Virginia received $189,544,888 for the first budget year of the Rural Health Transformation Program, supporting a five-year statewide effort with annual federal awards. The program emphasizes technology modernization, workforce development, expanded care models, and community wellness, delivered through interconnected initiatives led by key partners with state agencies and local organizations. Virginia’s current posture includes structured program planning and partner engagement, with some targeted solicitations underway and formal Requests for Applications to local entities not yet fully open. The program tracks strategic goals and major initiatives to strengthen rural health access and innovation. Current structured plan tracks 10 key initiatives and 7 strategic goals.
County-level estimates averaged across Virginia — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
9.7%
-1.7pp
Uninsured (18–64)
13%
+0.6pp
Diabetes
37.8%
+0.3pp
Obesity
15%
-1.1pp
Current smoking
36.8%
+0.7pp
High blood pressure
26.5%
-1.2pp
Physical inactivity
6.7%
-0.2pp
Heart disease
3.7%
≈ US avg
Stroke
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (133)
County
Pop
Poverty
Uninsured
Fairfax County
1,147,837
5.9%
4.1%
Prince William County
488,880
6.2%
4.6%
Virginia Beach city
456,349
8.6%
6.8%
Loudoun County
432,998
4.2%
3.1%
Chesterfield County
377,869
7.1%
4.9%
Henrico County
335,744
8.8%
6.2%
Chesapeake city
252,583
9.4%
7.1%
Arlington County
236,254
7.4%
4.3%
Norfolk city
233,596
16.5%
12.1%
Richmond city
229,359
18.2%
12.4%
Newport News city
184,216
14.5%
10.8%
Stafford County
163,466
4.7%
3.4%
Demographics
Total population
8.7MCensus ACS5 2024
Rural population
1.1MUSDA ERS RUCC 2023
Rural population %
12.4%USDA ERS RUCC 2023
Poverty rate
9.9%Census ACS5 2024
Median household income
$93,170Census ACS5 2024
Uninsured rate
6.8%Census ACS5 2024
CAH count
8HRSA GIS (live)
Rural hospital facilities
0AI extracted
Primary care HPSA
79HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
Dental HPSA
77HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
Mental health HPSA
40HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
MUA count
78HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
MUP count
30HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
FQHC facilities
190HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
RHC facilities
88HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
AI source: VA - 2025 - Virginia Medicaid Launches Cardinal Care Health Plans and Member Options 07.01.2025 RICHMOND – Today, Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) announced the launch of the new Cardinal C
AI auto-updated Jul 14, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
RHTP Strategic Goals
1Expand rural health workforce capacity and pipelines
2Modernize health systems and technology infrastructure
3Increase equitable access to affordable, high-quality rural care
4Foster innovation in care delivery and community-based models
5Promote prevention, reduce chronic disease, improve rural health outcomes
6Strengthen financial sustainability and provider efficiency
7Ensure stakeholder engagement, transparency, and accountability
VA - 2026 - CMS RHTP 50-State Spotlight (FY2026) — Virginia
Rural population12.4%
1,068,638 rural residents
Current Progress
Launched
Virginia has received a Notice of Award for $189.5 million in federal RHTP funding. On May 21, 2026, Governor Spanberger announced the first Rural Health Transformation grant award to Virginia Highlands Community College, formally beginning subrecipient funding. Formal state-level grantmaking to local providers and workforce organizations is now underway, moving the program into the implementation phase.
RHTP Strategy
Virginia's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) adopts an evidence-based, community-driven approach to address rural health challenges, grounded in comprehensive needs assessment and multi-sector stakeholder collaboration. The strategy focuses on modernizing health systems through technology and interoperability, strengthening workforce pipelines via local training and recruitment, and expanding innovative care delivery models such as telehealth, mobile/hybrid care, and community paramedicine. Implementation is structured under the CMS RHTP framework with staged, multi-year funding, led by designated Key Implementation Partners, and ensures accountability through annual performance reviews.
Model
Integrated, community-centered care model built on technology modernization, rural workforce pipelines, flexible care models (telehealth and mobile), and preventive community wellness initiatives.
