Rural Health Organizations Prepare for New Shift in Healthcare

CMS Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Funding Released

CMS has announced final funding decisions for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), awarding funding to all 50 states. Of these, 27 states received more than $200 million to support rural health system transformation. With awards finalized, states are now moving into implementation and subgrant planning/awards, creating significant new opportunities for eligible rural health organizations to participate.

SunHawk State RHTP Fact Sheets

To help rural providers efficiently navigate this opportunity, SunHawk’s experts developed free, one-page State Fact Sheets that provide a concise overview of each state’s RHT priorities and performance expectations.

These resources help rural organizations quickly assess alignment and eligibility for upcoming subgrant opportunities by enabling them to:

• Understand final state award amounts and priorities
• Identify proposed initiatives and key performance indicators (KPIs), and alignment with current and potential organizational capabilities
• Explore organizational readiness for participation
• Access direct links to complete state applications for deeper review

CMS Resources

CMS has also published key resources to support transparency and stakeholder engagement:

• Final RHT funding decisions by state
  CMS Press Release: CMS Announces $50 Billion in Awards to Strengthen Rural Health in All 50 States
  https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-50-billion-awards-strengthen-rural-health-all-50-states
• 50-State RHT Proposal Spotlights
  CMS summary highlighting common themes and lessons learned across state applications
  https://www.cms.gov/files/document/rural-health-transformation-50-state-spotlights.pdf

Common Program Themes Across States

Integrated Medical and Behavioral Health

States focus on unmet mental health needs exacerbated by mental health provider shortages. States propose expanded in-person and virtual integration to address preventive and complex needs, including upskilling and embedding new behavioral health providers in clinics, emergency departments, and hospitals.

Innovative Technology

Advanced technology is available to expand the reach of rural providers. States propose investments in technology to increase access to essential screenings and care while reducing administrative burden, including expansion of state Health Information Exchange (HIE) systems, upgrades to provider electronic medical records (EMRs), and AI for back-office support.

Workforce Development

Rural workforce shortages force residents to bypass local facilities when seeking care. States propose tailored solutions, including grants and new educational programming, including upskilling existing staff through certifications and targeted rural training programs.

Value-Based Purchasing (VBP)

National funding is quickly shifting to VBP models, both at the state and federal levels. States propose funding to offset initial participation costs for rural organizations, including technology, and incorporating additional billing codes to enable sustainable reimbursement for new services.

Partner With SunHawk

SunHawk is ready to support your planning, strategy, and implementation needs.
Contact SunHawk to learn how to:

• Maximize RHTP funding opportunities
• Align current and future programs with state priorities
• Build sustainable integrated mental and physical health initiatives
• Leverage technology and programing to support value-based purchasing reimbursement
• Improve clinical quality, increase financial sustainability, and build partnerships to support community health outcomes

Brigita Landstrom, MHS, CPHQ, CAS
Director
SunHawk Consulting

Brigita Fody Landstrom has 25 years of Medicare/Medicaid managed care, Community Health Center Quality, and large hospital and healthcare systems experience. Passionate about population health, Brigita has dedicated her career to serving the health of communities, with extra attention on traditionally marginalized populations. Brigita has worked with leaders and regulators within multiple market segments on data-driven systems improvement, large-scale health program implementation, grant writing, risk contracting, budget development, policy development, and staff training and support.