NRHA Statement on CMS' FY 2026 Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Awards

On December 29, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding awards for fiscal year 2026. This initial first-year distribution of awards to all 50 states within an annual range of $147- $281 million.

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds the Administration for making RHTP funding awards to all 50 states to advance rural health. This unprecedented level of funding will provide states with the opportunity to expand and strengthen the rural health care infrastructure, workforce development, and innovation. Each state’s initiatives will bolster rural access, quality, and outcomes for their rural populations through tailored activities focused on their unique needs. While this one-time funding grant is significant, NRHA reiterates that long-term policies guaranteeing sustainable funding for rural health care are needed to support providers and maintain access to care. NRHA is committed to working with CMS, the Administration, and our state partners to ensure lasting health care access for our rural communities.

CMS released RHTP high-level summarizations capturing award amounts and anticipated activities. Please reference NRHA’s RHTP State Applications Summary Guide and map tool or CMS’ Individual state project application abstracts for a comprehensive summary guide of states’ applications. For more information, please see NRHA’s RHTP webpage and CMS’ RHTP webpage. NRHA will continue to monitor the status of RHTP awards and update accordingly. 

Please contact Carrie Cochran-McClain with any questions.