Sunflower State News

The State of Kansas has started the process to apply for funding from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. This federal program was established in the Reconciliation Bill and instructs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to collaborate with states to identify challenges facing rural health providers and invest in solutions aimed at improving outcomes.

Kansas health care providers are expected to receive about $1 billion over the next five years as part of this initiative. According to a statement, “Throughout the reconciliation process, I worked with my colleagues to establish $50 billion in funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program to invest in the success of rural health care and provide critical resources to hospitals in need,” adding, “With Kansas estimated to receive approximately $1 billion from this fund over the next five years, I look forward to working with the state government and the University of Kansas Health System Care Collaborative team to make certain Kansas providers receive the needed resources to improve the delivery of quality care to rural communities.”

Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas, together with the University of Kansas Health System Care Collaborative, will hold an educational webinar on Monday, September 29 at 9 a.m. CT. The event aims to explain details about the application process and address questions regarding stakeholder engagement. The state encourages rural health care providers, state employees, and interested members of the public to register their interest through the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance. This group was created specifically to monitor progress on Kansas’ application and oversee implementation efforts related to rural health needs.

Senator Jerry Moran played a role in establishing funding for RHT as part of his work on the Reconciliation Bill. He also met with hospital leaders across Kansas during discussions about supporting rural hospitals through this new fund.