New Hampshire Submits Innovative Plan to Transform Rural Health Care

CONCORD, NH - The State of New Hampshire has submitted its application for the new Rural Health Transformation Grant program established earlier this year under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In addition to applying for key federal funding, Governor Ayotte today established the Governor's Office of New Opportunities & Rural Transformational Health (GO-NORTH) to oversee the State's efforts to make health care more affordable and accessible to improve health outcomes in rural communities across New Hampshire.

"We've put together a bold, innovative plan to expand access to care, and we did it the New Hampshire way - with input from providers, community health centers, other rural health stakeholders, and the public," said Governor Ayotte. "Improving health care affordability, access, and outcomes in our rural communities ensures a healthier future for all of New Hampshire, which is why I've established the Governor's Office of New Opportunities & Rural Transformational Health (GO-NORTH) to oversee this effort. I look forward to continuing this important work to make rural New Hampshire healthier."

If approved for the new grant, New Hampshire would receive critical funding to help strengthen rural health providers and hospitals, expand our health care workforce, and improve access to care for Granite Staters in rural communities. The Governor's Office and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) engaged rural health stakeholders and the public to craft the grant application. Governor Ayotte also participated in a Governors' call with CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz to learn more about the agency's expectations for grant applications and spoke with other Governors about best practices and potential partnerships.

"This application reflects the voices and hopes of Granite Staters who live, work and serve in our rural communities," said DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver. "We're excited to get to work with our partners to transform rural health care in New Hampshire. From promoting mental and physical health to pioneering new workforce recruitment and payment models, this opportunity reflects the beginning of a healthier future for people in every corner of our state."

As an independent entity under the Governor's office embedded in DHHS, GO-NORTH will leverage existing DHHS expertise and infrastructure to oversee implementation of the rural health transformation program and help deliver innovative solutions to improve rural health care.

New Hampshire's Rural Health Transformation Grant application, with input from more than 300 stakeholders across hospitals, rural health care providers, community health centers, and the public, focuses on the following areas:

• Make rural New Hampshire healthier through prevention, chronic disease management, and improved behavioral and maternal health.
• Ensure sustainable access to care by strengthening rural hospitals, health centers, EMS, and telehealth services.
• Build and retain a skilled rural health workforce through education, training, and career pathways.
• Promote financial sustainability with innovative payment model and value-based care.
• Modernize care delivery by expanding technology, interoperability, and data security.

Read the Governor's Executive Order establishing GO-NORTH here.