Summary
Three states have submitted their plans to improve rural health care to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These plans are part of a program that aims to transform healthcare delivery in rural areas by 2026 with $50 billion in funding. The focus is on improving telehealth and healthcare workforce in remote communities.
Key Facts
- North Dakota, Missouri, and Mississippi submitted their Rural Health Transformation plans to CMS.
- The program aims to improve healthcare access and quality in rural areas with $50 billion over five years starting in 2026.
- Half of the funding will be equally shared among approved states, while the rest will consider factors like rural population.
- Initiatives in the plans focus on telehealth, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and improving healthcare infrastructures.
- Missouri's plan includes creating a regional network to connect various healthcare providers and expand access to different health services.
- Mississippi's plan aims to secure sustainable access to high-quality healthcare and improve patient outcomes by 2031.
- The effort addresses challenges like Medicaid cuts, hospital closures, and labor shortages in rural areas.
