States Deploy RHTP Funding to Expand Rural Primary Care Access and Workforce
States are using federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding — $50 billion over five fiscal years — to strengthen rural primary care access and workforce. CMS requires states to direct funds toward at least three of ten approved use categories, including chronic disease management, direct provider payments, telehealth, workforce retention, and alternative payment models. Alabama awarded grants to recruit primary care physicians, open pediatric clinics, and expand clinic hours, while Auburn University is building virtual clinic networks for routine and specialty care. Florida is deploying community paramedics for home-based primary care. The investments address persistent rural workforce shortages and access barriers affecting Medicaid beneficiaries concentrated in rural counties.