HHS Region 5 · Minnesota Dept of Health — Rural Health Transformation
Program Overview
The Minnesota Rural Health Transformation Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health's Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, entered early implementation in July 2026 with milestones scheduled through October 2030. The program emphasizes workforce expansion—including clinical fellowships and loan repayment—technology adoption, provider collaboration, and targeted improvements in chronic disease, maternal, and behavioral health outcomes for rural and Tribal communities. It actively engages Tribal partners and diverse rural care sites through structured RFPs for hospitals, clinics, health centers, and clinicians, and oversees multiple initiatives aligned with strategic goals. Current activities include technical assistance, innovation support, and workforce retention initiatives. Current structured plan tracks 10 key initiatives and 9 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Minnesota — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (87)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hennepin County | 1,269,496 | 10.0% | 5.4% |
| Ramsey County | 542,945 | 12.3% | 8.3% |
| Dakota County | 445,771 | 5.8% | 3.6% |
| Anoka County | 370,349 | 7.0% | 4.8% |
| Washington County | 276,238 | 5.1% | 3.5% |
| St. Louis County | 200,123 | 13.2% | 6.6% |
| Olmsted County | 164,498 | 7.5% | 4.7% |
| Stearns County | 160,865 | 12.9% | 7.6% |
| Scott County | 154,557 | 4.6% | 2.8% |
| Wright County | 148,269 | 5.2% | 3.9% |
| Carver County | 110,041 | 4.4% | 3.0% |
| Sherburne County | 100,560 | 5.1% | 3.1% |
AI source: MN - 2026 - RHTP Funding - MN Dept. of Health
AI auto-updated May 29, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
5 related documents
MN - 2025 - RHT Plan - Public Comments
Auto-grouped context match (38%)
1,260,920 rural residents
Minnesota continues active implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program with open RFPs for both clinical fellowship and technical assistance programs as of July 2026. Grant solicitations invite rural health entities and provider partnerships to submit proposals, with deliverables and collaborative requirements set. These offerings mark ongoing state-level procurement and program delivery activities. The $193M CMS award remains the foundation for these initiatives. State opportunities: 2 active (1 open, 1 closing soon, 12 past/closed), $8.1M listed funding. Key opportunities: Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program; Rural Clinical Fellowship for Advanced Practice Providers and Other Clinicians; Minnesota RHTP Grants – Rural Federally Qualified Health Centers. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, telehealth, prevention priorities.
Minnesota's RHTP strategy applies a regionally integrated, data-driven model to improve community-based care, fortify provider financial health, and build rural health workforce capacity. The program emphasizes targeted grantmaking, technical assistance for health IT and clinical-community linkages, and expansion of rural access points including clinical fellowships and telehealth. Workforce recruitment, structured rural clinical fellowships, and retention—especially for underserved and Tribal communities—remain central, along with value-based payment models, stakeholder engagement, and rigorous compliance measures to promote sustainability.
Model
Regional, partnership-driven transformation focusing on workforce expansion, sustainable access innovations, value-based and collaborative care models, health IT infrastructure, and strong compliance processes.
Key Initiatives
Timeline: 12/29/2025 to 10/30/2030
Healthcare Workforce Retention: Addressing shortages and supporting retention of rural health professionals through clinical fellowships and targeted funding initiatives.
Mental Health (Child and Adolescent Focus): Efforts include capacity-building and grant programs for rural clinics, emphasizing behavioral health access for youth.
Telehealth Access: Statewide telehealth access points and tele-buprenorphine services are being developed to improve remote care options and addiction treatment.
