By Scout Nelson
North Dakota is awarded $199 million in federal funding to launch the first year of a statewide Rural Health Transformation Program. The funding comes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and supports rural health care improvements over the next five years.
The program focuses on improving access to care, raising service quality, and supporting better health results for people living in rural communities. State leaders say the funding gives North Dakota a chance to reshape how care is delivered in small towns and farming areas.
To accept the funding, state lawmakers must approve the budget before it can be used. The governor issues an executive order to call a special legislative session starting January 21 to begin the approval process.
“With this major investment through the Rural Health Transformation Program, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink and reshape how health care is delivered to our rural communities,” Armstrong said. “We thank President Trump, HHS Secretary Kennedy, CMS Administrator Oz and our congressional delegation for their support in securing this funding, which will benefit citizens across our state and help make North Dakota the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
The state submits its application for the funding in early November. The program is built around four main goals. These goals include strengthening the rural health workforce, supporting healthy eating and preventive care, bringing high quality care closer to home, and connecting providers using better technology and data systems.
“This funding allows North Dakota to build on existing partnerships and invest in long-term solutions to move toward making our state the healthiest in the nation,” said Pat Traynor, commissioner for North Dakota Health and Human Services. “Rural communities face unique challenges, and this program helps ensure people can get the care they need, close to home.”
The state also secures approval for a food program waiver that limits unhealthy food purchases under nutrition support plans. This step supports better health results and opens access to added federal funding over the five year period.
Health and Human Services teams now prepare systems for grant planning, fair distribution, and compliance. The first group of grant opportunities is expected in early 2026.
“Being awarded this grant funding is an important milestone,” said Sarah Aker, HHS medical services executive director. “Now, our focus shifts to implementation so the resources can start making an impact in rural communities.”
This program supports long-term health care strength for North Dakota families living in rural areas. To learn more about the Rural Health Transformation Program, including signing up to receive program notifications, visit hhs.nd.gov/rural-health-transformation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-hirurg
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy