The initiative involves collaboration among state and local agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofit leaders, business partners, and community stakeholders to improve access to high-quality, affordable care. The VA Rural Vitality proposal was developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and outlines four key goals to enhance healthcare access, outcomes, and innovation in rural areas. Virginia submitted an application to CMS to secure federal funding to support these initiatives.
VA - 2026 - CMS RHTP 50-State Spotlight (FY2026) — Virginia
Rural population12.4%
1,068,638 rural residents
Current Progress
Planning
Virginia completed stakeholder engagement including listening sessions and input from over 200 organizations and has submitted its CMS application.
RHTP Strategy
Engage stakeholders statewide to develop a comprehensive plan focusing on workforce growth, access expansion, and innovation in rural healthcare.
Key Initiatives
1Conduct needs assessments in rural communities
2Implement innovative care delivery solutions
3Expand healthcare workforce in rural areas
4Drive healthcare access and innovation statewide
Program Update
Virginia aims to strengthen rural health systems statewide through a nearly $200 million federal award for 2026.
May 17, 2026
Program Update
This summary covers Rural Health Transformation Program FY26 applications from over a dozen states, outlining funding levels and state strategies. Key themes include workforce expansion, maternal health, chronic disease prevention, technological adoption (telehealth, EHR), regional partnership models, EMS modernization, and innovative payment and care delivery models. No sub-grantee or recipient-level awards listed.
Apr 18, 2026
Program Update
Virginia is re-procuring its statewide Medicaid managed care program, Cardinal Care Managed Care, with enhanced focus on quality improvement, data-driven analytics, and equitable access to care. The program introduces a single managed care contract, new models and value-based care initiatives, and specialized plans for foster care youth. Transition to new MCOs and enrollment enhancements take effect July 1, 2025.
Apr 15, 2026
Reference
PDF
2025
No amount extracted
VA - 2025 - Virginia Department Of Medical Assistance Services RHTP Application
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
SupportingPDF2025-2030Award: $1.0B
VA - 2025 - Virginia Department Of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) RHTP 2025 Application
Auto-grouped context match (38%)
Award Announcement Documents (1)
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Award AnnouncementTXT2026Federal
Virginia aims to strengthen rural health systems statewide through a nearly $200 million federal award for 2026.
The Commonwealth of Virginia seeks significant rural healthcare transformation through the VA Rural Vitality application, focusing on four strategic initiatives (CareIQ, Homegrown Health Heroes, Connected Care Closer to Home, Live Well Together). The approach targets chronic disease, maternal and infant health, mental health, access, workforce, and provider solvency using technology, workforce pipelines, and community partnerships. Rural residents face disparities across all health indicators, with program structure responding to direct stakeholder feedback from broad rural engagement.
This summary covers Rural Health Transformation Program FY26 applications from over a dozen states, outlining funding levels and state strategies. Key themes include workforce expansion, maternal health, chronic disease prevention, technological adoption (telehealth, EHR), regional partnership models, EMS modernization, and innovative payment and care delivery models. No sub-grantee or recipient-level awards listed.
Budget: $3K
Core Initiatives
Making Rural America Healthy Again
Improve rural provider capacity and stability
Enhance digital and telehealth capacity
Show all initiatives (56)
Making Rural America Healthy Again
Improve rural provider capacity and stability
Enhance digital and telehealth capacity
Expand workforce and provider partnerships
Reduce chronic disease and health disparities
Empower rural residents to achieve healthy living goals through expanded population health solutions
Expand the supply of care by growing a rural workforce and spreading technologies that improve coordination
Ensure care is available and affordable long into the future through affordability measures and strategies advancing quality, efficiency, and fiscal durability
Transform rural health workforce through new apprenticeships, improved IT, and expansion of Area Health Education Centers and pipeline programs
Promote sustainable access and innovative care through expanded capacity for primary care, specialty practices, school-based health centers, and behavioral health expansion
Expand access to essential healthcare services for rural residents
Reduce hypertension and diabetes ED visits
Improve health and well-being through targeted initiatives and partnerships
Strengthen systems, policies, and investments to meet unique rural community needs
Advance population health through improved clinical infrastructure and coordination
Strengthen the full continuum of healthcare workforce with focus on development, recruitment, and retention
Strengthen foundation of rural health systems through integrated community-driven solutions expanding access, modernizing health information exchange, building workforce capacity, and addressing community supports
Data Documents (3)
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DataPDF2025
Virginia is re-procuring its statewide Medicaid managed care program, Cardinal Care Managed Care, with enhanced focus on quality improvement, data-driven analytics, and equitable access to care. The program introduces a single managed care contract, new models and value-based care initiatives, and specialized plans for foster care youth. Transition to new MCOs and enrollment enhancements take effect July 1, 2025.
