HHS Region 3 · Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Program Overview
The program offers Rapid Response Stabilization payments ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000 to hospitals, healthcare providers, and rural health facilities. Funding supports initiatives including Aging and Access, Behavioral Health, EMS and Transportation, Maternal Health, Technology and Infrastructure, and Workforce development. Future funding opportunities will expand support to include community paramedicine, nurse aide training, remote monitoring, digital infrastructure, and workforce education.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Pennsylvania — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (67)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia County | 1,579,706 | 21.4% | 17.0% |
| Allegheny County | 1,238,177 | 11.5% | 7.3% |
| Montgomery County | 867,573 | 6.5% | 4.1% |
| Bucks County | 647,461 | 6.1% | 3.9% |
| Delaware County | 579,222 | 10.2% | 7.4% |
| Lancaster County | 557,931 | 8.2% | 5.4% |
| Chester County | 547,840 | 6.0% | 3.7% |
| York County | 462,924 | 8.4% | 6.1% |
| Berks County | 433,015 | 12.2% | 8.7% |
| Lehigh County | 378,792 | 11.6% | 7.9% |
| Westmoreland County | 352,500 | 10.3% | 6.6% |
| Luzerne County | 327,675 | 15.3% | 11.3% |
AI source: PA - 2026 - RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Payments - Public Notice (PA Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 17)
AI auto-updated May 29, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
11 related documents
PA - 2026 - CMS RHTP 50-State Spotlight (FY2026) — Pennsylvania
1,775,199 rural residents
Pennsylvania has secured over $193 million in federal funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program. Extensive stakeholder engagement has shaped the plan, which is now officially launched, but state-level sub-awards or procurements to local providers have not yet been announced. Early implementation activities, such as establishing Regional Care Collaboratives, are beginning. Further public announcements of open funding opportunities are expected. State opportunities: 1 active (1 closing soon), $1.0M listed funding. Key opportunities: Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Plan Rapid Response Stabilization Payments. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, telehealth, care access priorities.
Pennsylvania's RHTP is anchored in a hybrid statewide and regional implementation model led by Rural Care Collaboratives (RCCs) and robust technical infrastructure. The strategy integrates rapid access stabilization, digital transformation, workforce pipeline development, and new partnership and payment models to address rural health access, workforce, maternal and behavioral health, EMS, and long-term system sustainability. Solutions are developed collaboratively with stakeholders, guided by regional needs, and supported by rigorous data exchange and innovation platforms.
Model
Statewide-Region Hybrid Model leveraging Regional Rural Care Collaboratives (RCCs) and Rapid Response Access Stabilization Program.
Key Initiatives
Timeline: Initial $193 million federal award for FY26 with full strategy implementation planned FY26–FY31; key stabilization, workforce, digital, and collaborative initiatives initiated in Year 1 with annual milestones and required reporting. Rapid Response Access Stabilization Program operates with specific eligibility, funding, and expenditure deadlines through 2027.
Aging and Access: Focus on enhancing healthcare access for aging populations in rural areas. (Regions: rural Pennsylvania)
Behavioral Health: Expanding behavioral health services to meet rural community needs. (Regions: rural Pennsylvania)
Emergency Medical Services and Transportation: Improving EMS response and rural transportation infrastructure. (Regions: rural Pennsylvania)
PA - 2025 - Download the RHTP Overview Presentation
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PA - 2025 - Department of Human Services | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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PA - 2026 - Rural Healthcare Events | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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PA - 2026 - Executive Policy Specialist 1 - Northwest Position Posting (RHTP Implementation, PA DHS)
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PA - 2026 - Executive Policy Specialist 1 - Northern Tier (DHS RHTP Regional Implementation Posting)
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PA - 2026 - Executive Policy Specialist 1 - Central (RHTP Regional Implementation Coordinator)
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PA - 2026 - Executive Policy Specialist 1 - Northeast (RHTP Implementation, Pennsylvania DHS)
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PA - 2026 - Executive Policy Specialist 1 - Southwest (RHTP Office of Policy Development Position, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)
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PA - 2026 - Executive Policy Specialist 1 - Southern Alleghenies Job Posting (Office of Policy Development, RHTP Implementation)
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PA - 2026 - Executive Policy Specialist 1 - South Central Position to Support RHTP Implementation
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Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS)
Due Jun 1, 2026
