Vermont's RHTP application was accepted by CMS with an award of $195,053,740.44 to be used starting in 2026. The program aims to enhance accessibility, quality, and customization of care for rural communities in the state. The Agency of Human Services is the contact point for the program. Key contacts: ahs.rht@vermont.gov
Vermont received formal federal award notification for the Rural Health Transformation Program on December 29, 2025, securing $195 million for FY2026. The state has released multiple RFPs and NOFOs for project components, but subgrantees have not been announced, so implementation on the ground has not begun. State opportunities: 3 active (2 open, 1 closing soon), $195.0M listed funding. Key opportunities: Rural Health Transformation Program: AI Transcription and Scribe Technology; Vermont Insurance Marketplace Affordability: Technical and Actuarial Assistance; VT - RHTP Application Preparation Resources. Strategy alignment: emphasizes telehealth, care access implementation priorities.
RHTP Strategy
Model
AHEAD (Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design) Model
Timeline: Starting 2026, five-year program
Health Priority
Rural health workforce and technology support: Focus on reducing clinician administrative burden through AI technology supports rural primary care efficiency and quality of care enhancements. (Regions: State-Wide)
May 30, 2026
Program Update
Vermont received a $195 million RHT grant over five years to enhance rural health by funding AI transcription/scribe technology to increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden in rural primary care settings. The program focuses on automating clinician-patient documentation to improve quality of care and provider satisfaction. Key contacts: Matthew Rockwell ahs.contracts@vermont.gov
Event schedule:
- Request for Proposal Open Date - 5/12/2026 - State-Wide
- Request for Proposal Closing Date - 6/5/2026 - 10:00 PM - State-Wide
May 13, 2026
Program Update
The program is funded by a $195 million grant over five years to advance policies for better access and affordability in Vermont’s health insurance marketplace. It involves conducting statewide assessments, preparing federal waiver applications, and providing ongoing technical assistance to support marketplace improvements.
Event schedule:
- Request Date - 5/1/2026 - 2:20 PM
- Open Date - 5/1/2026
- Closing Date - 5/28/2026 - 2:00 PM
May 13, 2026
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2026
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VT - 2026 - Home | Health Care Reform
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VT - 2026 - Health Care Transformation | Health Care Reform
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SupportingHTML2026-2030Budget: $50.0B
VT - 2026 - H.R.1 FAQ's | Health Care Reform
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VT - 2026 - RHTP Application Narrative | Health Care Reform
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VT - 2026 - RHTP Application Summary | Health Care Reform
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VT - 2025 - RHTP Application Activity Details | Health Care Reform
The program is funded by a $195 million grant over five years to advance policies for better access and affordability in Vermont’s health insurance marketplace. It involves conducting statewide assessments, preparing federal waiver applications, and providing ongoing technical assistance to support marketplace improvements.
Event schedule:
- Request Date - 5/1/2026 - 2:20 PM
- Open Date - 5/1/2026
- Closing Date - 5/28/2026 - 2:00 PM
Core Initiatives
Build stronger rural health networks
Improve technology and shared operations
Strengthen the rural health workforce
Show all initiatives (4)
Build stronger rural health networks
Improve technology and shared operations
Strengthen the rural health workforce
Ensure affordable and timely care for Vermonters
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ApplicationPDFEvent2026-2030
Vermont received a $195 million RHTP award for fiscal years 2026-2030 to modernize rural health infrastructure and workforce. Funding opportunities and RFPs will be released beginning February 2026, with ongoing stakeholder engagement through established committees.
This document introduces Vermont's planned approach to the new CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, outlining goals, funding timelines, and stakeholder engagement. It emphasizes Vermont's readiness and commitment to submitting a strong application for long-term rural health infrastructure investment. Key contacts: AHS.HealthCareReform@vermont.gov
Event schedule:
- Application Window - Fall 2025
- State Submission Deadline - Early November 2025
- Federal Approval - 12/31/2025
- Funding Begins - 01/2026
This document summarizes FY26 RHTP applications for multiple states. States describe major investments (over $150M each) in maternal and chronic disease care, telehealth, mobile health units, workforce pipelines, and value-based care. Strategies emphasize regionally-coordinated efforts, technology upgrades, expanded clinical rotations, and stronger data sharing to transform rural health delivery.
