Salina Post
Kansas US Senator Jerry Moran has announced access to funding for a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, giving rural healthcare providers assistance to overcome struggles.
According to Moran News, this funding was created in the Reconciliation Bill to direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to work with states to identify the root challenges facing rural health providers.
“The Rural Health Transformation Program is a significant investment in rural health care and will help improve outcomes for struggling hospitals, invest in new technology and bolster rural communities,” said Sen. Moran. “I worked with my colleagues to establish this critical fund, and every state will have the opportunity to submit a one-time application tailored to the needs of the state, with no match required by the state. I look forward to working with our health care leaders and Governor Kelly to make certain Kansas providers can receive the resources they need to improve the long-term success of rural providers.”
Back on July 1, Moran added this fund as part of the Reconciliation Bill and was then signed into law by President Trump on July 4. One of Moran's top priorities, after voting to support the Senate budget reconciliation legislation is to protect rural hospitals.
On September 15, CMS approved Kansas’ 2025 provider tax preprint, increasing the hospital provider tax to 6% from 3%.
According to the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA), states were allocated dollars and the state determines the programs in which the facilities (in their state) can apply for. The KHA added, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will make this determination, along with certain parameters and the rural hospitals will be able to apply from there.
State employees, health care providers and interested members of the public will be able to participate in several webinars with CMS to learn how to strengthen and aid in the submission of their state’s one-time application for federal resources.
The deadline for states to apply is November 5, 2025; awardee decisions will be made by December 31, 2025.
More information on the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program and details on how to apply can be found HERE.