The program invests in community paramedicine, EMS training and transformation, mobile dental services, rural dental hygiene workforce development, and coordinated rural community health hubs in specific development districts. Deadlines for applications range through 2026, with multiple funding opportunities targeting rural health improvement. Key contacts: Send an Email
Kentucky's Rural Health Transformation Program secured $212.9 million in federal funding in December 2025, with the plan accepted in full. The state has issued formal Requests for Applications to local health departments and EMS agencies, marking the official program launch. Subgrant applications are currently being solicited, with project activities scheduled to begin in July 2026. State opportunities: 5 active (1 open, 4 closing soon), $243.4M listed funding. Key opportunities: From Crisis to Care: Establish or Expand Community Paramedicine Program; Rural Health Transformation Program Funding Opportunity to Establish or Expand Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs; External Independent Third-Party Review (C6102). Strategy alignment: supports workforce, prevention, ems priorities.
RHTP Strategy
Kentucky’s RHTP adopts five interrelated, technology-enabled initiatives to expand access, coordinate care, and strengthen rural health infrastructure. The strategy leverages hub-and-spoke models, enhances digital integration and workforce pipelines, and facilitates scalable, community-driven innovations through phased implementation and targeted competitive grants. These efforts focus on chronic and maternal health, behavioral health, oral care, and EMS response to directly address rural gaps and build sustainable, resilient systems.
Model
Integrated hub-and-spoke technology and workforce network with pilot-to-scale phases, focusing on digital care, interoperable data, and value-aligned payment models.
Key Initiatives
1Establish and expand Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation in targeted development districts, integrating digital engagement, nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease management.
2Deploy telehealth-enabled maternal care teams and wraparound supports for PoWERing Maternal and Infant Health in maternity care deserts.
3Implement Rapid Response to Recovery through EmPATH psychiatric crisis units, mobile behavioral health teams, telebehavioral health, and real-time referral tracking.
4Expand Rooted in Health Rural Dental Access via accredited dental hygiene training programs, externships, public health dental hygiene teams, teledentistry, and school- and long-term-care-based models.
5Enhance EMS with From Crisis to Care: Integrated Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Response, including community paramedicine, treat-in-place protocols, mobile training units, and rural workforce development.
Timeline: Primary implementation runs FY2026–FY2031, with rolling competitive funding and pilot launches beginning July 1, 2026; major milestones include statewide hub establishment by 2027 and workforce expansion initiatives annually.
Program Update
This competitive RFA supports Kentucky's Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access initiative under the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, funding mobile dental services targeted at rural areas. The $212.9M federally funded program (in year 1) prioritizes organizations ready to expand access to restorative and definitive dental care for rural, high-need...
Jun 6, 2026
Health Priority
Emergency Medical Services: Expanding the role and capacity of EMS including alternative transport options and hands-on training to better serve rural communities. (Regions: Rural Kentucky)
Jun 6, 2026
Health Priority
Dental Care Access: Increasing access to preventive and definitive dental care through mobile units and workforce development in rural areas. (Regions: Rural Kentucky)
This competitive RFA supports Kentucky's Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access initiative under the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, funding mobile dental services targeted at rural areas. The $212.9M federally funded program (in year 1) prioritizes organizations ready to expand access to restorative and definitive dental care for rural, high-need populations. Applicants must operate non-profit mobile dental units and collaborate closely with public health and community partners. Key contacts: John Landis john.landis@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- RFA Released - 05/11/2026
- RFA Information Session - 05/21/2026
- RFA Office Hours - 05/29/2026
- Applications Due - 06/12/2026 - john.landis@ky.gov
- Notification of Award to Grantees - 09/01/2026
- Funding Period Begins - 10/01/2026
- Funding Period Ends - 09/30/2027
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>)
This summary presents high-level application details for multiple states requesting RHTP funding for FY26, with federal amounts ranging from $150M to $272M per state. All highlight major structural rural health barriers, with strategies including expanding workforce training, advancing telehealth, supporting maternal care, addressing chronic disease, and value-based payment reform. All states emphasize hospital support, technology modernization, and improved rural population health outcomes, paired with select state policy commitments, e.g., SNAP waivers, licensure compacts, and nutrition CME.
Core Initiatives
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Expand rural healthcare access
Strengthen rural and frontier hospital infrastructure
Show all initiatives (32)
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Expand rural healthcare access
Strengthen rural and frontier hospital infrastructure
Develop and retain rural healthcare workforce
Invest in digital health/technology innovation
Improve care coordination and delivery models
Advance population health and chronic disease prevention
Support value-based and sustainable rural health systems
Empower rural residents to achieve healthy living goals through expanded population health solutions
Expand the supply of care by growing a rural workforce and spreading technologies that improve coordination
Ensure care will be available and affordable long into the future by pairing affordability measures with strategies that advance quality, efficiency, and fiscal durability
Transform the rural health workforce through apprenticeships, improved IT, and expansion of Area Health Education Centers and pipeline programs
Promote sustainable access and innovative care through expanded capacity for primary care, specialty practices, school-based health centers, and behavioral health expansion
Expand access to essential healthcare services and improve health and well-being through targeted initiatives and partnerships
Strengthen the rural health workforce and technological infrastructure to increase connectivity and support better outcomes
Build partnerships between healthcare, public health, and community organizations to strengthen workforce shortages, interoperability, and access to care
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.
Award: $212.9M
Event Schedule
Award Start Date - 2025-12-29
Revised Budget Deadline - 2026-01-30
Annual Progress Report #1 Due - 2026-08-30
Show all schedule items (4)
Award Start Date - 2025-12-29
Revised Budget Deadline - 2026-01-30
Annual Progress Report #1 Due - 2026-08-30
Period of Performance End Date - 2030-10-30
Data Documents (1)
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DataApr 15, 2026PDF2025-2030
Kentucky's RHTP application proposes five interrelated statewide initiatives: rural chronic care hubs, maternal health community teams, behavioral health crisis and telehealth system, rural dental innovation, and rural EMS/trauma reform. Major themes include technology-enabled care, workforce pipeline expansion, integrated data interoperability, and sustainable financing models. These strategies align directly with RHTP transformation aims and target current leading health gaps impacting rural Kentuckians.
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
Documents predating or adjacent to the RHTP program — useful background, excluded from main activity feed.
KY - 1982 - agency.aspx
HTML
KY NEMT 1915(b) Approval Letter.pdf
2025-2027 · PDF
Attachment A Approved Risk Adjustment Model.docx
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KY Definitive Mobile Dental Services – Attachment A: Budget Template
SupportingPDFFY2026Award: $212.9M
KY - 2026 - Attachment B - CMS Notice of Award
KY - 2026 - RHT E&T Modernization - Narrative
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SupportingPDFFY2026Award: $212.9M
KY - 2026 - Attachment B - CMS Notice of Award
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SupportingPDF2026No amount extracted
KY - 2026 - RHT E&T Modernization - Attachment A - Application Form
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KY E&T Modernization – Attachment B: Budget Template
Kentucky was awarded $212.9 million to launch the Rural Health Transformation Program, with a focus on strengthening EMS capacity through the Crisis to Care initiative. The program supports EMS agencies in implementing treat-no-transport and transport to alternative destinations protocols, offers optional behavioral health training for providers, and requires onboarding to a statewide care coordination technology platform. Funding opportunities are structured across multiple years, with technical assistance and rolling applications to encourage long-term sustainability. Key contacts: Behavioral Health Champion RHT.CTC@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- Application Submission Deadline - 06/15/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Crisis to Care inbox <RHT.CTC@ky.gov>
- Information Webinar - TBD - TBD - Virtual (Link to be provided)
- Office Hours - Biweekly during application period - TBD - Virtual
Behavioral Health Champion - <RHT.CTC@ky.gov> - Behavioral Health Training Coordination - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Strengthen EMS crisis response program capacity in rural Kentucky
Modernize care delivery and integrate EMS with crisis stabilization and recovery services
Reduce dependence on emergency departments by implementing TNT/TAD protocols
Show all initiatives (5)
Strengthen EMS crisis response program capacity in rural Kentucky
Modernize care delivery and integrate EMS with crisis stabilization and recovery services
Reduce dependence on emergency departments by implementing TNT/TAD protocols
Expand workforce capacity and behavioral health skills of EMS providers
Enable sustainable operations and interoperability through statewide care coordination technology
Kentucky's RHTP grant supports five interconnected rural health initiatives, including EMS transformation through treat-no-transport and alternative destination protocols. The program aims to enhance care coordination, reduce unnecessary ER visits, and deploy technology-enabled models in rural communities. EMS agencies statewide are eligible to apply and may receive funding to expand capacity and care alternatives. Key contacts: RHT.CTC@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- RFA Released - 05/15/2026
