Rural Health Systems · Eligibility · 4 min read
Are rural health systems and hospitals eligible for RHTP funding?
rural health systems and hospitals are not direct CMS grantees, states hold the cooperative agreement. But rural health systems and hospitals 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 rural health systems and hospitals is not "can we apply to CMS" but "how do we qualify for our state's mechanism."
Rural systems are frequently direct sub-recipients of state RHTP solicitations and often anchor regional partnerships.
How to qualify
Align your program (such as service-line stabilization (OB, ED, behavioral health)) to the state's plan and the additional uses that promote sustainable access, and payments to providers for items or services categories, and be ready to show service availability and avoided closures.
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.