Core Initiatives
Ensure Medicaid access to quality care statewide
Enhance behavioral health services and outcomes
Improve maternal and child health outcomes
Show all initiatives (9)
Ensure Medicaid access to quality care statewide
Enhance behavioral health services and outcomes
Improve maternal and child health outcomes
Strengthen provider access and reduce administrative burden
Support high-risk members via case management and social needs resources
Provide specialized support for children/youth in foster care
Expand value-based payment and outcomes focus
Increase financial accountability, quality withholds, and profit limitations for MCOs
This is Virginia's formal application to CMS for the $1B Rural Health Transformation Program (2025-2030), proposing four pillars: technology, workforce, access, and prevention. Major initiatives aim to modernize rural provider infrastructure, build the workforce, improve access via mobile and hybrid models, and support integrated, preventive care for chronic disease and maternal health. Sub-initiative administrators and partners are identified, pending CMS funding approval.
In 2025, Virginia launched its largest-ever Medicaid managed care transformation, transitioning 1.7 million people into the Cardinal Care system. Major advances include improved outcomes in maternal and behavioral health, significant reductions in avoidable emergency room visits, and strengthened oversight mechanisms. The state reported robust workforce retention, enhanced IT security, and progress in language and disability access.
Core Initiatives
Improve Medicaid access and enrollment via managed care transformation
Strengthen oversight and transparency for Medicaid plans
Enhance care for foster youth and at-risk populations
Show all initiatives (5)
Improve Medicaid access and enrollment via managed care transformation
Strengthen oversight and transparency for Medicaid plans
Enhance care for foster youth and at-risk populations
Expand and modernize home and community-based services compliance
Support performance management and workforce stability
Uncategorized Documents (1)
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OtherHTML
The initiative involves collaboration among state and local agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofit leaders, business partners, and community stakeholders to improve access to high-quality, affordable care. The VA Rural Vitality proposal was developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and outlines four key goals to enhance healthcare access, outcomes, and innovation in rural areas. Virginia submitted an application to CMS to secure federal funding to support these initiatives.
Documents predating or adjacent to the RHTP program — useful background, excluded from main activity feed.
SFY 22 Rates Web File with Temporary HCBS Rate Increase
PDF
VIRGINIA MEDICAID COVERAGE OF TRANSPLANTS RHTP 2021 Document
2021 · PDF
Breast Pumps And Lactation Consultation Services Fact Sheet
Source Checks
Last checked
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Improve cardiometabolic health outcomes and sustain healthcare workforce through recruitment and retention
Strengthen and stabilize rural provider financial health
Conduct statewide assessment of rural health needs and establish Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems (CRIS)
Strengthen rural healthcare workforce through recruitment, retention, and career pathway development
Modernize rural healthcare systems by strengthening digital backbone and increasing virtual care access
Promote hub-and-spoke model to promote regional and local collaboration
Strengthen healthcare workforce, secure financial solvency, embed prevention and community health at center of care, and expand technology use
Focus on food-as-medicine programs, workforce development, technology initiatives, and right-sizing healthcare system
Address chronic disease management, behavioral health, maternal health, workforce shortages and infrastructure through funding and workforce recruitment programs
Improve access to primary and preventive care, chronic disease management, maternal health, behavioral health, oral health through prevention-oriented and technology-driven models
Improve healthcare availability in rural areas by investing in primary and specialty provider expansion and fostering flexible healthcare systems
Transform healthcare access and quality through specialty care access expansion, chronic disease screening, and workforce strengthening
Improve health outcomes through system integration, primary care expansion, and workforce development
Catalyze innovative care models, transform rural care experience, and create sustainable rural delivery system via provider coordination and hubs
Rebuild and retain rural health workforce through residencies, tech tools, and wellness initiatives
Prevent chronic disease, restore health, and reduce costs through evidence-based nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral health programs
Improve access to care through clinically integrated networks (CINs), community-based clinics, and mobile health care services, rural hospital improvements, and home visits.