- RFA Information Session - 05/28/2026
- RFA Office Hours (tentative) - 06/02/2026
- RFA Office Hours (tentative) - 06/10/2026
- Deadline for Receipt of Applications - 06/15/2026
- Notification of Award to Grantees - 07/15/2026
- Funding Period Begins - 08/01/2026
Expand and improve access to rural healthcare services
Enhance clinical care infrastructure and workforce for rural EMS
Implement technology-enabled care and provider pipelines
Show all initiatives (4)
Expand and improve access to rural healthcare services
Enhance clinical care infrastructure and workforce for rural EMS
Implement technology-enabled care and provider pipelines
Reduce unnecessary emergency department utilization
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
Jimmie Hampton - <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov> - Workforce Development Specialist for Crisis to Care (CTC) - Commonwealth of Kentucky
Behavioral Health Champion - Primary point of contact for behavioral health training coordination - all awardees
Core Initiatives
Improve health access, quality, and outcomes for rural Kentuckians
Strengthen pre-hospital and crisis response program capacity
Expand preventative and community-based services
Show all initiatives (4)
Improve health access, quality, and outcomes for rural Kentuckians
Strengthen pre-hospital and crisis response program capacity
Expand preventative and community-based services
Build long-term sustainability for EMS and rural health infrastructure
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
Award: $212.9MEMS_DEVELOPMENT · WORKFORCE · OTHER
Contacts
Jimmie Hampton - <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov> - Workforce Development Specialist for Crisis to Care - Statewide (Crisis to Care program)
Bob Andrew - <bob.andrew@ky.gov> - TEI/EMS Certification Support - Statewide (TEI Certification)
Core Initiatives
Improve health access, quality, and outcomes for rural Kentuckians
Modernize EMS education and training infrastructure
Strengthen rural healthcare workforce capacity
Improve cardiometabolic health outcomes and sustainably expand healthcare workforce
Create Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems to address maternal mortality, poverty, EMS coordination, and workforce shortages
Build a statewide network of rural healthcare hubs to expand access, improve outcomes, strengthen coordinating networks and provider sustainability
Strengthen healthcare workforce, secure financial solvency for rural providers, embed prevention and community health at the center of care, and expand technology use
Address rural health challenges through food-as-medicine programs, workforce development, technology initiatives, and right-sizing the healthcare system
Make rural areas healthy by implementing value-based care models, strengthening rural health systems, workforce recruitment, and upgrading technology infrastructure
Advance a prevention-oriented strategy across behavioral health, perinatal care, chronic disease, oral health, and school-based wellness
Improve healthcare availability by investing in primary and specialty provider expansion, fostering flexible healthcare systems adapting to community needs
Transform healthcare access and quality through specialty care access expansion, community-centered chronic disease and behavioral health care, and workforce pipeline strengthening
Improve health outcomes with Make Rural America Healthy Again, primary care and specialty service expansions, and workforce development
Catalyze innovative care models, transform rural care experience, and create sustainable rural healthcare delivery systems via provider coordination and hub networks
Rebuild and retain rural health workforce through residencies, innovative technologies, behavioral health and nutrition initiatives, and telehealth hubs
Improve access to care through clinically integrated networks (CINs), community-based clinics in K-12 schools and college campuses, and mobile health care services, rural hospital improvements, and home visits.
Improve health outcomes through expansions of behavioral health services.
Improve chronic disease health outcomes such as reduced A1C and increased levels of hypertension management.
Expand technology to build remote monitoring and telehealth, expand electronic medical record (EMR) usage for pharmacists, and pilot innovative screening technologies for chronic disease management.
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
EMS_DEVELOPMENT · WORKFORCE
Contacts
Jimme Hampton - <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov> - Workforce Development Specialist - Crisis to Care (CTC)
Core Initiatives
Expand access to hands-on EMS skills training for rural and underserved areas
Establish or enhance Mobile Training Units to improve EMS workforce capabilities
Increase the number of qualified EMS trainers and students trained in rural regions
The Community Paramedicine RFA application solicits EMS agencies in rural Kentucky to apply for federal FY27 funding to either establish or expand community paramedicine programs. The application requires detailed description of agency service mix, staffing, partnerships, technology use, and program evaluation plans. Priority is given to agencies that coordinate with behavioral health partners and participate in crisis care workforce development activities. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 06/12/2026 - ET - Submission to CTC Workforce Development Specialist
- Program Implementation Period - August 2026 - July 2027