Key Initiatives
1CareIQ Innovation Fund for provider technology and interoperability
2Homegrown Health Heroes workforce training, physician recruitment, allied health degree pathways, and Earn to Learn programs
3Connected Care through mobile, hybrid care delivery, telehealth, and EMS community paramedicine programs
4Provider productivity and interoperability enhancements
5Remote patient monitoring for chronic disease management
6Live Well Together focusing on Food as Medicine, Active Kids, and community prevention
7Innovative Maternal Care initiatives
8Integrated care models for dual-eligible populations
9Needs assessment of rural health gaps and sharing best practices
10Rolling competitive procurements for program sub-initiatives
Timeline: 2026–2031 (multi-year rollout linked to CMS RHTP funding with annual performance reviews)
Health Priority
Chronic Disease Prevention: The program aims to reduce chronic disease risk factors and increase access to prevention efforts through the Live Well Together initiative. (Regions: Commonwealth-wide)
Jul 14, 2026
Health Priority
Workforce Development: Expanding training pathways and recruiting allied health professionals to build a local talent pipeline for rural communities. (Regions: Rural regions of Virginia)
Jul 14, 2026
Health Priority
Technology and Care Access: Modernizing systems and interoperable health technologies, while increasing telehealth and mobile care opportunities. (Regions: Rural regions of Virginia)
Jul 14, 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
First local RHTP sub-award in Virginia — supports Virginia Highlands Community College's expansion of its Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program (additional course offerings, increased student capacity, instructional support) to address healthcare workforce shortages in Southwest Virginia. Part of the Homegrown Health Heroes initiative (rural workforce pipelines via public education/community college/local provider partnerships).
Virginia Medicaid will initiate a $14 billion procurement to transform its managed care program, targeting implementation in 2024. The transformation will prioritize quality improvement, value-based care, and measurable health outcome improvements. Stakeholder input will be sought in the design of the program. Key contacts: Christina Nuckols christina.nuckols@dmas.virginia.gov
Event schedule:
- Procurement Launch - 2023 - Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
- Target Implementation Date - 07/01/2024 - Commonwealth of Virginia
Procurement Launch - 2023 - Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
Target Implementation Date - 07/01/2024 - Commonwealth of Virginia
Contacts
Christina Nuckols - <christina.nuckols@dmas.virginia.gov> - Contact - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Drive innovation in managed care
Strengthen quality and accountability
Improve health outcomes for Medicaid members
Show all initiatives (4)
Drive innovation in managed care
Strengthen quality and accountability
Improve health outcomes for Medicaid members
Support priority health initiatives including behavioral health and maternal health
✉️
AnnouncementJun 12, 2026TXT2026
Award Announcement Documents (3)
🌐
Award AnnouncementNEWJul 13, 2026HTML2026
Award: $128K
🌐
Award AnnouncementJun 16, 2026HTML2026
Virginia was awarded $189.5 million in RHTP funding for its first budget period starting in FY 2026. The funding supports rural health transformation, with strategic goals including increased access, workforce development, and rural health innovation. Formal Requests for Applications (RFAs) to local entities have not yet been opened.
Event schedule:
- Federal application deadline - 11/05/2025
- Virginia received Notice of Award - December 2025
- Anticipated End of Spending for BP 1 funds - 10/31/2027
- Anticipated End of Spending for BP 2 funds - 10/31/2028
- Anticipated End of Spending for BP 3 funds - 10/31/2029
- Anticipated End of Spending for BP 4 funds - 10/31/2030
- Anticipated End of Spending for BP 5 funds - 10/31/2031
Award: $189.5MOTHER
Event Schedule
Federal application deadline - 11/05/2025
Virginia received Notice of Award - December 2025
Anticipated End of Spending for BP 1 funds - 10/31/2027
Show all schedule items (7)
Federal application deadline - 11/05/2025
Virginia received Notice of Award - December 2025
Anticipated End of Spending for BP 1 funds - 10/31/2027
Anticipated End of Spending for BP 2 funds - 10/31/2028
Anticipated End of Spending for BP 3 funds - 10/31/2029
Anticipated End of Spending for BP 4 funds - 10/31/2030
Anticipated End of Spending for BP 5 funds - 10/31/2031
Core Initiatives
Expand access to rural health services
Grow the rural health workforce
Drive innovation in rural communities
✉️
Award AnnouncementMay 17, 2026TXT2026Federal
Virginia aims to strengthen rural health systems statewide through a nearly $200 million federal award for 2026.
Award: $200.0M
Core Initiatives
Strengthen rural health systems statewide
Application Documents (3)
🌐
ApplicationJun 30, 2026HTML
Virginia has not yet opened formal Requests for Applications for RHT funding. The program focuses on initiatives such as innovation in care, provider productivity, workforce pipeline development, and connected care models, involving multiple key partners. Rural organizations are encouraged to review program priorities and sign up for future funding updates.
Core Initiatives
Enhance rural health workforce capacity
Enable innovative and integrated care delivery
Promote community-based approaches to health improvement
✉️
ApplicationJun 5, 2026TXTEvent2026
WV RHTP released a new RFI to enable remote patient monitoring for chronic disease in rural settings. Applications must be submitted via wvOASIS. Additional RFIs and opportunities will be released on a rolling basis.
