HHS Region 4 · Team Kentucky Rural Health Transformation
Program Overview
The Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Program (RHT) is actively implementing five interrelated initiatives focused on expanding EMS capacity, strengthening behavioral health crisis and telehealth access, advancing rural dental programs, developing chronic care and maternal health community hubs, and supporting workforce development. The program offers a range of targeted funding opportunities for health departments, EMS agencies, educational institutions, and behavioral health organizations, with a strong emphasis on technology-enabled care, regional collaboration, and prevention. Applications are currently open for several key initiative areas as part of a comprehensive, statewide strategy. Current structured plan tracks 6 key initiatives and 5 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Kentucky — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (120)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County | 783,022 | 14.3% | 10.5% |
| Fayette County | 323,725 | 14.9% | 9.1% |
| Kenton County | 171,288 | 11.8% | 7.7% |
| Warren County | 140,918 | 17.0% | 11.2% |
| Boone County | 139,841 | 6.3% | 4.0% |
| Hardin County | 111,942 | 13.1% | 10.4% |
| Daviess County | 103,648 | 14.7% | 11.5% |
| Madison County | 95,769 | 15.1% | 12.2% |
| Campbell County | 93,426 | 11.1% | 7.0% |
| Bullitt County | 84,027 | 9.7% | 7.4% |
| Christian County | 72,069 | 17.1% | 12.2% |
| Oldham County | 69,257 | 4.3% | 3.2% |
AI source: KY - 2026 - KY EMS Transformation – Narrative
AI auto-updated Jun 6, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
No related documents
No linked documents found.
1,720,534 rural residents
Kentucky has received CMS funding and officially launched the Rural Health Transformation Program. Multiple RFAs and application processes are open or underway across EMS, dental, behavioral health, and community hub initiatives, constituting state-level procurement. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines spanning June and July 2026, and the program is actively engaging rural stakeholders for local participation. Key opportunities support workforce, telehealth, and EMS priorities, and implementation is ongoing across several initiatives. State opportunities: 1 active (1 open, 12 past/closed), $4.3M listed funding. Key opportunities: Kentucky RHT Funding Opportunity to Develop Community Health Worker Specialized Certificates; Crisis to Care: Establish or Expand Community Paramedicine Program; Rural Health Transformation Program Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, maternal health, telehealth priorities.
Kentucky’s RHTP utilizes a phased, evidence-driven transformation centered on five integrated initiatives addressing chronic disease, maternal and infant health, behavioral health crises, rural oral health gaps, and emergency medical services system modernization. The approach features technology-enabled rural health hubs, telehealth expansion, workforce pipeline growth, and enhanced coordination, all supported by annual competitive grants and CMS performance-based funding for sustainable rural health infrastructure.
Model
Integrated hub-and-spoke network with digital infrastructure and phased pilot-to-scale deployment, aligned to technology-enabled care and workforce expansion.
Key Initiatives
Timeline: Primary implementation FY2026–FY2030, with phased competitive grant launches starting July 1, 2026; milestones include rural hub establishment by 2027, annual workforce and service expansion, and program funding tied to CMS performance benchmarks.
Dental and Oral Health: Access to preventive and definitive dental care is limited in rural areas; investments focus on workforce expansion and mobile services. (Regions: statewide, areas of high dental need)
Emergency Medical Services: Rural EMS capacity and scope are being expanded through community paramedicine, mobile training, and new care protocols. (Regions: statewide rural communities)
Behavioral Health: Behavioral health crisis support and telehealth expansion aim to improve follow-up care and connect rural residents to services. (Regions: statewide, Community Mental Health Centers)
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Due Aug 5, 2026
2 related documents
KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHT Funding Opportunity to Develop Community Health Worker Specialized Certificates
KY - 2026 - RHT - Community Health Worker - Attachment A - Budget Template
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Administrative Services
Due Jul 3, 2026
1 related document
KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support
RFA Announcement
Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH), Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Due Jun 12, 2026
14 related documents
KY - 2026 - Request for Application (RFA): RHTP Funding Opportunity For Definitive Mobile Dental Services
KY - 2026 - KY Definitive Mobile Dental Services – Attachment A: Budget Template
KY - 2026 - Attachment B - CMS Notice of Award
KY - 2026 - KY Rural Dental Access – Attachment A: Budget Template
Consolidated supporting doc
KY - 2026 - Education & Training Modernization Funding Guidance for EMS Agencies (RHT_E&T_Modernization_-_Narrative)
Auto-linked by context
KY - 2026 - Equipment and Mobile Training Units RFA EMS Agency Funding Application Form
Consolidated support doc
KY - 2026 - KY E&T Modernization – Attachment B: Budget Template
Consolidated support doc
KY - 2026 - Crisis to Care – EMS Transformation RFA EMS Agency Funding Application Form
Consolidated supporting doc
KY - 2026 - Crisis to Care – EMS Transformation EMS Agency Funding Guidance Narrative May 2026
Consolidated supporting doc
KY - 2026 - KY EMS Transformation – Attachment B: Budget Template
Consolidated supporting doc
KY - 2026 - Request for Application (RFA): RHTP Funding Opportunity to Increase EMS Training Equipment Quality and Offer Mobile Training Units to Underserved Areas