Core Initiatives
Improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities
Expand workforce capacity and training
Enhance technology integration and care coordination
Show all initiatives (46)
Improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities
Expand workforce capacity and training
Enhance technology integration and care coordination
Increase focus on maternal, behavioral, and chronic disease health
Stabilize rural hospitals and ensure population health improvements
Empower rural Mainers to achieve their own 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 will be available and affordable long into Maine’s future by pairing affordability measures with strategies that advance quality, efficiency, and fiscal durability
Transform the rural health workforce through new apprenticeships, improved IT, and expansion of Area Health Education Centers, and pipeline programs (Maryland)
Promote sustainable access and innovative care through new and expanded capacity for primary care, specialty practices, school-based health centers, and behavioral health expansion (Maryland)
Expand access to essential healthcare services for rural residents and reduce hypertension and diabetes ED visits (Massachusetts)
Strengthen the foundation of rural health systems through integrated, community-driven solutions and workforce development (Michigan)
Improve cardiometabolic health outcomes and recruit and retain talent in rural communities (Minnesota)
Conduct a statewide assessment of rural health needs and transform rural healthcare delivery through Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems (Mississippi)
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SummaryPDF2026
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SummaryPDF2026-2030
Vermont submitted its Rural Health Transformation Fund application for federal funding covering 2026-2030. The application focuses on strengthening rural health networks through coordination, technology sharing, workforce support, and affordability. Exact award amounts are yet to be determined by federal review.
Core Initiatives
Data Documents (8)
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DataPDF2025-2027
Vermont is advancing a statewide rural health transformation strategy under Act 68 of 2025, building on prior community engagement and legislative mandates. Fourteen hospitals are engaged in shared services, care shifts to appropriate settings, analytics, and service line optimization. The state is broadening efforts to include primary care and community provider transformation, aiming for a sustainable, equitable rural health system.
Core Initiatives
Develop a comprehensive, affordable, and sustainable rural health care system statewide.
Engage all hospitals and expand transformation to primary care and community providers.
Optimize resource allocation, improve efficiency, maintain access, and promote equity.
Show all initiatives (4)
Develop a comprehensive, affordable, and sustainable rural health care system statewide.
Engage all hospitals and expand transformation to primary care and community providers.
Optimize resource allocation, improve efficiency, maintain access, and promote equity.
Implement shared services and shift care to appropriate lower-cost settings.
Vermont's rural hospitals are pursuing multifaceted transformation strategies tailored to local needs, with emphasis on cost containment, specialist access, interoperability, and population health. Collaborative purchasing and network approaches are used to help achieve financial sustainability. No explicit funding allocations or award amounts are identified in this strategy document.
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The program has a total awarded funding amount of $195,053,740 for the period from December 29, 2025 to October 30, 2030. The award is managed by the Vermont Agency of Human Services located in Waterbury, VT. Multiple administrative supplements are scheduled in 2026 to support ongoing program administration and activities.
Event schedule:
- Period of performance start date - 12/29/2025
- Period of performance end date - 10/30/2030
Vermont received a $195 million RHT grant over five years to enhance rural health by funding AI transcription/scribe technology to increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden in rural primary care settings. The program focuses on automating clinician-patient documentation to improve quality of care and provider satisfaction. Key contacts: Matthew Rockwell ahs.contracts@vermont.gov
Event schedule:
- Request for Proposal Open Date - 5/12/2026 - State-Wide
- Request for Proposal Closing Date - 6/5/2026 - 10:00 PM - State-Wide
Contacts
Matthew Rockwell - <ahs.contracts@vermont.gov> - Contact for RHTP AI Transcription/Scribe Technology - State-Wide
The program seeks consulting and project management services to support Mobile Integrated Health efforts. Procurement deadlines and contact details are provided for firms interested in contributing to rural health transformation activities in Vermont. Key contacts: Danielle Tucker danielle.tucker@vermont.gov
Event schedule:
- Request for Proposal Open Date - 4/22/2026 - 3:58 PM ET
- Questions Due - 5/5/2026 - 4:30 PM ET
- Closing Date - 6/5/2026 - 4:30 PM ET
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ReferencePDF2025
Act No. 68 (2025) directs Vermont to structurally transform healthcare payment, delivery, and hospital regulation, centering on global hospital budgets and reference-based pricing as well as a robust accountability structure. The state will develop and periodically update a comprehensive Health Care Delivery Strategic Plan, involving both rural and urban hospitals, stakeholders, and multi-agency oversight. Emphasis is placed on primary care, rural provider stabilization, data integration, and cost containment.
