Maternal & Family Health · Implementation · 6 min read
How can maternal and family health programs use Rural Health Transformation Program funding?
Rural maternity-care deserts have grown as obstetric units close, so maternal and family health is a high-visibility target for RHTP investment in sustainable access. In practice, maternal and family health programs can fund maternal telehealth and remote monitoring for high-risk pregnancies, community health worker and doula support models, rural OB unit stabilization and regional referral networks, and postpartum behavioral health and home-visiting programs. These map most naturally to the evidence-based prevention and chronic-disease management, and additional uses that promote sustainable access categories, and Maternal health programs often run through state public health or Medicaid agencies, partnering with regional hospitals and FQHCs.
Where RHTP fits
Rural maternity-care deserts have grown as obstetric units close, so maternal and family health is a high-visibility target for RHTP investment in sustainable access.
Fundable program types
RHTP can support a range of work for maternal and family health programs:
- maternal telehealth and remote monitoring for high-risk pregnancies
- community health worker and doula support models
- rural OB unit stabilization and regional referral networks
- postpartum behavioral health and home-visiting programs
How to engage with the funding
Maternal health programs often run through state public health or Medicaid agencies, partnering with regional hospitals and FQHCs.
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
Stabilizing an OB unit without a regional referral and transport plan risks leaving gaps the moment funding tapers.
Frequently asked questions
- Are maternal and family health programs eligible for RHTP funding?
- Not directly: states hold the award. maternal and family health programs participate through state solicitations as sub-recipients or partners.
- Which allowable-use categories fit maternal and family health programs best?
- The evidence-based prevention and chronic-disease management, and additional uses that promote sustainable access 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.