By Emily Haynes, MPH MPAP, Policy Manager
FQHCs are uniquely positioned to deliver the promise of RHTP, but success will depend on early engagement, strong partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration.
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) represents a once‑in‑a‑generation investment in rural healthcare at a moment when rural providers face mounting financial pressure, workforce shortages, and persistent policy uncertainty. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are among the organizations best positioned to expand access to integrated, community‑based care, but realizing the full promise of RHTP will require early, intentional engagement across a wide range of stakeholders.
FQHCs have long delivered high‑quality, integrated primary care that addresses physical health, behavioral health, and social needs in rural communities. RHTP offers a rare opportunity to make long‑term infrastructure investments that strengthen sustainability, expand technology‑enabled and team‑based care, and better prepare rural providers for the future.
RHTP grants allow rural health centers to leverage payer‑agnostic funding to reinforce the primary care ecosystem. Potential investments include electronic medical record (EMR) optimization, pharmacy integration, value‑based care readiness, practice transformation, workforce support, and nutrition interventions. These priorities align closely with CMS’ and FQHCs’ shared goals: strengthening primary care, improving chronic disease outcomes, reducing avoidable healthcare spending, and easing administrative burden for under‑resourced rural providers.
Although funds were approved in January, many states are still determining how allocations will be distributed, and in some cases governance structures are still being finalized. Several states have already begun RFP and procurement processes, while others expect to move this summer to distribute FY26 funds by fall. Each state’s approach varies—some organize funding by intended recipient, others by initiative—making it essential for FQHCs to engage early and often with state‑level decision‑makers and with partners who can serve as capacity builders. States have a meaningful opportunity to ensure investments are shaped by organizations with deep experience serving rural populations and implementing community‑based models of care.
Rural health centers (RHCs) and rural‑serving FQHCs should begin assessing their needs now and initiating conversations with their state’s RHTP governing body about what they hope to accomplish in the first year. Some projects may require technical assistance, preferred vendor partnerships, or additional planning time that makes later‑year implementation more realistic. This is also a key moment for FQHCs outside traditionally rural areas to consider how shared infrastructure, technical expertise, and partnership models—such as mobile clinics, telehealth supports, and hub‑and‑spoke arrangements—could strengthen care for their rural neighbors. While definitions of rurality vary across states, these collaborations represent some of the most promising opportunities to achieve the level of transformation RHTP envisions.
For decades, rural‑serving FQHCs have been a critical structural support for rural residents’ access to primary care. RHTP will enable much‑needed, payer‑agnostic investment in the backbone of rural healthcare, and every dollar invested in FQHCs will advance community‑driven primary care that lowers costs while improving the health and vitality of rural communities. In the months ahead, proactive engagement with state leaders, trusted partners, and community stakeholders will be essential to ensuring these investments achieve their intended impact and create lasting improvements in rural healthcare access and outcomes.
If you are seeking support navigating the RFP process, we can help. Please reach out to Andrew Tarbox. We can partner with your health centers to advance your goals across alternative payment models and value-based care, social health, workforce strategy, and technology and operational services.
