CMS Releases Notice of Funding Opportunity, Application for RHTP

The Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services (CMS) on Sept. 15 issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for states to apply to receive funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The RHTP provides $50 billion in program funding that will be allocated to approved states over five years, with $10 billion available each year beginning in fiscal year 2026. Half of the funding will be evenly distributed to all states with an approved application. The other half will be awarded to approved states based on individual state metrics and applications that reflect the greatest potential for and scale of impact on the health of rural communities. The CMS seeks to utilize the RHTP to further five strategic goals included in the funding opportunity: make rural America healthy again, sustainable access, workforce development, innovative care, and technology innovation.  

Only the 50 states are eligible to apply, but AAMC-member institutions may engage with state partners to support the development of the state's application for funding. The CMS will only accept one application per state. Territories, the District of Columbia, local governments, hospitals, universities, nonprofits, federally recognized Tribes, or individuals are not eligible to apply. Applications are open to all 50 states until Nov. 5. The CMS will announce awardees by Dec. 31, in time for the first year of funding. There is only one opportunity to apply for funding and one application period for all five years of this program.