Primary source
KY - 2026 - RHTP – Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access (PHDH_Team_Request_for_Application)
Consolidated supporting doc
KY - 2026 - Request for Application (RFA): RHTP Funding Opportunity to Crisis to Care – EMS Transformation
Consolidated supporting doc
KY - 2026 - Request for Application (RFA): RHTP Funding Opportunity to Increase EMS Training Equipment Quality and Offer Mobile Training Units to Underserved Areas (Equipment_and_Mobile_Training_Units_-_Application)
Primary source
Kentucky is launching a Rural Health Transformation Plan funded via CMS, focusing on rural health workforce and population health outcomes. This RFA solicits Kentucky-based training organizations to develop new specialized Community Health Worker certificates in Healthy Lifestyle Management, Perinatal and Infant Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, and Dental/Oral Health. The maximum award is $200,000 per certificate, with milestone-based payments and robust outcome reporting requirements. Key contacts: Ashley N. Gibson ashleyn.gibson@ky.gov Event schedule: - RFA Released - 07/15/2026 - RFA Information Session - 07/16/2026 - ET - RFA Office Hours - 07/21/2026 - ET - FAQ Answers Released - 07/24/2026 - Deadline for Receipt of Applications - 08/05/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - via email - Anticipated Notification of Award - 08/26/2026 - Anticipated Funding Period Begins - 10/07/2026 - Deadline for Certificates Approval - 06/30/2027
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This Kentucky RHTP guidance offers $212.9 million in Year 1 funding to modernize EMS education and training for rural and underserved communities, with a structured, multi-year pathway for program enhancement and mobile simulation units. It supports both centralized and mobile training, expands the EMS workforce, and strengthens the integration between EMS providers and behavioral health crisis response networks. Technical support, data requirements, and compliance guidance are built into the process to ensure agency readiness and impact. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov; Bob Andrew bob.andrew@ky.gov Event schedule: - Application Submission Deadline - 06/12/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Submit by email (Jimmie Hampton <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov>)
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Kentucky's rural health strategy centers on Rural Community Hubs to coordinate resources and organizations to address chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity. The initiative seeks to bring together local partners to improve health outcomes, reduce duplication of services, and better connect community health workers. Kentucky faces particularly severe challenges with diabetes, with mortality rates significantly above the national average.
Core Initiatives
Rooted in Health is focused on expanding access to dental care in rural Kentucky by training and placing more dental hygienists, bringing teledental and mobile services, and enhancing surgical training for general dentists. The initiative aims to reduce emergency room visits for dental issues and provide comprehensive care locally.
The Crisis to Care program aims to strengthen the EMS workforce and improve coordination between responders and hospitals in rural Kentucky. Innovative uses of technology connect care teams in real time, and community paramedicine is integrated to ensure continuity of care after emergencies. Nearly half Kentucky’s paramedics are concentrated in five metro counties, highlighting the need for service expansion in rural areas.
The program establishes EmPATH units and a centralized tele-behavioral health hub to ensure prompt, appropriate care for those in behavioral health crisis. It decreases repeated crises, supports first responders, and connects individuals to community-based recovery resources. Kentucky faces high rates of mental illness or substance use disorder diagnoses in emergency departments.
Core Initiatives
This document is a federal award announcement for the Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Plan, funded under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. The award, totaling $212,905,590.56, is managed as a cooperative agreement with CMS, with required milestones, reporting, and revised budget submission for the first budget period. The period of performance spans December 29, 2025, to October 30, 2030, and includes fiscal and progress report requirements tied to CMS oversight.
Event Schedule
This FAQ outlines eligibility and application details for Kentucky EMS agencies seeking RHT EMS Transformation funding. It details the implementation pathway for Treat-No-Transport (TNT) and Transport to Alternate Destination (TAD) protocols, covering the use of telehealth, application guidance, and performance requirements. Key program highlights include a focus on reducing unnecessary transports, improving EMS workforce sustainability, and introducing a state-integrated care coordination technology platform. Key contacts: RHT.CTC@ky.gov Event schedule: - Application Deadline - 06/15/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Email submission to RHT.CTC@ky.gov
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
2030-10-30
Period End
Program cooperative agreement period of performance scheduled to end.
↳ KY - 2026 - Attachment B - CMS Notice of Award
2026-08-30
Annual Report #1 Due
First annual progress report due to CMS as part of required reporting.
↳ KY - 2026 - Attachment B - CMS Notice of Award
2026-01-30
Revised Budget Due
Deadline for recipient to submit revised budget in response to temporary funding restriction.
↳ KY - 2026 - Attachment B - CMS Notice of Award
2025-12-29
Period Start
Award period of performance begins for Rural Health Transformation Program cooperative agreement.
