Missouri

Missouri was awarded $216M for Year 1 of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), the 9th-highest in the country, to stabilize and transform rural healthcare. Funding is distributed across five strategic pillars plus statewide program enablement, focusing on network-building, workforce expansion, payment reform, digital modernization, and provider strengthening. Efforts emphasize sustainable system changes with measurable performance goals and deep stakeholder engagement.

Missouri received $216.3 million in Year 1 RHTP funding, distributing over 90% to five major pillars supporting rural health transformation. Key investments strengthen rural provider networks, modernize technology infrastructure, increase workforce capacity, and pilot innovative payment and care delivery models. The program enables coordinated, data-driven transformation for rural Missouri healthcare.

The program centers around establishing a statewide network of healthcare 'Hubs' spanning 3-5 counties each, coordinated by Hub Anchor organizations acting as neutral coordinators to integrate clinical and non-clinical services. Missouri encourages collaboration among rural healthcare organizations to apply for these Anchor roles, with an application deadline of June 18, 2026. The program includes ongoing virtual and in-person outreach such as webinars and roadshows, and a planned procurement and feedback process, including an Ambient AI RFI ending June 1, 2026. Key contacts: Steven Hoffman; DSS.RHTP@dss.mo.gov Event schedule: - Hub Anchor Application Deadline - June 18, 2026 - 11:59 P.M. CT - Ambient AI Request for Information Ends - June 01, 2026 - 2:00 P.M. CT - Technical Demonstrations for SCR/CIE Procurement - June 23-26, 2026

The Missouri Department of Social Services is soliciting public input to shape Missouri's application for the new Rural Health Transformation Program, a federal initiative distributing $50 billion nationwide between 2026 and 2030. Missouri has not yet received a funding award amount, as the application process is pending CMS guidance.

Each state summarized proposes major statewide transformation plans to improve rural healthcare through workforce development, digital infrastructure, care integration, telehealth expansion, and targeted outcomes for chronic disease, maternal health, and behavioral health. Federal funding allocations per state range from roughly $150M to $272M for FY26, but recipient-level awards are not specified. Several strategic goals recur, such as expanded access, improved health outcomes, modernization, and integration of new technology.

This document records attendees at a pre-proposal teleconference for the ToRCH Care Strategic Minor Renovations program. Multiple Missouri Social Services representatives and rural hospital leaders were present, along with representatives from several rural hospitals and health systems. No funding decisions or awards are reflected in this record. Key contacts: Dirk Elrod Dirk.Elrod@dss.mo.gov; Pamela Myers Pamela.Myers@dss.mo.gov; Laura Naught Laura.Naught@dss.mo.gov; Wade S McDonald Wade.S.McDonald@dss.mo.gov Event schedule: - Pre-Proposal Teleconference - 05/19/2026 - 2:00 PM CT - Not specified (likely virtual or Jefferson City, MO Department of Social Services)

Missouri Department of Social Services leads efforts to enhance care coordination, increase access, and incentivize sustainability for rural healthcare. The program emphasizes collaboration among hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations, and local leaders to develop tailored sustainable solutions. Key partners include the Missouri Hospital Association, Behavioral Health Council, and Primary Care Association.