Behavioral Health · Eligibility · 4 min read
Are behavioral health programs eligible for RHTP funding?
behavioral health programs are not direct CMS grantees, states hold the cooperative agreement. But behavioral health programs are eligible to participate as sub-recipients or partners through state solicitations, which is how the funding actually reaches them.
The eligibility reality
States apply and are accountable; sub-recipients (providers, plans, vendors) deliver So the question for behavioral health programs is not "can we apply to CMS" but "how do we qualify for our state's mechanism."
Behavioral health providers typically sub-contract under a state behavioral health authority or integrate with rural primary care grantees.
How to qualify
Align your program (such as integrated behavioral health in primary care) to the state's plan and the evidence-based prevention and chronic-disease management, and consumer-facing, technology-driven solutions categories, and be ready to show screening rates (PHQ-9, GAD-7) and follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a federal application for providers?
- No. Providers and partners work through their state's process, not directly with CMS.
- Does rural location matter for eligibility?
- Yes. RHTP targets rural access, so programs serving rural populations are the focus of state solicitations.
Figures reflect the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program NOFO and the December 2025 award announcement. RHTP Tracker is an independent resource by Moodr Health and is not affiliated with CMS.