North Carolina Secures Over $216 Million in Continued Funding for Rural Health Initiatives
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted North Carolina a substantial $216,824,573.30 as part of the ongoing Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP) funding. This allocation includes an initial $100 million awarded to all states last month, raising North Carolina’s total funding since April 2026 to over $429 million.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the state’s commitment to healthcare accessibility, stating, “Every North Carolinian should have access to affordable, high-quality health care close to where they live.” He reiterated the state’s dedication to utilizing the funding effectively to bolster healthcare in rural communities across North Carolina.
The NCRHTP is designed to enhance health outcomes in rural areas, ensuring better access to care and sustaining health services. With the initial funding, North Carolina is investing in successful programs while fostering local and regional partnerships to drive enduring change. These efforts focus on reinforcing the rural healthcare workforce, advancing technology, and connecting communities to necessary care and support.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will conduct a public webinar on December 10 to discuss progress, priorities, and future plans. NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai will highlight how NCRHTP aligns with the department’s strategic plan and its priority to transform rural health. Registration is required and available online.
“Our ultimate goal is to make sure every person in North Carolina, no matter where they live, has the care and support they need to live a healthy life,” stated NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We are grateful to our federal partners for NCRHTP’s Year 2 funding allocation as we continue on our mission to grow our health care workforce, improve technology, and build a stronger system.”
Detailed information about funding opportunities for NCRHTP can be found on the grant opportunities page of the NCDHHS website. For ongoing updates on North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program and additional engagement opportunities, individuals can subscribe to the NCRHTP newsletter.
Initiated by the federal government, the Rural Health Transformation Program aims to assist states in enhancing healthcare in rural regions. The funding allows states to improve technology, bolster the healthcare workforce, and innovate care delivery methods. In its first year, North Carolina received over $213 million. The federal initiative will continue to provide funding for five years, contingent on state progress and federal budgetary decisions.
Despite effectively leveraging the Rural Health Transformation Program’s resources, North Carolina faces the challenge of reduced federal Medicaid funding due to the same legislation, H.R. 1, that established the program. This reduction could result in a loss of tens of billions of dollars in healthcare funding over the next decade for the state.
Stevens Amendment Disclosure:
This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $429,832,929.77 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.
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