State to apply for federal funds to help improve health care in rural WA

Rural Health Transformation Program funding will be available under new congressional legislation

Under the H.R.1 budget reconciliation bill, the federal government is offering $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding to help improve rural health care across the country. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will oversee RHTP and provide $10 billion annually to approved states between 2026–2030.

The Health Care Authority (HCA) and departments of Health (DOH) and Social and Health Services (DSHS) are partnering to develop our state’s RHTP application.

More about the program

To receive funding, states must submit a Rural Health Transformation Plan that addresses specific components, such as improving access to care and prioritizing technologies that support specific types of care. States must also commit to using RHTP funds for certain activities.

Learn more about the requirements. 

We want to hear from you!

As we begin drafting the state’s application, we are seeking input from partners, stakeholders, and other interested people. We’re looking for inclusive approaches that meet the needs of Washington’s rural communities, such as:

  • Projects with a defined scope and implementation plan that are ready to launch soon.
  • General input about community needs, regional trends, and recommendations for leveraging RHTP funds.
  • Concepts or initiatives that could transform rural health care delivery, especially for primary care, maternity services, complex care, behavioral health, and more.
  • Opportunities to support workforce, infrastructure, and technology in communities and rural areas.

Here is what we're looking for.

Who can provide input?

We welcome responses from anyone who is interested! This includes but is not limited to:

  • Tribal health organizations
  • Hospitals and provider networks
  • Federally qualified health centers
  • Rural health clinics
  • Health care providers, including specialty care
  • Public health organizations
  • Community-based organizations
  • Rural residents, patients, and advocates

View the full list. 

How, when, and where to provide input

Please share your ideas, insights, considerations, concepts, and other information with us! Visit the HCA webpage for additional instructions and what to include in your response. We strongly encourage early submissions, and will review responses on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can reach us by:

  • Email: Paying for Value team
  • Mail or drop in:
    Washington State Health Care Authority
    Attention: Keah Hardy
    626 8th Avenue SE
    Olympia, WA 98501

Please provide your input by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 (extended from August 29).

We will hold a webinar later this month and send an announcement with details soon. Stay tuned!

Visit our RHTP page.