Program Overview
Vermont's Rural Health Transformation Program is in active implementation, managed by the Vermont Agency of Human Services with CMS support. The program advances five strategic initiatives and 36 activities focused on strengthening the rural health workforce, improving access, and implementing quality-driven, regionalized care strategies. Current focus areas include care modernization, facility upgrades, workforce development, regionalized care delivery, and deployment of centralized tools for interfacility transfer. Structured tracking of key initiatives and goals is underway, alongside phased grant competitions and coordinated efforts with rural hospitals and EMS in 2026. Current structured plan tracks 12 key initiatives and 12 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Vermont — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (14)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chittenden County | 169,758 | 9.7% | 3.9% |
| Rutland County | 60,425 | 11.8% | 7.2% |
| Washington County | 60,017 | 8.7% | 5.7% |
| Windsor County | 57,990 | 9.2% | 5.2% |
| Franklin County | 50,638 | 10.3% | 7.7% |
| Windham County | 45,923 | 11.6% | 6.0% |
| Addison County | 37,664 | 7.6% | 4.4% |
| Bennington County | 37,269 | 11.3% | 7.3% |
| Caledonia County | 30,475 | 11.7% | 7.5% |
| Orange County | 29,761 | 9.3% | 5.9% |
| Orleans County | 27,606 | 11.7% | 8.3% |
| Lamoille County | 26,148 | 8.5% | 5.1% |
417,515 rural residents
AI source: VT - 2026 - CMS-RHT-26-001 RHTP Application Submission from the State of Vermont
AI auto-updated Jul 18, 2026
API refreshed May 13, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
9 related documents
VT - 2026 - Health Care Workforce | Office of Health Care Reform - RHTP Announcements and Workforce Strategy
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
Vermont has received federal funding and formally launched the Rural Health Transformation Program. Multiple procurements and subrecipient grant competitions are posted, with timelines established for two rounds of provider applications and grant agreements commencing September and October 2026. Application processes, bidders conferences, and guidance for facility upgrades and care innovation are active, with grant contracting scheduled for summer 2026. Year 1 funds must be fully spent by July 30, 2027, and option periods may extend grants for up to four additional years. State opportunities: 4 active (2 open, 1 upcoming, 1 closing soon, 17 past/closed), $9.0M listed funding. Key opportunities: Mental Health Urgent Care- Rutland County; Rural Health Transformation Program - Centralized Tool to Guide Interfacility Transfers; Rural Health Transformation Program - Facility Upgrades to Support Regionalization. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, telehealth, care access priorities.
Vermont’s RHTP advances rural health transformation using the AHEAD model—a five-year, $195 million CMS-funded initiative emphasizing regionalization, provider-driven care innovations, integrated networks, and workforce development. The strategy employs competitive grant rounds and targeted contracts to support facility upgrades, mobile care models, shared service platforms, workforce pipelines, health IT modernization, centralized transfer tools, and urgent mental health care expansion, each with robust monitoring and transparency requirements. In 2026–2027, execution centers on phased implementation of infrastructure, interfacility transfer tools, and sustained integration of care delivery across regions, ensuring federal compliance and milestone-based performance monitoring.
Model
AHEAD (Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design) Model
Key Initiatives
Timeline: September 2026–July 2027 (Year 1 subrecipient grant execution via two competitive rounds); Year 1 grants may be extended for up to four additional years pending AHS and CMS approval; five-year program performance period aligned to CMS funding; Year 1 funds must be fully spent by July 30, 2027
Workforce Development: A major goal is to strengthen Vermont’s rural health care workforce to ensure sustainability and access.
Access to Care: The program aims to increase timely access across rural communities and reduce barriers.
Quality and Cost: Innovative strategies will be leveraged to improve quality and reduce health care costs in rural settings.
