Congressman Harris Applauds Historic $50 Billion Rural Health Transformation Program

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) applauded the launch of the new $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, created under the Working Families Tax Cuts. This marks a historic step to invest in America’s rural communities.

The Rural Health Transformation Program invites all 50 states to apply for funding to address each state’s specific rural health challenges. The $50 billion program funding will be allocated to approved states over five years, with $10 billion available each year beginning in federal fiscal year 2026.

The Program has five strategic goals, grounded in the statutorily approved uses of funds:

• Make rural America healthy again: Support rural health innovations and new access points to promote preventative health and address root causes of diseases.
• Sustainable access: Help rural providers become long-term access points for care by improving efficiency and sustainability.
• Workforce development: Attract and retain a highly skilled health care workforce by strengthening recruitment and retention of health care providers in rural communities.
• Innovative care: Spark the growth of innovative care models to improve health outcomes, coordinate care, and promote flexible care arrangements.
• Tech innovation: Foster use of innovative technologies that promote efficient care delivery, data security, and access to digital health tools by rural facilities, providers, and patients.

States must submit applications by November 5, 2025.

For more information, please visit a dedicated webpage here: Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program | CMS

Statement from Congressman Harris: 

“Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, we are delivering an unprecedented investment in rural health care. As a physician, I know how vital rural hospitals and clinics are to my constituents in Maryland’s First District. This program will foster innovation, expand the health care workforce, and ensure quality care is available close to home.”