↳ KY - 2026 - Attachment B - CMS Notice of Award
10/01/2026
Year 1 Funding Period Begins
↳ KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – CMHC Support
10/01/2026
Funding Period Begins
↳ KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support
09/30/2027
Year 1 Funding Period Ends
↳ KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – CMHC Support
09/30/2027
Funding Year 1 Ends
↳ KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support
07/10/2026
Award Notification
↳ KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – CMHC Support
07/10/2026
Notification of Award to Grantees
↳ KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support
07/03/2026
Application Deadline
↳ KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – CMHC Support
07/03/2026
Application Submission Deadline
↳ KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support
KY RHTP site updated — 2 new doc(s)
KY RHTP site updated — 6 new doc(s)
KY RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
KY canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated
KY RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
KY - 2026 - RHT - Community Health Worker - Attachment A - Budget Template
XLSX
KY - 2026 - RHT Community Paramedicine - Attachment B - Budget Template
XLSX
KY - 1982 - agency.aspx
This RFA solicits Medicaid-enrolled, Eastern Kentucky-serving nonprofit behavioral health organizations to apply for funding to build and integrate telebehavioral health capacity as part of Kentucky's Rural Health Transformation Program. The initiative focuses on expanding access to psychiatric consultation, crisis response, and behavioral health services using a regional hub-and-spoke model, with pilot implementation targeting Eastern Kentucky and growth planned statewide. Applicants may request budgets up to $500,000 for activities tied to participatory telebehavioral health, technology adoption, workforce development, and coordination with statewide partners. Key contacts: Breanna McGinnis Breanna.mcginnis@ky.gov Event schedule: - RFA Released - 06/01/2026 - Deadline for Receipt of Applications - 07/03/2026 - Notification of Award to Grantees - 07/10/2026 - Funding Period Begins - 10/01/2026
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This competitive RFA under Kentucky's CMS-funded Rural Health Transformation Program seeks applications from the state's 14 CMHCs to enhance behavioral health crisis response infrastructure, including hospital-based EmPATH support and EMS crisis coordination. Priority focus is initially on eastern Kentucky pilot hospitals and later to statewide expansion, coordinated with other RHTP behavioral health initiatives. Awards are expected to be between $400,000-$1,200,000 depending on scope and activities. Key contacts: Breanna McGinnis Breanna.mcginnis@ky.gov Event schedule: - RFA Release - June 1, 2026 - Application Due - July 3, 2026 - Award Notification - July 10, 2026 - Funding Begins - October 1, 2026 - End of Budget Period 1 - CMHC trainers must be certified to deliver all foundational behavioral health training
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Kentucky’s RHTP received $212.9 million for year 1 to transform rural health, with a major focus on developing EMS through community paramedicine. The program funds both new and expanding paramedicine models, emphasizes crisis response, technical assistance, required behavioral health training, and robust evaluation. EMS agencies may apply for up to $650,000 in start-up funding; additional support targets integration of workforce, technology, and community partnerships to close gaps in rural care. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov; Behavioral Health Champion Event schedule: - Application Deadline - 06/12/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Submit to jimmie.hampton@ky.gov - Information Session Webinar - TBD (document refers to an upcoming webinar) - Months 1-2: Program Planning & CHW Model Design - Month 1-2 - Months 3-6: Training & Certification Launch - Month 3-6 - Months 7-8: Infrastructural Setup and Supply Readiness - Month 7-8 - Month 9: Soft Launch of CHW Program - Month 9 - Month 10: Program Stabilization - Month 10
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Kentucky received $212.9 million in FY2026 for the state’s rural health transformation, with a strong emphasis on modernizing and expanding EMS training and mobile skills programs. Funding is available to EMS agencies for hands-on and mobile training equipment, workforce expansion, and the development of community-based EMS education. Technical assistance, application support, and program reporting are provided to ensure sustainable impact. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov; Bob Andrew bob.andrew@ky.gov Event schedule: - Submission Deadline - 06/12/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
This RFA application form enables Kentucky EMS agencies to apply for transformation funding focusing on care coordination and alternative response (TNT/TAD). The program encourages use of telehealth, data-driven evaluation, and partnerships with alternative destinations such as urgent care centers and behavioral health facilities. Agencies must attach demonstration of leadership commitment and participate in statewide care coordination technology. Event schedule: - Application Deadline - 06/15/2026 - Program Implementation Period - August 2026 through July 2027
Core Initiatives
This application is for Kentucky EMS agencies to request funding under the Equipment and Mobile Training Units RFA. Agencies may apply to enhance stationary hands-on skills programs or establish/expand mobile EMS training units. The funding aims to increase EMS workforce capacity and access to training in rural and underserved regions. Key contacts: Jimme Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov Event schedule: - Application due date - 06/12/2026 - Program period (planned) - August 2026 - July 2027
Contacts
Core Initiatives
HTML
Kentucky Community Health Worker Certification Manual, 2026 38 RHTP Guidance
2026 · PDF
Attachment A Approved Risk Adjustment Model.docx
2025-2026 · DOCX
14A.1-070 Definitions for chapter (KY business entity definitions statute, effective July 15, 2020)
2020 · PDF
202 KAR 7:601. Training, education, and continuing education (Amendment)
Sample - Business Associate Agreement.pdf