The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the creation of the Office of Rural Health Transformation (ORHT) within the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services. This new office will continue leading the implementation of the $50 billion Rural Health Initiative, which was initiated earlier this year under President Trump's Working Families Tax Cut legislation.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. emphasized the importance of reliable healthcare access in all communities, stating, "By establishing the Office of Rural Health Transformation, we are making sure this historic investment delivers real results for rural families and strengthens health systems for the long term."
The ORHT will guide states in executing their rural health transformation plans, provide technical assistance, coordinate partnerships between federal and state entities, and ensure oversight throughout the five-year program set to conclude on September 30, 2031. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz highlighted that this initiative represents a significant investment in rural America's health and vitality.
Deputy Administrator Dan Brillman noted that CMS is committed to ensuring consistent access to high-quality care in rural areas through this newly established office. Principal Deputy Director Caprice Knapp added that CMS is dedicated to supporting states with strategic guidance and program stewardship necessary for improving community outcomes.
Alina Czekai, Director of ORHT, expressed her honor in leading at a crucial time for rural healthcare. She mentioned that after reviewing state applications rigorously, her team is ready to collaborate with states on innovative care models and infrastructure modernization.
For further details about ORHT or the RHT Program, interested parties can visit federalregister.gov or cms.gov.
