@Kyle Packham
In response to questions on the status of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, the National Special Districts Association (NSDA) has issued a memo to members providing an overview of the one-time $50 billion effort to fund state-driven solutions to causes of poor health in rural America.
States submitted applications by November 5, 2025, and CMS announced first-year awards on December 29, 2025. Funds are awarded as federal financial assistance to states (100 percent federal, no state match), and states then determine the specific subaward mechanisms and timing for distributing dollars to providers and local partners.
States will convene annually at the CMS Rural Health Summit to share lessons learned, highlight effective models, and accelerate innovation across regions. This year the summit will be held March 16-18, 2026, during the CMS Quality Conference.
Access NSDA Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program Memo
Members of CSDA receive full NSDA membership with access to benefits and resources.
CSDA members may use NSDA Website Access Code: CSDA8068
Special districts should monitor materials released following the CMS Rural Health Summit, as themes and models elevated by states may signal future priorities, expectations, and subaward approaches. Local officials should contact state leaders to provide input and seek direct answers related to their state’s implementation.
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