Missouri Awarded $218 Million for Second Year of Rural Health Program
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri has been awarded $218 million in federal funding for the second year of the Rural Health Transformation Program, Gov. Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services announced.
The award is intended to improve access to health care and support the long-term stability of providers in rural communities. Missouri’s second-year allocation is slightly higher than the $216 million it received in the program’s first year, keeping the state among the top 10 nationally in funding, according to the announcement.
The initial funding established 27 locally led Transformation of Rural Community Health Care hubs, known as ToRCH Care Hubs, serving all 104 rural counties. It also supported hospital infrastructure, essential health services, workforce development and technology upgrades.
State officials say the new funding will move the program from planning and early investments toward broader implementation. Priorities include helping rural hospitals modernize facilities and operations, improving technology and data sharing, recruiting and retaining health professionals, and developing care and payment models aimed at keeping rural providers sustainable.
“This investment reflects a continued trust in Missouri’s commitment to strengthening care across our rural communities,” Kehoe said.
Department of Social Services Director Jess Bax said the funding will help rural providers expand capacity, adopt new tools and improve access to care.
The Rural Health Transformation Program awards funding annually based on states’ performance. Missouri plans to continue working with rural health providers, community organizations and the 27 ToRCH Care Hubs to coordinate local priorities and put the federal funding toward community needs.
State officials said more information about Year 2 initiatives, funding opportunities and timelines will be released as details are finalized with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