Improve health outcomes through expansions of behavioral health services.
Improve chronic disease health outcomes such as reduced A1C and increased levels of hypertension management.
Expand technology to build remote monitoring and telehealth, expand electronic medical record (EMR) usage for pharmacists, and pilot innovative screening technologies for chronic management.
Build a future where every community – no matter how small or remote – has access to high-quality, locally grounded care connected through technology and regional collaboration.
Reduce preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits year over year.
Build a resilient, digitally connected, community-anchored provider network to deliver flexible care across rural regions.
Design data-driven solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural residents.
Advance whole-person health through connected care technologies and coordinated pathways for behavioral health, chronic disease, maternal health, and social needs.
Promote sustainable access by focusing on integration and comprehensive delivery of services, leveraging technology, and supporting the workforce.
Make Rural America Healthy Again through increased provision of primary care, oral health services, and nutrition education.
Strengthen the workforce through rural clinical placements and policies that allow top-of-license practice.
Increase healthcare access and quality for improved chronic disease management and health outcomes for rural communities.
Prioritize direct investment in provider capacity over creating new programs, supporting high-quality care in rural and Tribal areas.
Promote local health innovation while respecting rural independence and connecting residents to partnerships, modern technology, and care closer to home.
Leverage statewide technology initiatives, support the rural clinical workforce, establish clinically integrated networks (CINs), and empower patients to focus on disease prevention and healthy living.
Improve wellness by promoting nutrition, physical activity, and preventative care through care coordination and integration.
Build robust rural networks through enhanced primary care and long-term care support, improved bed tracking, patient transfer systems, and community paramedicine.
Focus on patient empowerment and disease prevention with particular attention to expanding access to care, technology, and workforce development.
Address higher rates of substance use disorder, high hospital clinician and staff turnover, and emergency room strain by expanding rural health networks and investing in technology and workforce.
Address health-related barriers to workforce participation, establish West Virginia as a center for rural healthcare access and sustainability through technology, mobility platforms, and workforce development.
Improve care coordination, mental health support, leverage technology, and workforce development to transform rural health in agriculture-heavy communities.
Improve access to care by focusing on the rural clinical workforce, leveraging technology, and right-sizing the delivery system with stakeholder input.
Transform rural health delivery through innovative technology and payment models
Build a robust, homegrown rural health workforce
Expand access to high-quality, preventive, and specialty care locally
Show all initiatives (4)
Transform rural health delivery through innovative technology and payment models
Build a robust, homegrown rural health workforce
Expand access to high-quality, preventive, and specialty care locally
Promote prevention, reduce chronic disease, and improve overall rural health
Virginia is advancing the Rural Health Transformation initiative by assessing local needs, sharing best practices, and deploying innovative solutions to improve rural healthcare access and quality. The Department of Medical Assistance Services highlights improvements in postpartum care and crisis response impacting over two million Virginians.
Event schedule:
- Medicaid members who have received services at Fishing Point Healthcare and its affiliated pharmacies, Fishing Point Healthcare has decided to pause services for Virginia Medicaid members effective , 2026. You can contact the Member Helpline, or if you are enrolled with an MCO, please contact them to assist you in finding an enrolled healthcare provider who meets your needs. - April 15 - Help Us Navigate the Website!
QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
Core Initiatives
Expand access to high-quality, affordable care across rural communities
Improve access, efficiency, and outcomes in rural healthcare delivery