Rural Health Transformation Program funding tracker: CMS awards Virginia $122M; Georgia receives $93.3M

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently awarded $122 million to Virginia as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), according to a recent update from Fierce Healthcare. The five-year, $50 billion fund was distributed to each state for plans to enhance rural healthcare infrastructure.

Prior to Virginia, North Carolina was awarded $20 million by CMS in September to improve telehealth access and upgrade health technology for rural residents. The funding will be dispersed over fiscal year 2026, with a total of $213,008,356 allocated to the state.

Montana also received a substantial $8.7 million from CMS for EMS agencies to acquire new ambulances, equipment, and supplies. The total amount allocated to Montana is $233,509,359 for fiscal year 2026.

Texas received a $51 million investment from CMS to establish or enhance community-based wellness and chronic disease prevention programs, particularly for residents suffering from diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The awarded funds will be disseminated over fiscal year 2026, amounting to $281,319,361.

Colorado's RHTP allocation of $169 million will be used to bolster specialty care, strengthen emergency services, and improve access to blood transfusions. This funding will support 91 grantees and approximately 250 projects during fiscal year 2026, totaling $200,105,604.

Additionally, Arkansas was awarded $54.6 million to expand maternal healthcare services, bolster the workforce, and combat chronic diseases. The full allocation of $208,779,396 will be disbursed over fiscal year 2026, with $27.4 million directed towards community-based health and wellness services and $27.2 million towards workforce recruitment, training, and retention.