On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1 was signed into law, establishing the federal $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to improve rural healthcare across all fifty states. The program provides federal funding from federal fiscal years 2026-2030 to improve access, quality, and sustainability of rural healthcare. The program is administered at the federal level by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Mission
To improve access, quality, and sustainability of rural healthcare.
What We Do
Collaborate with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), other State agencies, hospitals, healthcare professionals, and community partners to implement the federal Rural Health Transformation Program award in Rhode Island, transform healthcare delivery in the state’s 18 rural towns, and provide critical support to local providers.
To learn more about the program and next steps for implementation, see the EOHHS website.
Funding Information
This project is supported by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $156,169,931.19 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS or the US government.
Rhode Island’s rural communities face unique challenges, including limited access to care, workforce shortages, transportation barriers, and persistent health disparities.
While Rhode Island is the smallest state, rural health disparities affect thousands of residents.
Federally Designated Rural Areas: New Shoreham (Block Island); Westerly
Rhode Island-Specific Rural Definition:
- Developed by the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health and approved by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to guide administration of the State Offices of Rural Health Program.
- Identifies 18 Rhode Island towns as having rural health challenges, including:
- Limited access to providers
- Transportation barriers
- Higher rates of chronic disease
- Reduced access to behavioral health and specialty care
- View Rhode Island’s current rural health definition.
Stay Connected
Complete the Rural Health Transformation Program Interest Form to be added to our listserv.
Contact the Rural Health Transformation Program Team at OHHS.RIRHTP@ohhs.ri.gov.
Learn More
- Grant Application Details
- Rhode Island’s Rural Health Definition
- RIDOH Strategic Framework
- Foundational Report and Long-Term Healthcare System Planning Initiative
- CMS Rural Health Transformation Program Website
- P.L. 119-21 Section 71401 Reg Text
- Governor McKee Announces $156 Million Federal Award to Transform Rural Health Care in Rhode Island