6 related documents
PA - 2026 - Pennsylvania RHT Plan (RHTP) Funding Opportunities | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Source listing page
PA - 2026 - Rapid Response Stabilization Program Payment Certification
Payment Certification
PA - 2026 - RHTP Payment Budget Narrative Template
Budget Narrative Template
PA - 2026 - RHTP Payment Budget Worksheet
Budget Worksheet
PA - 2026 - FAQs - Rapid Response Stabilization RHTP Payments
FAQs
PA - 2026 - RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Payments - Public Notice (PA Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 17)
Public Notice (PA Bulletin)
Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services announces availability of up to $25 million in Rural Health Transformation Program payments aimed at stabilizing and enhancing rural health care access. Payments support six key initiatives including aging and access, behavioral health, EMS, maternal health, technology, and workforce. Each qualified entity may receive up to $1 million, with regional limits initially applied. Event schedule: - Eligibility certifications acceptance begins - 05/01/2026 - Eligibility certifications acceptance ends / region limit lifted - 06/01/2026
Core Initiatives
Pennsylvania has received $193 million in federal funding for the first year of its Rural Health Transformation Plan. The funding will support regional care collaboratives, rapid access stabilization grants, and targeted initiatives encompassing technology, workforce, maternal health, behavioral health, aging, and EMS services. The Commonwealth’s approach is grounded in stakeholder input and aims to create sustainable improvements in rural health access and outcomes. Key contacts: Ali Fogarty ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov; Brandon Cwalina ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov Event schedule: - Press announcement - December 30, 2025 - Harrisburg, PA
Contacts
Core Initiatives
The Rapid Response Stabilization Program offers one-time payments ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000 per qualified entity, with a statewide cap of $25 million. Funding supports supplies, equipment, renovations, or structural improvements for rural hospitals and providers aligned to six RHTP initiatives. Region-based limits apply in tranche one, and strict eligibility, documentation, and certification requirements are outlined. Key contacts: RA-HHRRLHLTHTRNSPLAN@pa.gov Event schedule: - Questions deadline - 04/29/2026 - 12:00 PM - Application opening - 05/01/2026 - Application closing - 06/01/2026 - Funds must be expended by - 07/31/2027
Contacts
Core Initiatives
The program offers Rapid Response Stabilization payments ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000 to hospitals, healthcare providers, and rural health facilities. Funding supports initiatives including Aging and Access, Behavioral Health, EMS and Transportation, Maternal Health, Technology and Infrastructure, and Workforce development. Future funding opportunities will expand support to include community paramedicine, nurse aide training, remote monitoring, digital infrastructure, and workforce education. Event schedule: - RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Application Period Opens - 05/01/2026 - RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Application Period Closes - 06/01/2026
Core Initiatives
PA RHTP offers $25M for rural hospitals/providers to stabilize/enhance health care, including EMS, maternal health, and workforce priorities. Funding rounds focus on technology, renovations, and rural well-being. Event schedule: - Application window opens - 05/01/2026 - Application window closes or cap reached - 06/01/2026
Core Initiatives
Pennsylvania was awarded $193 million for the first year of the RHTP to launch an ambitious, regionally-driven transformation of rural health care. The state will use new Rural Care Collaboratives (RCCs), rapid response funding, and a portfolio of workforce, technology, quality, and population health initiatives to address identified rural health challenges. The project targets sustainable improvements through collaboration with regional economic partners, providers, and local organizations.
Pennsylvania's RHTP strategy leverages statewide vision and regional implementation to transform rural health systems through workforce investments, digital and AI-driven infrastructure, quality and access improvements, and new collaborative care models. Specific initiatives target maternal health, EMS, behavioral health, data interoperability, and long-term sustainability. The program aims to strengthen service delivery, workforce resilience, clinical outcomes, and care access for the third-largest rural population in the US. Event schedule: - Project Narrative Revision Date - 02/04/2026 - Overall Implementation Timeline - FY26-FY31
Core Initiatives
- and Transportation, Maternal Health, Technology and Infrastructure, and Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuwuz9YrCw0
Alabama proposes a comprehensive suite of 11 initiatives for rural health transformation, emphasizing digital maternity care, cancer prevention, behavioral health integration, and workforce pipeline enhancement. The approach targets high maternal mortality, chronic disease, and the need for access and quality improvements across rural Alabama. By Year 5, aims to establish hubs for maternal, fetal, and cancer care, leveraging telehealth and technology.
