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Governor Laura Kelly has announced that Kansas has submitted its Rural Health Transformation Plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of the state’s application for the $50 billion federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The initiative aims to improve the health and sustainability of rural communities across the state.

The plan outlines strategies to strengthen rural healthcare systems by improving health outcomes, supporting providers, attracting and retaining skilled workers, and expanding the use of technology. It focuses on preventive care, workforce development, and modernizing healthcare delivery to ensure access to quality care in rural areas.

Developed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), the plan was created in collaboration with the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance (KRHIA) and the University of Kansas Care Collaborative.

If approved, KDHE will lead implementation efforts, with KRHIA continuing to coordinate stakeholder engagement. Key initiatives include expanding preventive health programs, improving local access to primary care, advancing value-based care, strengthening the rural healthcare workforce, and increasing the use of telehealth and data-sharing technologies.

CMS is expected to announce funding awards by December 31, 2025.

The project narrative, which contains additional details about the contents of Kansas’ application, can be found here.