling $199,476,098.72 with 100% funded by CMS HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor endorsement, by CMS/HS, or the U.S. Government.