SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority today announced a new $76.2 million federal funding opportunity through Healthy Horizons, part of the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program, to expand access to specialty, maternal, behavioral health and chronic disease care in rural, frontier and Tribal communities across the state.
“Rural health needs are different across New Mexico, so the solutions need to be different too,” said Elisa Wrede, acting rural health director. “Through Healthy Horizons, we are investing in regional partners who can bring providers, Tribal health programs, community organizations, public health leaders, and others together to improve access to care in practical ways.”
Through Healthy Horizons, the Health Care Authority will select six organizations to manage hub regions and help communities plan and carry out local health care projects. These hubs will bring providers, Tribal health programs, community organizations, and other partners together to improve access to care. Regional hub organizations will convene local partners, identify health care needs, create regional plans and support projects that improve care in their communities. Hubs are not expected to provide all services directly. Instead, they will coordinate local efforts and direct funding to providers, Tribal health programs, community organizations, public health groups and other partners working to close gaps in care.
Each regional hub organization must use at least 90% of its award to support local projects. Applications are due July 2, 2026, through the Rural Health Transformation Program application portal.
Projects may focus on:
• Specialty, maternal and behavioral health care
• Chronic disease care and care coordination
• Health care workforce development
• Telehealth and remote care
• Health information technology
• Referral systems and transportation barriers
• Other local health needs
Funding will be divided across the six Healthy Horizons regions based on need and readiness. The Health Care Authority will consider factors including rural access barriers, Medicaid needs, distance from care and challenges facing local health care providers.
Funded projects must support the goals of Healthy Horizons, including improving access to care, strengthening care coordination, supporting chronic disease care and helping rural providers better serve their communities. Funds may not be used for general operating support, unrestricted payments or services that are reimbursable by Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance or another payer unless permitted under RHTP requirements and approved by the Health Care Authority.
The Health Care Authority will review applications based on regional need, ability to serve as a hub, partnerships, project plans, financial management, readiness, long-term planning and alignment with Healthy Horizons and Rural Health Transformation Program goals.
The initiative is intended to support long-term, community-driven solutions that improve health and strengthen rural health systems across New Mexico.
More information about Healthy Horizons and the application process is available at hca.nm.gov/rht.
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This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a financial assistance award totaling $211,484,740.89 funded entirely 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.
About the New Mexico Health Care Authority
The New Mexico Health Care Authority connects New Mexicans to the care and support they need to live healthy, full lives. The agency administers Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), cash assistance, child support services, and behavioral health care across the state. HCA also oversees the State Health Benefits program for state employees and manages the Health Care Affordability Fund to help make coverage more affordable for working families. The agency licenses health care facilities, investigates complaints, and ensures providers deliver safe, high-quality care. In addition, HCA supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a variety of home and community-based programs that protect health, safety, and human rights.