VT - 2026 - Bi-Weekly Updates: Vermont Health Care Transformation (April 2026)
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Overview and Vermont Application Guidance
Auto-grouped context match (39%)
VT - 2026 - H.R.1 Documents and Resources | Health Care Reform
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2026 - CMS-RHT-26-001 RHTP Application Submission from the State of Vermont
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Application Summary
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2026 - Vermont’s RHT Program Activity Details
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2026 - CCMMSS--RRHHTT--2266--000011 RRuurraall HHeeaalltthh TTrraannssffoorrmmaattiioonn PPrrooggrraamm A pplication Submission from the State of Vermont Judith Morse Financial Manager (802) 279-2319 Judith.Morse@vermont.gov 2-11-2026
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2024 - RHTP Vermont Hospital Transformation Plan
Auto-grouped context match (38%)
Vermont Agency of Human Services
Due Aug 17, 2026
5 related documents
VT - 2026 - Questions and Answers: RHTP Subrecipient Grant to Healthcare Providers to Transform, Innovate, and Regionalize Care (NOFO RHT_AHSCO_0008_FY26)
008 Care Transformation_Q&A.pdf
VT - 2026 - RHTP Subrecipient Grant to Healthcare Providers to Transform, Innovate, and Regionalize Care
VT - 2026 - RHTP Transform, Innovate, and Regionalize Care NOFO (RHT_AHSCO_0008_FY26)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Appendix A Budget Template (BidIDs 73876 and 73877)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Transform, Innovate, and Regionalize Care Appendix A Budget Template
VT - 2026 - Appendix A RHTP Subrecipient Grant Budget Template
Appendix A RHTP Subrecipient Grant Budget Template.pdf
VT - 2026 - ADDENDUM 1 RHTP Subrecipient Grant to Healthcare Providers to Transform, Innovate, and Regionalize Care Subrecipient activities #4 and #19 RHT –…
RHT_AHSCO_0008_FY26 Addendum 1.pdf
State of Vermont Agency of Human Services
Due Aug 17, 2026
5 related documents
VT - 2026 - RHT _AHSCO_0009_FY26 Facility Upgrades to Support Regionalization Questions and Answers
0009 Facility Upgrades_Q&A.pdf
Vermont Department of Mental Health
Due Aug 7, 2026
4 related documents
VT - 2026 - Mental Health Urgent Care- Rutland County
Source listing page
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Agate Software, Inc. AHS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program Grants Solution — a grant management system to support administration of Vermont's RHT Program grants. Awarded via sealed-bid RFP (Agency of Digital Services, on behalf of AHS). | $324K | Health IT |
This addendum provides access to a recorded meeting and transcript for applicants and stakeholders of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare Implementation Services NOFO. It is intended to ensure equitable access to procurement information.
This addendum updates the timeline for Vermont's Rural Health Transformation Program subrecipient grant competition, establishing two application rounds for rural healthcare provider transformation funding. The grant periods range from 10 to 11 months, starting in September or October 2026 and ending July 30, 2027. Extensions beyond Year 1 are possible with AHS and CMS approval. Event schedule: - Application Posted (Round 1) - June 19, 2026 - Deadline for Questions (Round 1) - June 26, 2026 - Application Deadline (Round 1) - July 17, 2026 - Commencement of Grant Agreement (Round 1) - September 1, 2026 - Application Deadline (Round 2) - August 17, 2026 - Commencement of Grant Agreement (Round 2) - October 1, 2026
Event Schedule
Vermont's application details an ambitious transformation of rural health care through 30 proposed initiatives and grant programs targeting regionalization, integrated shared service platforms, stronger primary care, and major investments in rural provider and workforce development. The state will fund both service delivery reforms and physical facility and IT modernization, emphasizing EMS/paramedicine, mobile units, analytics, telehealth, housing, workforce pipelines, and more. Large-scale system assessment, independent evaluation, and insurance competition/transparency strategies ensure a data-driven, accountable transformation.
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Vermont submitted its Rural Health Transformation Fund application for federal funding covering 2026-2030. The application focuses on strengthening rural health networks through coordination, technology sharing, workforce support, and affordability. Exact award amounts are yet to be determined by federal review.
Core Initiatives
Summary document linking to Vermont RHTP application and related resources, no explicit award details provided.
This progress report details significant organizational restructuring at University of Vermont Health Network, resulting in $8.1 million in annual savings, as well as the commissioning of two consultant studies to optimize clinical operations and forecast fiscal sustainability. It also recounts ongoing negotiations to implement value-based care contracts with BCBS VT and the state's effort to address affordability, quality, and population health. The Liaison Team continues to oversee progress, aiming to inform and guide Vermont's rural health transformation strategy. Event schedule: - Consultant studies begin - 01/01/2026 - Consultant studies complete - 03/31/2026 - Liaison Team project completion estimated - Fall 2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Vermont is advancing a statewide rural health transformation strategy under Act 68 of 2025, building on prior community engagement and legislative mandates. Fourteen hospitals are engaged in shared services, care shifts to appropriate settings, analytics, and service line optimization. The state is broadening efforts to include primary care and community provider transformation, aiming for a sustainable, equitable rural health system.
