ACOs · Implementation · 6 min read
How can accountable care organizations (ACOs) use Rural Health Transformation Program funding?
ACOs think in terms of total cost of care and shared risk, so RHTP dollars that fund prevention and care coordination can directly improve the population-health math they already manage. In practice, accountable care organizations (ACOs) can fund rural care-coordination and transitions-of-care programs, chronic-disease management for high-cost cohorts, data and analytics infrastructure for attributed rural populations, and shared-savings-aligned prevention initiatives. These map most naturally to the evidence-based prevention and chronic-disease management, and consumer-facing, technology-driven solutions categories, and ACOs engage as delivery partners or sub-recipients, aligning RHTP-funded prevention with their existing value-based contracts.
Where RHTP fits
ACOs think in terms of total cost of care and shared risk, so RHTP dollars that fund prevention and care coordination can directly improve the population-health math they already manage.
Fundable program types
RHTP can support a range of work for accountable care organizations (ACOs):
- rural care-coordination and transitions-of-care programs
- chronic-disease management for high-cost cohorts
- data and analytics infrastructure for attributed rural populations
- shared-savings-aligned prevention initiatives
How to engage with the funding
ACOs engage as delivery partners or sub-recipients, aligning RHTP-funded prevention with their existing value-based contracts.
Because states apply and are accountable; sub-recipients (providers, plans, vendors) deliver, the practical move is to track your state's solicitations and align your proposal to its plan.
A common pitfall to avoid
Treating RHTP as grant revenue rather than as fuel for the risk model leaves savings on the table when the funding ends.
Frequently asked questions
- Are accountable care organizations (ACOs) eligible for RHTP funding?
- Not directly: states hold the award. accountable care organizations (ACOs) participate through state solicitations as sub-recipients or partners.
- Which allowable-use categories fit accountable care organizations (ACOs) best?
- The evidence-based prevention and chronic-disease management, and consumer-facing, technology-driven solutions categories are the most natural fit.
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.