Image courtesy Canva

Kansas submitted a 60-page application last week seeking a share of $50 billion in federal funding for rural health through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Nearly one-third of Kansans live in rural areas, and the state’s plan aims to improve health care access, expand prevention programs, build a sustainable rural health workforce, and increase use of telehealth and innovative care models.

Half of the $50 billion will be distributed evenly among selected states, with the remaining half allocated based on submitted plans paid out over five budget periods. Kansas’ application, developed in two months by the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance, includes metrics to track progress, with potential federal funding withheld if targets are not met. Key initiatives include embedding behavioral health providers in rural hospitals and expanding PACE programs for older residents.