Core Initiatives
Vermont's rural hospitals are pursuing multifaceted transformation strategies tailored to local needs, with emphasis on cost containment, specialist access, interoperability, and population health. Collaborative purchasing and network approaches are used to help achieve financial sustainability. No explicit funding allocations or award amounts are identified in this strategy document.
The Vermont RHTP is funded with a grand total of $195,053,740 and managed by the Human Services Vermont Agency. The program's period of performance spans from December 29, 2025, to October 30, 2030. The award is classified as discretionary and is focused on rural health transformation. Event schedule: - Period of Performance Start - 12/29/2025 - Period of Performance End - 10/30/2030
Event Schedule
This Q&A document clarifies operational, budgetary, and eligibility requirements for organizations considering applying for the new Mental Health Urgent Care RFP in Rutland County, Vermont. The state seeks proposals to develop and operate a clinic serving all ages, with flexible site planning and phased budget considerations. Renovation costs may be allowed with CMS approval, but major construction and capital improvements are prohibited. Event schedule: - RFP Issue Date - 07/10/2026 - ET - Questions Due - 07/17/2026 - 4:00 PM ET - Answers Posted - 07/20/2026 - ET - RFP Responses Due - 08/07/2026 - 4:00 PM ET - via VTBuys
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This document provides the required budget template for applicants to Vermont's RHTP facility upgrade, care transformation, and interfacility transfer solicitations. Applicants must ensure compliance with funding restrictions, especially prohibitions on supplanting existing sources, and thoroughly justify all line item requests.
This document is an addendum to the Vermont Rural Health Transformation Program subrecipient grant regarding telehealth technology adoption, specifying corrections and compliance updates.
VT canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×4, Jun 16–Jun 17)
VT RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
VT canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×2, Jun 15)
VT RHTP site updated — 9 new doc(s)
VT canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×3, Jun 13–Jun 14)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
RHT Subrecipient Grant Budget Template 3.12.26.xlsx
XLSX
VT - 2026 - Appendix A Budget Template.xlsx
XLSX
VT - 2026 - Physician Transfer Schedules A & B
XLSX
VT - 2026 - RHTP Subrecipient Grant to Healthcare Providers for Facility Upgrades to Support Regionalization
VT - 2026 - RHTP Facility Upgrades to Support Regionalization NOFO (RHT_AHSCO_009_FY26)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Appendix A Budget Template (BidIDs 73876 and 73877)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Facility Upgrades Appendix A Budget Template
VT - 2026 - Appendix A RHTP Subrecipient Grant Budget Template
Appendix A RHTP Subrecipient Grant Budget Template.pdf
VT - 2026 - RHT_AHSCO_009_FY26 Addendum 1
RHT_AHSCO_009_FY26 Addendum 1.pdf
VT - 2026 - RFP 142 Mental Health Urgent Care- Rutland County
RFP142_MHUC_Rutland.pdf
VT - 2026 - RFP #142 Mental Health Urgent Care- Rutland County Questions and Answers
RFP 142 MHUC-Rutland Q&A.pdf
VT - 2026 - RFP # 142 Mental Health Urgent Care- Rutland County
RFP 142 Bidders conference 7-10-26.pdf
This guidance clarifies that Federally Qualified Health Centers may serve as lead applicants or partners in MIH site applications for Vermont's program, provided all NOFO requirements are met. The Vermont Department of Health emphasizes the importance of sustainability and outlines updated grant timeline deadlines, including earlier grant closeout and spending dates. Grant execution period is set from August 1, 2026, through July 30, 2027. Event schedule: - NOFO Posting Date - June 11, 2026 - Information Conference - June 26, 2026 - 11:00 AM ET - Letters of Interest due to VDH - July 10, 2026 - 4:30 PM ET - VDH review Letters of Interest - July 13 – August 14, 2026 - Negotiations with grantees - August 17 – August 28, 2026 - All grantees notified of award - August 28, 2026 - All subrecipient grants executed and funds obligated - September 2026 - Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation - September 2026 – June 2027
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
