PHOENIX, Ariz. — Governor Katie Hobbs today announced the launch of the official Arizona Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) website, a central hub for the state’s historic $167 million annual investment to expand and strengthen healthcare across rural Arizona. The website is now live at Arizona Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)
“Rural Arizonans have waited too long for healthcare that meets them where they are, and we’re changing that,” said Governor Hobbs. “I’m committed to making sure every dollar reaches the communities that need it most, and this program and website are a signal that help is on the way.”
Funded through a five-year cooperative agreement with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and administered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) in partnership with Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), the RHTP targets the 786,000 Arizonans – 11 percent of the state’s total population – who live in rural communities facing critical healthcare shortages. On average, the nearest hospital is 20 miles away, and in some areas, there is just one behavioral health provider for every 50,000 residents.
The new website provides transparent, up-to-date information on the program’s four investment areas – rural health workforce development, priority health initiatives, expanding access to care, and strengthening rural health systems – and serves as the primary portal for upcoming grant opportunities beginning Spring 2026.
“AHCCCS is proud to lead this effort on behalf of all Arizonans,” said AHCCCS Interim Director Roberta Harrison. “The launch of this website reflects our commitment to transparency and our urgency to get resources into the hands of rural and tribal providers, hospitals, and community partners as quicky as possible.”
Grant funding opportunities will be posted beginning in April 2026, with all opportunities posted by May 2026 and awards targeted to be finalized by Summer 2026. Funding will flow to rural hospitals, Tribal health programs, community health centers, universities, community colleges, nonprofits, and other organizations serving rural Arizonans. Multi-tier grant awards – beginning at $10,000 – are designed to ensure organizations of all sizes can participate.
Arizona’s 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations are a top priority partner throughout the program. Government-to-government Tribal consultation will continue across all five years of implementation, with dedicated technical assistance beginning Spring 2026.
All Year 1 funding is targeted to be fully committed by October 30, 2026. The RHTP Steering Committee, to be formally established by Governor Hobbs, will provide ongoing executive oversight and direction through the program’s full five-year period of performance ending October 2030.
For more information, visit the Arizona RHTP website at Arizona Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) or contact AHCCCS Communications at communications@azahcccs.gov
About the Arizona Rural Health Transformation Program
The Arizona Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a five-year, $167 million federal investment funded by CMS and led by AHCCCS in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). The program runs from December 2025 through October 2030 and is designed to expand healthcare access, build the rural health workforce, address priority health challenges, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of rural health systems across Arizona.
Disclaimer
Arizona’s Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a part of a financial assistance award totaling $166,988,955.92 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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