ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Rural Health Transformation Program
Latest News for Providers and Communities
- New Mexico was awarded $211,484,741 for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 (FFY26) through the CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program to support implementation of the state’s five approved RHT initiatives.
- The Health Care Authority (HCA) and CMS will meet to discuss next steps for implementation, including implementation timelines, reporting expectations, allowable expenditures, technical assistance supports, and finalization of a revised budget aligned with New Mexico’s award amount and organizational structure.
- HCA will fill new job positions to oversee and carry out RHT initiatives.
- HCA will finalize implementation milestones, procurement timelines, and opportunities for provider and community engagement.
- HCA will develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to distribute funding to rural health communities, including establishment and support of the Rural Health Sustainability and Innovation Center (RHSIC).
Overview
The RHT Program (authorized under H.R. 1, Public Law 119-21, Section 71401) is a $50 billion federal initiative to strengthen rural health care and help rural communities improve access, quality, equity, and sustainability of health services.
Over the next five years (FY 2026-2030), CMS will distribute $10 billion per year to awarded states to help improve access, quality, workforce, and sustainability of health care in rural communities.
New Mexico was awarded $211,484,741 for FFY26. Funding will be used to expand rural health services, stabilize critical access hospitals and clinics, grow workforce, and introduce technology solutions intended to improve care and coordination. Funding for subsequent years will be dependent upon meeting the stated program goals.
For more details on national program goals, visit CMS’s Rural Health Transformation homepage.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Aug. 18, 2025 – HCA released RFP for consultant support (closed Sept. 17)
- Sept.15, 2025 – CMS released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
- Sept. 23, 2025 – HCA released RFI for stakeholder input (closed Oct. 10)
- Oct. 21, 2025 – Tribal leaders listening session held
- Oct. 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – Public Forum
- Presentation HERE
- See a summary of feedback detailed in the application
- Nov. 4, 2025- NM submitted grant application. See the full RHT grant application package..
- Dec. 31, 2025 – CMS announced award decisions.
Resources
- CMS Rural Health Transformation Program Homepage
https://www.cms.gov/priorities/rural-health-transformation-rht-program/rural-health-transformation-rht-program
- CMS Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
RHT Program NOFO – CMS.gov
- CMS RHT Grant Application
- CMS RHT Program Overview slide deck (Aug. 2025)
Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program Overview - Program Fact Sheet (National Rural Health Association PDF)
RHT Program Summary – NRHA - CMS Press Release & Updates
CMS Newsroom – RHT Program
Email MAHARural@cms.hhs.gov - HCA Request for Proposal (RFP) for vendor consultation (closed Sept. 17)
- HCA Request for Information (RFI) from Stakeholders to Inform Grant Application (released Sept. 23, closed Oct. 10)