Fargo Standard

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the launch of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, which is part of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The program aims to improve access and quality of health care in rural areas across the United States.

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) responded to the announcement, stating, “Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cut's historic investment in rural health care, North Dakotans will see better access, stronger quality, and improved care,” Fedorchak said. “The Trump administration is serious about supporting rural health care, and I'm encouraged by CMS's swift rollout of the application. I encourage our providers to work together and make these dollars count for our citizens."

According to CMS, $10 billion will be available each year beginning in fiscal year 2026. The total funding will be distributed over five years through a one-time application process open to states. States must submit their applications by November 5, 2025. Award recipients are expected to be announced by December 31, 2025.

Half of the program’s funds—$25 billion—will be divided evenly among all states with approved applications. The remaining $25 billion will go to approved states that demonstrate significant rural health care needs and propose plans with substantial potential impact on rural communities.

Further information about how the program benefits rural health care in America can be found at https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-launches-rural-health-transformation-program-application-guidance-released. Details regarding the structure and eligibility of the program are available at https://www.cms.gov/ruralhealthtransformation/eligibility.