| Read this in your browser September 18, 2025 What's New CMS Releases Application Instructions for the Rural Health Transformation Program – Apply by November 5. On Monday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued application instructions for States to apply for funding from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, created by Section 71401 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The program aims to help State governments support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Only the 50 U.S. States are eligible to receive an RHT Program award. The $50 billion in funding will be allocated to approved states over five years, with $10 billion available each year beginning in 2026. Half of the funding will be evenly distributed to all states with an approved application. The other half will be awarded based on individual state applications. Register in advance for CMS webinars for applicants to the RHT Program on September 19 or September 25. The deadline for states to apply for funding is November 5, 2025. HRSA Awards $3 Million to Improve Health Outcomes for Rural Mothers and Infants. This month, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) awarded three Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (Rural MOMS) Networks in Alabama, Arkansas, and Virgina. These networks join a group of eight existing FORHP-funded Rural MOMS Networks to further community level efforts designed to increase access to maternal and obstetrics care in rural communities. Rural MOMS awardees build networks to coordinate continuum of care and improve financial sustainability to keep maternal and obstetric services accessible to rural mothers and their families. To date, the program has awarded 17 networks in 15 states, serving over 25,000 women. Over the four-year project period that begins September 30, 2025, three new FY25 Rural MOMS awardees will implement projects including activities to improve access to care through services such as risk-based telehealth services, and workforce training to increase the number and reach of maternal health care providers in rural areas. Funding and Opportunities IHS Dental Preventive Clinical Support Program – October 10. The Indian Health Service (IHS), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, will make and estimated six awards with total funding of $2.7 million for a five-year project period. The purpose of the program is to combine existing resources and infrastructure with IHS Headquarters, IHS Area resources, and dental support centers to address broad challenges and opportunities in the dental field. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. CMS Guidance on Changes to Medicaid State Directed Payments. Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance to state Medicaid offices on implementation of Section 71116 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to aid planning efforts until a final rule is announced. Effective July 4, 2025, Section 71116 limits Medicaid State Directed Payments (SDPs) from managed care plans for inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, nursing facility services, or qualified practitioner services at an academic medical center. Some existing SDPs may be grandfathered until January 1, 2028. This policy change may result in lower Medicaid payments to some providers unless the payments meet the criteria for grandfathering. This information is preliminary. Final policies will depend on the contents of a final rule. Approaching Deadlines HHS/CMS Seek Members for Healthcare Advisory Committee – Nominate by September 22 Targeted Technical Assistance Program for Rural Hospitals – September 30 IHS Dental Preventive Clinical Support Program – October 10 CMS Rural Health Transformation Program – November 5 HRSA NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program – November 6 HRSA State Loan Repayment Program – January 12, 2026 Ongoing Opportunities - Updated September 2025 Bold indicates HRSA- and/or FORHP-funded opportunities. Administration for Children & Families: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency – Technical Assistance for Rural EMS Communications Delta Regional Authority: Community Infrastructure Fund Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program General Services Administration: Federal Surplus Property Available for Public Use HRSA Needs Rural Reviewers for Grant Applications HRSA National Health Service Corps Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Training HRSA Look-Alike Initial Designation for the Health Center Program Indian Health Service/Department of Defense: Medical Supplies and Equipment for Tribes (Project TRANSAM) Licensure Portability: The Multi-Discipline Licensure Resource Project National Rural Health Resource Center: Rural Hospital Stabilization Program ProviderBridge: Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth Rural Graduate Medical Education Planning and Development Small Business Administration Guaranteed Loans for Small Business Small Business Administration Rural Initiative Pilot Program Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Federal Emergency Management Agency/: Post-Disaster Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program USDA: National School Lunch Afterschool Snack Program USDA: Summer Food Service Program USDA/National Rural Health Association: Rural Hospital Technical Assistance USDA Rural Development: America's Healthy Food Financing Initiative USDA Rural Development: Circuit Rider Program – Technical Assistance for Rural Water Systems USDA Rural Development: Community Facilities Program USDA Rural Development: Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants USDA Rural Development: Grants for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages USDA Rural Development: Intermediary Relending Program – Ongoing with deadlines every quarter USDA Rural Development: Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantees USDA Rural Development: Rural Business Investment Program USDA Rural Development: Rural Energy Savings Program USDA Rural Development: SEARCH – Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (for Water/Waste Projects) USDA Rural Development: Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees U.S. Department of Transportation: Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (R.O.U.T.E.S) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Physical Therapy Telehealth Research Study for Older Veterans – Ongoing until October 2026 | 
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