The Vermont RHT NOFO supports subrecipient activities to transform, innovate, and regionalize care in rural areas. Eligible applicants include hospitals and nonhospital providers physically located in Vermont. Funding proposals may include workforce development, EMR/telehealth technology, service innovations, and regional partnerships. CMS approval and compliance with state procurement guidelines are required, and funding is limited to 12-month award terms. Event schedule: - NOFO Award Term Start - 09/01/2026 - Vermont - NOFO Award Term End - 07/30/2027 - Vermont
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This addendum updates the award timeline and clarifies grant periods for facility upgrades supporting rural health regionalization in Vermont. Two application rounds are available, with grant periods ranging from 10 to 11 months and potential for up to four option-year extensions pending approval. Year 1 funds must be spent by July 30, 2027. Event schedule: - Application Posted - 06/19/2026 - ET - Deadline for Questions (Round 1) - 06/26/2026 - ET - Application Deadline (Round 1) - 07/17/2026 - ET - Commencement of Grant Agreement (Round 1) - 09/01/2026 - ET - Application Deadline (Round 2) - 08/17/2026 - ET - Commencement of Grant Agreement (Round 2) - 10/01/2026 - ET - Year 1 Funds Must Be Fully Spent By - 07/30/2027 - ET
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This Q&A document clarifies applicant eligibility, allowable uses, and facility upgrade scope for Vermont's Rural Health Transformation Program Facility Upgrades RFP. Eligible providers include hospitals, clinics, home health, hospice, FQHCs, mental health, substance use disorder providers, and community pharmacies. Upgrades must support regionalization and integrated care delivery, with a focus on minor renovations, accessibility, and clinical infrastructure. Event schedule: - Questions Deadline - 06/26/2026 - Application Deadline - 07/17/2026 - Grant Commencement Date - 09/01/2026 - Year 1 Funds Must Be Expended By - 07/30/2027
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
This Q&A document addresses applicant questions for a Vermont RHTP subrecipient grant to plan and implement a statewide tool for guiding interfacility transfers, focusing initially on feasibility, planning, and pilot deployment. The program intends a phased implementation, seeking robust inter-organizational coordination, health IT integration (HIE/EHR), and direct EMS involvement, especially with independent and rural hospitals. There is no fixed award amount; eligibility is open to qualified for-profit and non-profit entities, and implementation must demonstrate live production with at least one independent hospital. Event schedule: - commencement - 2026-09-01
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
FY2020 Hospital Budget Guidance Final as of 2019-03-27 updated 4 8 19.pdf
VT - 2026 - MIH RFP Responses to Questions
XLSX
232
VT - 2026 - RHTP Appendix A Subrecipient Grant Budget Template
XLSX
Q&A for Activity 18 .pdf
VT - 2026 - Appendices A&B ACO Provider Network and Other Arrangements.xlsx
XLSX
VT - 2026 - Addendum
VT - 2026 - AFT-VT Interested Party Statement
VT - 2026 - News and Updates
HTML
VT - 2026 - an order
2027 · PDF
VT - 2026 - an order
2026-2027 · PDF
VT - 2026 - Vermont Landing Page (updated: June 3, 2026)
2026 · XLSX
MN - 2026 - Award Summary Report
2026 · HTML
VT - 2030 - UVM Health 2030 Strategy Final Report
2026 · PDF
2025 Vermont Household Health Insurance Survey
2025 · PDF
Vermont H E A L T H P O L I C Y Marketplace Premiums In 2025 Insurer And Provider Concentration Contributes To Wide Variation In Rates John Holahan, Noah Kennedy, And Michael Simps
2025 · PDF
VT - 2026 - NMC FY23 Quarterly Actuals - 1
2023 · PDF
VT - 2026 - Jurisdictional Determination
2022 · PDF
VT - 2021 - Health Care Workforce Data Center | Health Care Reform
2021-2024 · HTML
Vermont Financial Health Indicators Flex Program 2018 Almanac Of Hospital Financial And Operating Medians 2016 Indicators (Optum) 2016 Northeast Metric US CAHs CAH 25-99 Beds 100-1
VT - 2005 - Assistance Listings Summary Report
HTML
VT - 2026 - Vermont Business Registry and Bid System - Home
HTML
VT - 2026 - AHEAD (Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design) Model | Health Care Reform
HTML
VT - 2026 - H.R.1 Documents and Resources | Health Care Reform
HTML
VT - 2026 - Health Care Workforce Development | Health Care Reform
HTML
VT - 2026 - Translate | Health Care Reform
HTML