Jim Sharp • February 13, 2026

CHCS Shares Federal Rural Health Transformation Plan Resources

Author

Jim Sharp

Date

February 13, 2026

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RCPA has been a long-time partner of the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), a policy design and implementation organization devoted to improving outcomes for people enrolled in Medicaid. 

Our collaborative efforts across the arena of Medicaid and the pending impacts of HR 1 remain a critical connection point to ensure access in Pennsylvania.


On behalf of CHCS, RCPA would like to share this update on resources related to the Rural Health Transformation Project. Per the update:


The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), authorized under the 2025 budget reconciliation act (P.L. 119-21), will distribute $50 billion to all 50 states from 2026 to 2030 — serving as a partial offset to Medicaid cuts. In designing and launching RHTP plans, state agencies must meet ambitious federal expectations and timelines. Experiences from other large-scale statewide efforts — such as the American Rescue Plan Act, Opioid Settlement Funds, multisector plans for aging (MPA), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) State Innovation Models (SIM) demonstration — can help inform state planning.


This brief provides practical recommendations to help states establish the administrative infrastructure needed to implement their RHTP plans. Drawing on insights from state officials involved with similar transformation efforts, as well as the Center for Health Care Strategies’ (CHCS) experience supporting this work, the brief highlights best practices and common pitfalls across four core domains:

  1. Governance;
  2. Stakeholder engagement and communications;
  3. Budget tracking, reporting, and contracting; and
  4. Data and evaluation.


While not exhaustive, this brief outlines practical lessons that state staff can use to guide RHTP activities during the critical first six to nine months of program design and implementation, helping states build a strong foundation for long-term success.


Additionally, CHCS published a series of tip sheets to aid stakeholders in exploring strategies and initiatives within the project. The tip sheets offer resources for strengthening rural health, including workforce and access issues.


If members have any questions regarding this update or the Rural Health Transformation Plan, please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp.

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