The Health and Human Services Interim Committee meeting on September 16, 2025, focused on the Rural Health Transformation Program, a significant initiative aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural areas of Utah. The program, established by a federal bill signed on July 4, allocates $50 billion nationwide over five years, with Utah potentially receiving $500 million if its application is approved.

Nate Chekets, Deputy Director of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Ronak Iqbal, Medicaid Medical Director, presented details about the program's funding structure, which includes a baseline funding stream equally divided among all states and a workload funding stream based on various rural factors. They noted that Utah's urbanized population may affect its competitiveness for these funds, as the state does not score highly on certain rural metrics.

The program aims to enhance the financial sustainability of healthcare in rural areas, increase access to care, and improve health outcomes. Stakeholder input has been a crucial part of the application process, with 106 responses collected from surveys and listening sessions held across the state. The feedback has helped identify nine priority areas, which have been condensed into four strategic goals: promoting healthy rural populations, workforce development, innovation and access, and technology advancement.

The committee discussed the importance of collaboration with Indian health care providers, as required by the funding opportunity. Chekets confirmed that they have engaged with the Utah Indian Health Advisory Board and included tribal representatives in the listening sessions and work groups.

As the application deadline approaches on November 5, the committee is working to finalize the proposal, which must demonstrate sustainability and a commitment to improving rural health. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will announce the funding decisions by December 31. The meeting underscored the urgency and collaborative effort needed to secure these vital resources for Utah's rural communities.