By Alia Shoaib
Copyright newsweek
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a $50 billion investment into improving health care in rural areas in the U.S., the largest ever funding boost of this kind.Why It MattersMore than 60 million Americans, which amounts to about one-fifth of the population, live in rural areas. Rural Americans have historically faced limited access to health care and a shortage of providers.They are also more likely to die from the country’s top five causes of death than their urban counterparts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What To KnowThe $50 Billion Rural Health Transformation Program has been established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to improve health care across rural America.Under the program, all 50 states can apply for funding to address rural health challenges specific to their area.The funding is to be distributed over five years, with $10 billion available each year beginning in the federal fiscal year 2026.Half of the funds are set to be allocated equally among all approved states, while the other half is expected to be allocated based on state-specific metrics, including population, numbers of health facilities and other factors.One of the objectives of the program is to “make rural America healthy again” by improving access to care that emphasizes prevention and tackles the underlying causes of disease.The program also seeks to support innovative care models in rural areas, improve the efficiency and sustainability of local care providers, and attract and retain a skilled health care workforce in underserved areas.Another goal of the program is to grow the use of innovative technologies to make care delivery more efficient and effective in rural areas.What People Are SayingHealth and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a news release: “This $50 billion program is about delivering dignity and dependable care to rural communities, making sure every American has access to affordable, high-quality treatment.”Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said in the release: “For too long, when it comes to health care access and infrastructure, we’ve left behind the backbone of America. That stops now with this program that will spark real change for rural health care. “What Happens NextStates must apply for the funding by November 5. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to announce awardees by December 31 and work with the states to ensure strong oversight and the successful implementation of initiatives.
