State Agencies · Eligibility · 4 min read
Are state agencies administering RHTP eligible for RHTP funding?
state agencies administering RHTP are not direct CMS grantees, states hold the cooperative agreement. But state agencies administering RHTP 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 state agencies administering RHTP is not "can we apply to CMS" but "how do we qualify for our state's mechanism."
State agencies are the hub: they receive the award and distribute it through their own competitive and formula mechanisms.
How to qualify
Align your program (such as designing RFAs and grant mechanisms) to the state's plan and the additional uses that promote sustainable access, and evidence-based prevention and chronic-disease management categories, and be ready to show obligation and spend-down rates.
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.