Core Initiatives
This agenda outlines a rural health summit focused on Pennsylvania's rural health transformation efforts, featuring state and local leaders. Sessions include data review, keynote, panel discussions, and workgroup activities to support rural health planning. Event schedule: - NEPA Rural Health Summit - May 29, 2026 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM - King’s College Sheehy-Farmer Building 3rd Floor
Pennsylvania is hosting a series of regional summits and webinars as part of its Rural Health Transformation Program, with a strong focus on improving healthcare access, growing the rural healthcare workforce, and fostering local partnerships. The March 31, 2026 public webinar outlined operational structures, Year 1 funding mechanisms, and participation opportunities. Regional summits are designed to identify local challenges, build solutions, and support economic development across rural communities. Event schedule: - RHTP Public Webinar - 03/31/2026 - NEPA Rural Health Summit - 05/29/2026 - 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET - King’s College Sheehy-Farmer Building 3rd Floor - Western Pennsylvania Regional Rural Health Summit - 04/16/2025 - Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) - Central Pennsylvania Regional Rural Health Summit - 06/23/2025 - Juniata College in Huntington - Rural Economic Development Summit - 06/03/2025 - Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, 212 Locust Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 - North Central Regional Rural Healthcare Summit - 07/24/2025 - University of Pittsburgh at Bradford - Susquehanna Regional Rural Healthcare Summit - 10/24/2025 - Pine Barn Hotel, Danville PA - Northern Tier Regional Rural Health Summit - 11/12/2025 - Penn College of Technology in Williamsport, John F. Thompson Professional Development Center
Core Initiatives
King’s College hosted the NEPA Rural Governor Shapiro Health Summit to foster dialogue among regional leaders and stakeholders about rural health challenges. The summit supports the ongoing Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Plan through community engagement. Key contacts: Debra Bogan; Valerie Arkoosh; Philip Jones; Teresa Lacey Event schedule: - NEPA Rural Health Townhall - 05/29/2026 - 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Community Engagement, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, King’s College, Wayne Memorial Community Center
PA Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh on PA's Rural Health Transformation Plan
text/html · 5/9/2026
PA RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
PA RHTP site updated — 19 new doc(s)
PA - 2026 - Rural Health | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
PA - 2026 - RHTP News Digest
May 9, 2026 09:01
·EmailPA - 2026 - PA RHT Plan (RHTP) Funding Opportunities
Documents predating or adjacent to the RHTP program — useful background, excluded from main activity feed.
StyleManual_6thEdition.pdf
Pennsylvania Code 2026 Supplement Schedule
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Pennsylvania's RHTP will invest $1B over five years to regionally transform rural health care through RCCs, workforce innovation, expanded telehealth, and digital infrastructure. The plan directly responds to priority needs in maternity, behavioral, dental, aging, and primary/preventive care, and incorporates stakeholder input from over 300 responses and numerous health summits. Implementation focuses on both clinical and technological strategies to improve outcomes and sustain rural hospital viability.
Core Initiatives
Contacts
Core Initiatives
The Pennsylvania RHTP outlines a structured governance and funding approach for Year 1 activities supporting resilience in rural health. Key program areas include behavioral health expansion, EMS development, and workforce initiatives involving local educational institutions. Event schedule: - End of first reporting period - 07/31/2026 - First annual report due - 08/30/2026 - Year 1 funds must be obligated - 10/30/2026 - Year 2 funding awarded - 10/31/2026 - Quarterly report due (Aug 1 - Oct 30) - 11/29/2026 - Quarterly report due (Oct 31, 2026 - Jan 30, 2027) - 03/01/2027 - Quarterly report due (Jan 31 - Apr 30) - 05/30/2027 - Year 1 spending deadline - 09/30/2027
Core Initiatives
PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN 2026 Publication Schedule
Pennsylvania Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) RHTP Reference
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PA - 2026 - Housing Financing and Funding Resources
PA - 2020 - Housing Financing Funding | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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PA - 2027 - Post-Award Forum for the Section 1115 Demonstration: Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Care Youth (FFCY) from a Different State and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
2026 · HTML
Pennsylvania Procurement Handbook (as amended April 1, 2025)
2025 · HTML
PA - 2026 - Doing Business with the Commonwealth
2025 · PDF
Pennsylvania The U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban Development HUD- Defined CoC Names And Numbers Listed By State (Revised April 2016) The Following Is A List Of Continuums Of C
2015-2016 · PDF
GREEN PROCUREMENT GUIDANCE DOCUMENT
2014 · PDF
PA - 2043 - DGS’ Statement of Policy(opens in a new tab)
2013 · PDF
PA - 2026 - Disaster Emergency Suppliers
XLSX
PA - 2026 - Iran Free Procurement List
PA - 2026 - numerous agencies and organizations(opens in a new tab)
PA - 2026 - supplier contact form (opens in a new tab)
XLSX
PA - 2026 - Supplier Registration Guide
PA - 2026 - DGS Bureau of Procurement staff
PA - 2026 - Steel Products Procurement Act as amended(opens in a new tab)
PA - 2026 - Responding to an Event
PA - 2026 - New Supplier Registration Guide
Medicaid Integrity Program (MIP), Provider Audits - Frequently Asked Questions