Ohio Submits Rural Health Transformation Plan

Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, the Ohio Department of Health submitted Ohio’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) proposal (summary) this week along with the Governor’s letter of support.  Ohio’s proposal aligns our proposal with four of the RHTP stated strategic goals, which include:  Making Rural America Health Again; Sustainable Access; Workforce Development; and Innovative Care and Tech Innovation.  The RHTP project narrative outlines the specific initiative and objectives that will be the focus over the next five years, which include building on existing state investments in proven models, such as school-based health centers, home visiting, telehealth, and value-based reimbursement.  There are also specific goals related to rural healthcare workforce pipelines, expanding scope of practice particularly for pharmacists and EMS, increasing use of HIE, and improving collaboration across hospitals, FQHC, behavioral health, and other social service providers.

As a reminder, the federal RHTP was passed under HR 1 to make a $50B investment over five years to support rural health providers in the wake of other changes, particularly to the Medicaid program.  Half of the funds will be awarded to states based on a formula established by CMS and the other half will be distributed based on this application process.  Funds must be used to support policy and practices outlined through the state’s RHTP plan.  State will receiving funding each year based on their progress in achieving the goals outlined in the state’s RHTP plan.  All 50 states submitted applications for these funds. 

ODH developed this proposal in collaboration with the Ohio Departments of Medicaid, Behavioral Health, Aging, Veterans Services, Development Disabilities, Insurance, Education and Workforce, and Higher Education.  Additionally, over 200 stakeholders submitted responses to a survey.  ODH will continue serve as the lead agency for project implementation once Ohio’s RHTP plan is approved by the end of 2025.  ODH anticipates several RFPs will be released in the future.