Transforming Rural Healthcare

Rural communities bring deep local knowledge, trusted institutions, and a strong commitment to collective well-being-assets that support addressing complex health issues and drive sustainable improvement. Despite these strengths, rural communities continue to face significant health-related challenges due to rising healthcare costs, higher rates of chronic disease, workforce shortages, hospital and service closures, geographic infrastructure, and fragmented systems that strain patients, caregivers, and providers alike.

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) presents an important opportunity for states to strengthen rural health systems, improve access to care, and create sustainable models to drive innovation and transform rural health care delivery. Successfully participating in this $50 billion federal investment requires more than a strategic plan. States must balance federal priorities, local needs, operational realities, and long-term sustainability.

AIR has a long history of partnering with federal, state and local partners to move from policy design and funding strategy to implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Our experience supporting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state health transformation initiatives provides a unique perspective on translating federal priorities into practical, sustainable solutions for rural communities.

Through deep expertise in rural health policy, financing, workforce development, program monitoring, performance and quality measurement, and capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and implementation support, AIR helps partners achieve meaningful results.