Utah

This document provides a listing and preview of upcoming and available funding opportunities under Utah's Rural Health Transformation Program for Year 1 initiatives. No specific funding awards or deadlines are detailed yet; updates will be provided regularly.

The Utah Rural Clinical Preceptor Stipend Program is a workforce-focused initiative under RHTP aiming to expand rural clinical training capacity by offering stipends to eligible preceptors. For Year 1 (July–December 2026), $200,000 is available to compensate physicians, APRNs, and PAs precepting eligible students in rural counties. Applications are prioritized for first-time and uncompensated preceptors to strengthen the rural health workforce pipeline. Key contacts: opcrh@utah.gov Event schedule: - Application deadline - 06/08/2026 - 11:59 PM MT - Year 1 Period of Performance - July 1, 2026 – December 1, 2026 - Invoice submission window opens - 12/02/2026 - 8:00 AM MT - Invoice submission window closes - 12/11/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - Exit questionnaire sent - 12/01/2026

Utah’s RHTP provides a bold, generational investment and integrated framework to transform rural health care through seven targeted initiatives. The plan emphasizes upstream population health, rural workforce expansion, innovative payment models, data-driven care, and system modernization. A $1B strategy, it is poised to improve chronic, behavioral, maternal/child health outcomes, and ensure long-term rural hospital sustainability for 25 rural Utah counties.

Utah received a $195.7 million federal RHTP award for 2026, with initiatives spanning preventive health, rural workforce, infrastructure, technology, and innovation. 25 of Utah’s 29 counties are rural. Year 1 program initiatives are clearly defined, with multiple partners and a focus on competitive sub-awards for remaining funds.

This RFGA supports Utah's federally funded Rural Health Transformation Program to develop a strategic plan expanding rural Graduate Medical Education (GME) over 10 years. Up to one awardee will collaborate with diverse partners, including tribal and rural health facilities, to drive measurable improvements in rural physician access. Funding is up to $1.6M, and aims to foster long-term workforce capacity with rigorous stakeholder engagement, data-driven planning, and continuous technical assistance. Key contacts: ruralht@utah.gov Event schedule: - Application Deadline - 06/17/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - Online submission via Qualtrics - Question Deadline - 06/15/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - ruralht@utah.gov - Final Q&A Posting - 06/16/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - DHHS PCM page - Agreement Period Start - 07/20/2026 - Utah DHHS - Agreement Period End - 09/30/2027 - Utah DHHS - Award Decision Notification - 06/26/2026 - Utah DHHS

CMS issued guidance stating it will not approve or extend new section 1115 demonstration authorities for workforce initiatives beyond currently approved projects. Five workforce demonstration projects have been previously approved involving over $1 billion in federal commitments.

Utah is authorized to receive a minimum of $100 million per year over five years from a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program appropriation. The program requires states to submit detailed transformation plans addressing access, technology, workforce, financial solvency, and quality improvements.

Utah's RHTP planning is underway with a $500 million anticipated federal award spanning fiscal years 2026-2030. The state is focusing on improving rural health outcomes, expanding access, and advancing financial sustainability through prioritized initiatives across workforce development, technology innovation, and healthcare delivery models. Key contacts: Pam Bennett; Sarah Woolsey; Marc Watterson; Carrie Torgersen Event schedule: - CMS Application Release - September 15, 2025 - Proposal form live - End of September 2025 - Proposal form closes - October 6, 2025 - COB - Open meetings - 2nd week in October 2025 - RHTP Work Group proposal prioritization - October 17, 2025 - Draft application due - End of October 2025 - Submit final application - November 5, 2025 - CMS announcement of awards - December 31, 2025

This CMS summary details high-level FY26 RHTP applications from more than a dozen states, each proposing major investments in rural hospital and Medicaid transformation. State plans emphasize telehealth, care integration, workforce development, behavioral and maternal health, and digital health infrastructure as core approaches for rural health system improvement. Award amounts per state (e.g., $203M Alabama, $272M Alaska) are reported at the state level, not for individual recipients.

The document describes Utah Flex and SHIP programs funded by HRSA to support rural hospitals in Utah, focusing on financial, operational, and quality improvements. Utah Flex ensures high quality healthcare is available in rural communities, while SHIP provides purchasing assistance and quality improvement support for small rural and critical access hospitals.

The program includes the Utah Primary Care Grants Program, Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Utah Flex), Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP), and various loan repayment and workforce support programs. It is administered by the State Office of Rural Health and collaborates with multiple entities to enhance rural health workforce, primary care, and hospital sustainability.

Utah was awarded approximately $195.7 million for the first year of RHTP, with an expected baseline of $100 million annually through FY2026-FY2030. The program is organized around four strategic goals addressed through seven broad initiatives involving state, local, tribal, and community partners. Key areas include workforce development, health and wellness promotion, innovation and infrastructure investment, and technology advancement to improve rural healthcare delivery.