TOPEKA (KSNT) – State officials are celebrating the arrival of a federal grant of nearly $226 million in Kansas to support rural health programs.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced on Nov. 9 that Kansas is receiving over $225 million in its second year of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). State officials said Kansas received the sixth largest award in the nation through this program.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the federal RHTP grant, which was established by H.R.1 in 2025. The RHTP is a $50 billion nationwide program that will, over five years, disburse annual funding to states based on rural health needs and other initiatives.
Kelly announced that Kansas was developing its application to the $50 billion RHTP program last fall in an effort to assist the state’s rural healthcare centers. State officials submitted the application in December 2025 with the anticipation of receiving as much as $200 million.
Multiple new RHTP projects are set to be launched soon following the grant funding announcement on Nov. 9, according to the Office of the Governor. These include the non-emergent medical transportation grant program meant to help Kansans get to their medical appointments and the consumer facing technologies program that will provide early-stage disease education along with other resources for those who have Alzheimer’s.
- Major initiatives in Kansas
- Expand primary and secondary prevention programs
- Secure local access to primary care
- Enable value-based care
- Build a sustainable rural health workforce
- Harness data and technology
Race for Kansas governor remains contested
“We’ve taken great strides in Year 1 of the Rural Health Transformation Program to build a health care system that works for all Kansans – regardless of zip code – at a time when rural communities are particularly vulnerable and need support the most,” Kelly said. “I am confident Year 2 of the RHTP will build upon the progress we’ve made to improve quality of and access to rural health care in our state.”
Various state agencies and health organizations across the state implemented programs totaling $222 million during the first year of the RHTP program in Kansas, according to the Office of the Governor. Programs implemented in the first year include nearly $99 million in grants to eligible providers and partners in rural areas for projects that will construct new, and build upon existing, partnerships to help providers improve their facilities, buy necessary equipment and more.
“The requirements to quickly identify and implement projects in Year 1 of the RHTP were challenging, but through effective collaboration, Kansas providers are well on their way to executing enhanced access to care close to home, and transforming the care delivery system for rural communities,” said Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Janet Stanek. “Year 2 focuses on building on that momentum and continuing to put these well-earned dollars to work to strengthen rural hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, and other providers.”
You can learn more about the RHTP program and its impact on Kansas by clicking here.
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