Event schedule:
- Connected Care Grid RFI Due Date - 06/22/2026 - ET - wvOASIS VSS portal
- RHTP Informational Webinar - 03/24/2026 - YouTube (see program links)
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 (4)
📄
DataApr 15, 2026PDF2025
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
Virginia Medicaid launched Cardinal Care Managed Care, its largest program affecting 1.4 million Virginians and emphasizing member-centered care. Five health plans will serve Medicaid members beginning July 1, 2025, offering enhanced benefits in behavioral health, maternal and child health, and long-term services. The program is centered on improving population health, transparency, and innovation. Key contacts: Cheryl Roberts vamedicaidmediarequests@dmas.virginia.gov
Event schedule:
- Program Launch - 07/01/2025 - ET - Virginia
POPULATION_HEALTH · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · OTHER
Event Schedule
Program Launch - 07/01/2025 - ET - Virginia
Contacts
Cheryl Roberts - <vamedicaidmediarequests@dmas.virginia.gov> - Director of DMAS - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Enhance individual and population wellness and health outcomes
Create a personalized care experience
Support providers and health systems in care delivery
Show all initiatives (7)
Enhance individual and population wellness and health outcomes
Create a personalized care experience
Support providers and health systems in care delivery
Improve care for individuals with complex needs
Upgrade platform for innovation, data analytics, and efficiencies
Expand value-based initiatives and quality outcome goals
Advance program transparency, integrity, and accountability
🌐
ReferenceJun 16, 2026HTMLPast
Virginia received $189,544,888 for the first budget year and will receive new federal awards over five years to strengthen rural health. The program focuses on four key initiatives: tech modernization, workforce development, expanded care models, and community wellness. Key Implementation Partners lead and manage sub-initiatives in collaboration with agencies and community organizations.
Event schedule:
- Webinar: Rural Health Transformation in Virginia: Updates, Opportunities, and Next Steps - 06/03/2024
Other Documents (1)
📄
OtherApr 15, 2026PDF2025
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
VA - 2026 - RHTP (RHTP) Update [2026-06-12-listserv-Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Update.txt]
Extracted
Jun 12, 2026 17:45
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Downloads & References (12)
Data files & reference docs ▾
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SFY 22 Rates Web File with Temporary HCBS Rate Increase
PDF
VA - 2025 - Commonwealth of Virginia Celebrates 20 Years of Cardinal Care Smiles 07.24.2025 RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) are proud to celebrate a meaningful milestone. 20 years of Cardinal Care Sm
2025 · PDF
Source Checks
Last checked
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HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY
Core Initiatives
Expand access to remote patient monitoring in rural settings
Enable better chronic disease management through digital technology
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.
Executive Order for Physical Fitness Test - 2025-11-04
Show all schedule items (5)
Application Submission - 2026
Listening Sessions - 2025-09
Executive Order for Physical Fitness Test - 2025-11-04
SNAP Waiver Submission - 2025-11-04
CME Nutrition Implementation - 2028
Core Initiatives
Improving access to care in rural Virginia
Improving health outcomes for rural residents
Expanding use of technology and data-driven solutions
Show all initiatives (15)
Improving access to care in rural Virginia
Improving health outcomes for rural residents
Expanding use of technology and data-driven solutions
Building partnerships across providers and communities
Growing a local health workforce
Supporting financial sustainability of rural providers
Tech Innovation
Workforce Development
Sustainable Access
Make rural America healthy again
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Ensure stakeholder buy-in and transparency through ongoing engagement
Track and measure success with initiative-specific metrics
Conduct robust performance evaluation and management
Develop long-term sustainability plans for initiatives beyond the RHTP funding period
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.
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.
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
Event Schedule
Webinar: Rural Health Transformation in Virginia: Updates, Opportunities, and Next Steps - 06/03/2024
Core Initiatives
Modernize health systems and interoperability
Strengthen rural workforce and training
Expand telehealth and mobile care delivery
Show all initiatives (4)
Modernize health systems and interoperability
Strengthen rural workforce and training
Expand telehealth and mobile care delivery
Promote prevention efforts and healthy lifestyles
VA - 2024 - Virginia Medicaid to Provide 12 Months of Protected Coverage for Children 01.10.2024 Richmond – The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) announced that children below the age of 19 enrolled in Virginia’s Med
2024 · PDF
VA - 2024 - Virginia Medicaid Announces Intent to Award Managed Care Contracts 02.29.2024 Richmond – The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) posted a Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA) contracts after completing evaluations and n
2024 · PDF
VA - 2023 - Temporary Benefits for Several Virginia Assistance Programs Will End Soon 03.06.2023 Richmond - Several medical, food and financial assistance flexibilities and programs administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services
2023 · PDF
VIRGINIA MEDICAID COVERAGE OF TRANSPLANTS RHTP 2021 Document
2021 · PDF
Breast Pumps And Lactation Consultation Services Fact Sheet