California State Office of Rural Health
Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)
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.
California has been awarded $233.6 million for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to support rural and frontier communities across the state. Through this funding, HCAI and its partners will begin implementing a shared vision of a connected and resilient rural health system where rural and frontier Californians can access timely, person-centered care closer to home.
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:
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.
- View the RHTP Kickoff Webinar Presentation Material – September 4, 2025
- View the RHTP Kickoff Webinar Recording – September 4, 2025
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
Programs
Resources & Information
Please note: the resources provided on this page lead to external, non-HCAI websites.
- CMS Rural Health Transformation Webpage
- Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub)
- Rural Recruitment and Retention Network (3R Net)
- California State Rural Health Association
- California Association of Rural Health Clinics
- National Association of Rural Health Clinics
- National Association of Community Health Clinics
- Center for Connected Health Policy
- Rural Health Research Gateway
- California Telehealth Resource Center
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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