California State Office of Rural Health

Two young boys leaning on the fence in a rural area.

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a federal initiative designed to strengthen health care in rural communities where access, workforce shortages, and infrastructure gaps create unique challenges.

HCAI has submitted California’s RHTP application on behalf of the state. A decision regarding approved projects and award amounts is anticipated to be announced by December 31, 2025. This webpage will be updated as implementation details for the program in California become available.

Please note: the RHTP application narratives are currently under review by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the information in the documents linked below may be subject to change pending final CMS award decisions.

See the RHTP application resources below:

*For assistance accessing documents, contact CalSORH@hcai.ca.gov

Established through H.R.1 and signed into law in July 2025, the program created the Rural Health Transformation Fund — a $50 billion investment over five years, available to all 50 states that apply. This funding is not intended to supplement Medicare or Medicaid, but rather to give states the resources to reimagine how rural health care is delivered and financed.

In California, the Department of Healthcare Access and Information’s State Office of Rural Health (CalSORH) is leading the effort. Guided by input from rural health leaders and feedback gathered through broad stakeholder engagement, CalSORH will use this plan to inform long-term investments, partnerships, and policy initiatives aimed at creating sustainable, resilient rural health systems.

We want your input!
Your voice is critical in shaping the future of rural health care. Sign up for our Rural Health email listserv to stay informed about upcoming webinars, surveys, and engagement opportunities to share your ideas. When subscribing, select “Rural Health” under the Healthcare Workforce category to ensure you receive updates.

Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)
Listening Sessions

Please join us for RHTP listening sessions. We would like your feedback regarding HCAI’s upcoming federal application for transforming rural health care in California. Please see the dates and times for the upcoming listening sessions below and contact CalSORH@hcai.ca.gov for information on how to register. 

Tech Innovation | October 1, 2025 | Recording

Workforce Development | October 1, 2025 | Recording

Innovative Care | October 2, 2025 | Recording

Sustainable Access | October 2, 2025 | Recording

Make Rural America Healthy Again | October 3, 2025 | Recording

View the RHTP Kickoff Webinar Presentation Material – September 4, 2025

View the RHTP Kickoff Webinar Recording – September 4, 2025

Programs

Resources & Information

Please note: the resources provided on this page lead to external, non-HCAI websites.

Program Contacts

You may directly contact the California State Office of Rural Health (CalSORH) for assistance.

Email: CalSORH@hcai.ca.gov

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