Programs

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) welcomes the release of the Rural Health Transformation Program Notice of Funding. This unprecedented federal investment in rural health directs $50 billion toward prevention, access, workforce, technology, and care innovation, mirroring NRHA’s priorities.

Medicaid serves as a vital source of health insurance coverage for Americans living in rural areas, including children, parents, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pregnant women. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted into law on July 4, 2025 made sweeping changes to Medicaid and the ACA Marketplaces that will result in coverage losses for rural Americans. It is estimated that the combined impact of the Medicaid cuts alone in the OBBBA could decrease spending in rural areas could decrease by $155 billion over 10 years.

The National Rural Health Association and Manatt Health are releasing updated data from the report Estimated Impact on Medicaid Enrollment and Hospital Expenditures in Rural Communities, demonstrating the impact of the proposed Rural Health Transformation Fund. The latest Senate legislative text establishes a $25 billion fund for rural health care providers.

Medicaid serves as a vital source of health insurance coverage for Americans living in rural areas, including children, parents, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pregnant women. Congressional lawmakers are currently considering more than $800 billion in cuts to the Medicaid program, which would reduce Medicaid funding and terminate coverage for vulnerable Americans. The proposed changes would also result in a significant reduction in Medicaid reimbursement that could result in rural hospital closures.