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Utah prepares federal Rural Health Transformation application; stakeholders to shape priorities before Nov. 5 deadline
Summary
Utah officials briefed the committee on a CMS‑run Rural Health Transformation funding opportunity that could deliver baseline and competitive funds to states; DHHS described stakeholder listening sessions, priority areas, and a November 5 application deadline.
Utah Department of Health and Human Services officials described the state’s planning process for a federal Rural Health Transformation funding opportunity administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The national program authorizes $50 billion over five years; DHHS officials said the baseline stream is divided equally among states and estimated Utah’s baseline share at $500 million over five years, with a second competitive stream awarded on additional rural‑need factors.
Deputy Director Nate Chekets and Dr. Ronak Iqbal outlined three federal objectives: improve financial sustainability of rural health care, increase access to care, and improve health outcomes. The department has convened stakeholder listening sessions (Cedar City on Sept. 11, a Brigham City session, and an upcoming Moab session) and collected an online survey with 106 respondents to prioritize activities. Stakeholder input was grouped into four strategic goals: healthy rural Utahns (prevention, chronic disease, behavioral health); workforce development; innovation and access (including provider payment models); and technology innovation.
The CMS notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) released the previous day added two priorities — capital expenditures and fostering collaboration — that DHHS is still reviewing. The department is drafting the application with internal and external workgroups; the timeline posted at the hearing set an internal draft by Oct. 15, an application submission on Nov. 5, and an award announcement expected by Dec. 31. DHHS officials said only one application per state is permitted and the application must cover both the baseline and competitive funding streams and demonstrate sustainability.
Committee members asked how the application will engage tribal health providers; DHHS said it met the Utah Indian Health Advisory Board and invited tribal representation in work groups. Officials asked stakeholders to submit further input via a dedicated email and noted materials and recordings are posted on the department’s website.