MN - 2026 - Minnesota Department of Health RHTP Technical Advisory Services for Health Information Technology (HIT) Purchases Request for Proposals
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MN - 2026 - Minnesota awarded $193 million for first year of RHTP
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MN - 2025 - RHTP Project ECHO for Maternal and Behavioral Health RFP
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MN - 2026 - Request for Proposal: RHTP: Project ECHO for Maternal and Behavioral Health
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Minnesota Department of Health – Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
Due Sep 10, 2026
1 related document
MN - 2026 - Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program Request for Proposal
GovDelivery RFP announcement
Minnesota Department of Health – Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
Due Aug 1, 2026
1 related document
MN - 2026 - Request for Proposal: Rural Clinical Fellowship for Advanced Practice Providers and Other Clinicians
GovDelivery RFP announcement
Minnesota Department of Health – Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
Due Jun 30, 2026
1 related document
MN - 2026 - Request for Proposal: RHTP: Rural Clinical Rotations Expansion Grant Program
GovDelivery RFP announcement
This practical guide aims to assist rural health programs, practitioners, and partners in understanding and advancing innovation within rural health systems. It provides strategies, tools, and examples for designing, implementing, and scaling innovative approaches tailored to rural realities. Focus areas include community-centered design, workforce development, appropriate technology adoption, care models, partnerships, evaluation, financing, and leadership. Key contacts: Britta Anderson; Alycia Bayne; Alana Knudson; Luciana Rocha
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Minnesota has been awarded over $193 million for the first year of the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, recognizing its plan to strengthen rural health. Funding targets technological innovation, workforce expansion, and improving outcomes for chronic diseases. The strategic plan was developed through broad stakeholder input and supports sustainable rural health delivery. Key contacts: Andrea Ahneman andrea.ahneman@state.mn.us Event schedule: - MDH application submitted - 11/04/2025 - News Release Date - 12/30/2025 - Implementation begins - Early 2026
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Event schedule: - *Application deadline:* Wednesday, , 2026 - September 9 - *Eligible Applicants: * * Individuals Learn more at Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program [ https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/ruralhealth/funding/repa...
Event Schedule
This document outlines instructions for technical assistance vendors to propose costs for supporting rural and tribal health care organizations participating in Minnesota's RHTP. Deliverables include cohesive TA delivery, plan development, supporting best practices, material creation, performance reporting, and collaboration with state and other vendors. The technical assistance will serve up to 125 grantees across rural Minnesota and Tribal Nations, aiming for sustained transformation and capacity building.
This Q&A addresses applicant questions for Minnesota’s RHTP-funded Healthcare Workforce Retention Program, clarifying eligibility, rural definitions, proposal requirements, budget parameters, and expectations for multi-year work. Up to 10 rural healthcare sites per year may be supported, focusing on mitigating clinical burnout and improving retention using evidence-based strategies. Rural is defined by RUCA 4-10, and applicants must demonstrate experience with Minnesota rural health systems. Event schedule: - Estimated Contract Execution - September 2026 - Budget Period 1 End Date - 09/30/2027
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Minnesota is soliciting public input to inform the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program, seeking ideas to sustainably improve rural health care delivery. Focus areas include emergency, primary, chronic, mental, and maternal health, as well as workforce and technology solutions. The document provides structured prompts for input on evidence-based interventions, innovative care models, workforce development, and technology use.
Core Initiatives
Minnesota seeks $1 billion over five years (2026-2030) from RHTP. The plan focuses on rural health workforce, new access points via telehealth and regional models, supporting financial sustainability, and expanding services. The application was shaped by over 40 stakeholder meetings and nearly 350 public comments.
The Rural Health Transformation Program (CFDA 93.798) is allocated $10 billion in federal discretionary funding for FY 2026. This is one of the largest competitive health grants in the HHS portfolio, focusing on rural hospital and Medicaid transformation.
The Minnesota Department of Health has been awarded over $193 million as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program. The program's period of performance begins December 29, 2025 and runs through October 30, 2030. The funding will enable Minnesota to implement rural health transformation initiatives in partnership with CMS. Event schedule: - Period of Performance Start - 12/29/2025 - Period of Performance End - 10/30/2030
Event Schedule
This document provides general information about the Minnesota Office of Rural Health and Primary Care and notes the 2025 Minnesota Rural Health Award winners announced on November 20, 2025. It references National Rural Health Day annually in November but contains no specific RHTP award or funding details.
This document provides applicant guidance for the Minnesota RHTP Physician Rural Residency Training Program, clarifying eligibility, rural definitions, and allowable expenses. It explains that non-rural universities partnering with rural hospitals are eligible to apply while emphasizing that only programs training residents in rural tracks will qualify. Budgeting and application procedures for the planning and development phase are also clarified.
This document confirms subscription to the Rural Health Transformation Program updates from the Minnesota Department of Health. No funding or award details are included.
MN - 2026 - Rural Clinical Fellowship for Advanced Practice Providers and Other Clinicians
Jul 14, 2026 16:29
·EmailMN RHTP site updated — 2 new doc(s)
MN - 2026 - Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program Request for Proposal
Jul 9, 2026 18:47
·EmailMN RHTP site updated — 3 new doc(s)
MN RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed. Showing the 40 most recent of 95.
slrpnconobl.pdf
Confirmation of Practice Form – Full-Time Practice Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program
Race/Ethnicity/Gender Survey Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program
Event schedule: - All applicants must be able to demonstrate applicable membership and compliance with their corresponding accrediting bodies. * *Applications Due:* , 4:30 p.m. More information is available: Rural Health Transformation... - *Application Deadline: , 2026* - July 17 - *Eligible Applicants:* State, county, city, township, and tribal governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and private institutions of h...
