New York State submitted an application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. Their application will now undergo negotiations with CMS and may be revised through that process. CMS will announce awards by December 31, 2025. NYS has stated their intent for funding to flow exclusively to rural providers. New York’s application included four key elements:
- Establish coordinated rural health partnerships: These partnerships between rural hospitals and healthcare organizations will enhance patient access to a wide range of providers across the care continuum to address both health and social needs.
- Strengthen rural communities with technology-enhanced primary care: Improve rural patient access to and utilization of high-quality primary care through the Patient Centered Medical Home model with the incorporation of artificial intelligence where appropriate.
- Build a sustainable rural health care workforce: Create a self-sustaining cycle of workforce development and pipeline that addresses both immediate staffing needs and long-term capacity-building, ensuring New York's rural communities have continuous access to high quality health care services tailored to their regional circumstances.
- Investments in technology innovation and cybersecurity enhancements: Expand access to care through telehealth, improving patient outcomes through eConsult partnerships, increasing usable alerts in rural counties and strengthening cybersecurity of rural facilities.
View New York State’s Transforming Rural Health website for additional information and updates.