Oklahoma Receives Second-Year Notice of Award for Rural Health Transformation Program

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) awarded Oklahoma $227,097,542.59 for the second year of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This award ensures continued investment in strengthening healthcare access and outcomes across rural Oklahoma.

"Receiving our budget period two award reflects the tremendous work of our partners throughout the state and our shared commitment to transforming rural healthcare," said Keith Reed, Commissioner of Health. "As we enter this next year of RHTP in Oklahoma, we remain focused on supporting these efforts aimed at improving health outcomes and expanding access to care in our rural communities.”

During the program's first year, several critical milestones were achieved, which include:

• Established the infrastructure needed to support the programmatic efforts
• Engaged rural hospitals, health systems, providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to inform transformation strategies
• Kicked off regional planning and collaboration efforts focused on addressing health needs identified at the local level
• Awarded over 500 organizations across the state through direct funding and partnerships
• Launched a refreshed website to allow for easy access to RHTP information, including program-specific data dashboards and funding opportunities

“The Trump Administration’s $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program gives states the resources and flexibility to bring care closer to home and build stronger, more sustainable health care systems for their rural communities,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “As the program enters its second year, this next round of funding will help Oklahoma build on the progress made in year one and continue working toward lasting improvements in access, quality, and health outcomes for rural communities.”

The second-year funding allows Oklahoma to continue building upon the foundation laid in the first year to carry out the state’s 29 RHTP programs.

To stay up to date on Oklahoma’s progress, sign up for RHTP updates, view open funding opportunities, and more, visit Oklahoma.gov/RHTP.

This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $450,574,491.21 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health. 

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