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This is a state-issued competitive funding opportunity seeking a vendor to develop a comprehensive performance measurement framework for HIT investments under Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program. The work will guide how rural health providers' use of federally funded technology is measured and tied to care improvements. The maximum budget for this project is $25,000, with a strong focus on value-based care readiness. Key contacts: Emma Distel rural.transformation.mdh@state.mn.us; Samantha Rowbottom Samantha.rowbottom@state.mn.us Event schedule: - Proposal Questions Due - 05/18/2026 - CT - rural.transformation.mdh@state.mn.us - Proposal Submission Deadline - 05/26/2026 - 4:30 PM CT - SWIFT Supplier Portal
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
Payment Verification Form for Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
Confirmation of Practice Form – Half-Time Practice Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program
Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program Qualified Loan Form
MN - 2026 - Sample Contract: Technical Assistance for Rural Health Care Entities in Support of Community & Clinical Linkages (PDF)
MN - 2026 - ORHPC Health Care Funding - MN Dept. of Health
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State of Minnesota Professional and Technical Services Contract
Minnesota Management & BudgetStatewide Operating Procedure RHTP 2011 Document
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Minnesota Management & BudgetStatewide Operating Policy RHTP 2011 Document
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Minnesota Statewide Operating Procedure RHTP 2012 Document
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Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy RHTP 2012 Annual Report
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Minnesota Statewide Operating Procedure RHTP 2012 Document
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Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy RHTP 2014 Document
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Minnesota QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE February 20, 2024 Run SWIFT Queries For Supplier Contract Data This Guide Provides A List Of SWIFT Queries Agencies Commonly Use To Look Up Informat
Appropriation Maintenance Application (AMA) Glossary
Minnesota RHTP 2014 Document
Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy Owner: Minnesota Management And Budget, Debt Management RHTP 2011 Document
Minnesota Management And Budget Statewide Operating Procedure Minnesota Management And Budget, Budget Division Number 0306-01.1 Issued: January 16, 2014 Revised: N/A Legislative Ad
Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy Owner: Minnesota Management And Budget, Financial Reporting Unit Number: 0402-02 Issued: April 1, 2014 Last Major Revision: July 1, 2015 Last U
Minnesota Wire Transfer Request Part 1: Paying Agency Information Agency Requesting Wire: Business Unit: Part 2: Wire Instructions Date To Wire The Funds: Wire Amount In US Dollars
Minnesota Procedure Number #0802-02.1 Date Issued: 08/06/2015 Date Revised: 08/06/2024 Warrant Special Handling Authority: Minnesota Management And Budget, Vendor Payments Unit Req
Minnesota Appendix A – Risk Assessment Agencies Number Agency Name 1. Department Of Administration (Cabinet) 2. Department Of Agriculture (Cabinet) 3. Department Of Commerce (Cabin
Minnesota RHTP 2015 Document
Minnesota Sales and Use Tax - Direct Pay Authorization
Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy Owner: Minnesota Management And Budget, Accounting Services RHTP 2017 Document
Minnesota Management And Budget Statewide Operating Procedure Minnesota Management And Budget, Budget Division Number 0301-01.2 Issued: June 24, 2015 Revised: N/A Modifying Appropr
Minnesota Statewide Operating Policy Owner: Minnesota Management And Budget, Budget Division Number: 0204-01 Issued: November 8, 2013 Last Major Revision: N/A Last Updated: Septemb
Minnesota Policy Number #0802-02 Date Issued: 08/06/2015 Date Revised: 08/06/2024 Warrant Special Handling Authority: Minnesota Management And Budget, Vendor Payments Unit Request
Minnesota RHTP 2015 Document
Minnesota Policy Number #0102-01 Date Issued: 08/02/2018 Date Revised: 03/09/2020 Internal Control System Authority: Minnesota Management And Budget, Internal Control And Accountab
Minnesota Management And Budget Statewide Operating Procedure Minnesota Management And Budget, Cash Management Unit Number 0601-01.1 Issued: January 16, 2015 Revised: N/A Request T
Minnesota RHTP 2011 Document
Minnesota RHTP 2015 Document
Minnesota QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE September 9, 2024 Troubleshooting Payments On Interagency Vouchers SWIFT Uses The Bilateral Netting Process To Issue Payments From One Agency To Ano
ORHPC General Grant Forms
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State of Minnesota E-Verify Subcontractor Certification
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Applicant/Recipient Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form
Minnesota Department of Health Grant Agreement (Boilerplate Template)