Wisconsin Launches New Grants to Boost Rural Healthcare Access
On June 15, 2026, Gov. Tony Evers, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), unveiled new application opportunities for several Rural Health Transformation Program grants. This initiative aims to distribute $40 million in funding to support projects focused on care coordination, community health workforce expansion, and dental clinic enhancements across Wisconsin.
“With healthcare becoming more expensive in Wisconsin and across our country, and as rural communities face challenges keeping hospital doors open and lights on, we must continue doing all we can to make sure healthcare is affordable and accessible across our state,” stated Gov. Evers. “We must connect the dots between transportation, access to high-speed internet, insurance coverage, and so much more of the unique factors that affect healthcare for families and communities in our rural areas. Launching these grants marks a pivotal moment in Wisconsin’s work toward removing barriers to healthcare, improving health, meeting folks where they are at, and building sustainable solutions for those who live and work in rural Wisconsin.”
Grant Opportunities
Three specific grant categories are open for applications, each with funding amounts subject to CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) approval.
Care coordination grants are designed to foster innovative partnerships that enhance care systems in rural Wisconsin. With an initial $10 million allocated for a 6-month planning period, successful applicants will have the opportunity to apply for further funding for a 4-year program, potentially receiving $25 million in the first year pending CMS approval. The deadline for planning period applications is August 21, 2026.
Community health worker grants aim to fortify the role and sustainability of community health workers, enhancing health outcomes in rural areas. DHS plans to allocate $20 million in the first year while recommending a letter of intent by July 1, 2026, with full applications due by August 7, 2026.
Rural dental efficiency and access grants focus on equipping dental clinics with new technologies to improve service efficiency and access in rural settings. $10 million will be awarded under this category, contingent upon CMS approval, with applications due by July 27, 2026.
DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “This funding will make a real difference in our rural communities, and we’re excited to hear more about the innovative work this can support. We want to transform healthcare for people who live and work in rural Wisconsin and encourage everyone eligible to apply for these opportunities.”
Technical Assistance and Further Developments
Organizations seeking guidance on their applications can request technical assistance via email at RHTP-evaluation@wisc.edu. The University of Wisconsin-Population Health Institute, Wisconsin Office of Rural Health, and Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality provide support, focusing on community data access and project evaluation, without influencing funding decisions.
In addition to these grants, DHS will allocate funds to healthcare organizations to foster technological innovations that eliminate barriers to care in rural communities, improve provider efficiency, and ensure better health outcomes. Details regarding these technology allocations will be announced this summer. DHS is also collaborating with over two dozen partners to implement the projects outlined in the CMS application, with more information to be shared once agreements are finalized.
The Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded by CMS, aims to enhance rural healthcare capacity, sustainability, and innovation, with a first-year award of $203,670,005.21. For more information, visit the Rural Health Transformation Program webpage and subscribe to email updates.
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