Kansas grant opportunities, Alaska Advisory Council Charter, South Dakota RFPs, Washington revised budget
Rural Health Transformation Program Daily Brief, February 26, 2026
Kansas posts grant opportunity
KDHE Announces First RHTP Grant Opportunities for Kansas Providers, Organizations
The $44 million RPGP grant enables eligible providers to participate in collaborative arrangements that promote preventive health care and address the root causes of disease, enhance rural providers’ efficiency and sustainability, attract and retain a highly-skilled health care workforce, spark growth of value-based care models, and foster the use of innovative technologies. Applications for the RPGP grant are due April 3, 2026.
The REH/CAP grant will provide facilities that have been converted or are in the process of converting to REH status with $15 million in available funds to make necessary facility renovations and provide other eligible providers with funds to make capital investments to transform how they serve their communities. Applications for the REH/CAP grant are due March 20, 2026.
Detailed submission and restriction information, along with the official RFAs for the grants, have been posted on the Kansas RHTP website. KDHE will host a webinar for interested parties on March 6, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required for this webinar, and can be accessed HERE.Programs & Services
Alaska updates Advisory Council Charter
The Advisory Council includes:
A Steering Committee, which advises the Commissioner on overall RHTP strategy and implementation; and
A Stakeholder Committee, which brings broader community, provider, and system perspectives to inform Steering Committee discussions.
The Department of Health may also convene time-limited workgroups as needed.
Look for next:
“Additional information will be added to this page as available, including details on how to nominate or apply for the Stakeholder Committee.”
South Dakota publishes seven RFPs
The first round of Rural Health Transformation RFPs includes the following opportunities:
Digital Health Modernization and Technology Grant Program Manager
This role will support statewide efforts to modernize digital health systems, equipment, and technology that improve care coordination, access, and data-driven decision-making.Medicaid Primary Accountable Care Transformation (PACT)
The awarded vendor would support South Dakota Medicaid in creating a population-based alternative payment methodology for primary care, including actuarial support for the initial model design and methodology for updates, developing a quality-based payment methodology based on provider performance based on Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) or other quality measures, developing a recipient rewards program, and facilitating stakeholder engagement meetings.Department of Social Services (DSS) Project Manager
This position will support cross-agency coordination and implementation activities related to Rural Health Transformation efforts involving the Department of Social Services.Project Management Support for the Chronic Disease Management Initiative
Project management support would include various roles and responsibilities like serving as a liaison with funded entities; ensuring activities, objectives, and outcomes are met and within budget; and supporting data collection and reporting.Caregiver Support Programming
Caregiver support programming would include providing services, education, and resources to caregivers, providers, and the public. The goal is for caregivers, a largely unrecognized workforce, to gain additional resources through peer support groups, coordinated resources, expanded provider training, and increased respite care availability.Chronic Disease Self-Management Programming
The awarded vendor(s) must expand CDSM programming in rural and Western South Dakota by training additional lay leaders, offering community workshops, and marketing for local participation.Expand and Strengthen the Rural Community Health Worker Workforce
The awarded vendor will work with organizations across South Dakota to expand and strengthen the Community Health Worker (CHW) and Community Health Representative (CHR) workforce. The vendor will provide technical assistance for program development and expansion, assist with financial sustainability and payment frameworks, offer cross training, certification, and professional development opportunities, and develop strategies to recruit and retain CHWs and CHRs in communities across South Dakota.
How to Access the RFPs
All current Rural Health Transformation RFPs are available for review and application through the state’s posting board at: https://postingboard.esmsolutions.com/3444a404-3818-494f-84c5-2a850acd7779/events
Washington posts revised budget
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved Washington state’s revised budget for the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. CMS has allocated Washington a year 1 budget of $181 million.
During the original application, CMS suggested that states budget for $200 million yearly. For the new budget, the Health Care Authority (HCA), in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) — in support of the Governor’s Office — have adjusted the original application without eliminating any activity.
The first-year budget alignment focuses on projects that can leverage existing partnerships and activities ready for rapid implementation.
With our revised RHT budget is approved, our next step is to review a cooperative agreement with CMS.