Documents predating or adjacent to the RHTP program — useful background, excluded from main activity feed.
VT - 2021 - Health Care Workforce Data Center | Health Care Reform
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VT - 2026 - Vermont Business Registry and Bid System - Home
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Modernize rural health systems
Improve access, quality, and sustainability
Focus on infrastructure, workforce, and care model transformation
Build a statewide network of rural healthcare hubs to expand access to care, improve healthcare outcomes, and empower rural communities to design and lead locally tailored health care solutions (Missouri)
Strengthen healthcare workforce, secure financial solvency for rural providers, embed prevention and community health at the center of care, and expand technology use (Montana)
Make Rural America Healthy Again focusing on food-as-medicine, workforce development, technology initiatives, and right-sizing the healthcare system (Nebraska)
Make Rural Nevada Healthy Again by implementing value-based care models to prevent and manage chronic disease, strengthen rural systems through investments and workforce recruitment (Nevada)
Improve quality of life through access to primary and preventative care, behavioral health services, oral health care, and strengthening the rural health workforce (New Hampshire)
Improve healthcare availability by investing in primary and specialty providers, supporting CCBHCs, and fostering a flexible healthcare system (New Jersey)
Transform healthcare access and quality through specialty care access, chronic disease management, value-based payments, and workforce recruitment (New Mexico)
Improve health outcomes through Make Rural America Healthy Again and primary care initiatives, including partnership networks and workforce development (New York)
Catalyze innovative care models and transform the rural care experience through community care networks and expanding behavioral health and substance use disorder services (North Carolina)
Rebuild and retain rural health workforce through residencies, workforce pipelines, new technologies, wellness initiatives, and telehealth hubs (North Dakota)
Improve access to care through clinically integrated networks (CINs), community-based clinics in K-12 schools and college campuses to provide comprehensive 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 disease.
Build a future where every community – no matter how small or remote – has access to high-quality, locally grounded care that is connected through technology, supported by regional collaboration, and sustained by a strong rural workforce.
Reduce preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits year over year.
Improve health outcomes in chronic disease and poor maternal and child health outcomes.
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.
Increase adoption of paramedicine programs at EMS agencies.
Strengthen the workforce, expand 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 by supplying practical tools and support.
Address transportation burdens in rural areas via integrated, technology-enabled transportation coordination systems.
Reduce Texas non-metro ratio of population to community health workers (CHWs).
Increase number of primary and specialty care providers in rural areas.
Build robust rural networks through enhanced primary and long-term care support with improved bed tracking and patient transfer systems.
Food as Medicine: provide infrastructure and startup costs for food pharmacy and programs including medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions for food-insecure patients.
Address substance use disorder, workforce turnover, and emergency room strain by expanding rural health networks and investing in technological infrastructure.
Improve the workforce, leverage technology, and improve healthcare system sustainability by addressing geographic barriers and increasing local mobility options.
Focus on care coordination, mental health support, leveraging technology, and workforce development in rural agricultural communities.
Increase access to care by focusing on rural clinical workforce, technology adoption, and right-sizing the delivery system.
Vermont's application details an ambitious transformation of rural health care through 30 proposed initiatives and grant programs targeting regionalization, integrated shared service platforms, stronger primary care, and major investments in rural provider and workforce development. The state will fund both service delivery reforms and physical facility and IT modernization, emphasizing EMS/paramedicine, mobile units, analytics, telehealth, housing, workforce pipelines, and more. Large-scale system assessment, independent evaluation, and insurance competition/transparency strategies ensure a data-driven, accountable transformation.