Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that Florida has been awarded more than $209 million through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, or RHTP, to modernize and expand healthcare access in the state’s underserved communities.
The award is part of a $50 billion national initiative established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Trump. The program aims to strengthen the rural healthcare delivery system by investing in workforce development, technology, and sustainable access models over the next five years.
“Every family in Florida should have access to high-quality care regardless of their zip code,” CEO of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida Justin Senior said. “These funds will improve access and care in rural communities where there is often a shortage of providers.”
Florida’s transformation plan
Florida’s specific plan for the $209.9 million focuses on creating a “sustainable and responsive” health system. Key initiatives include:
- Workforce development: Building a lasting pipeline through the Clinical Training Investment Opportunity, which includes supervised rural rotations and five-year service commitments from providers.
- Technological innovation: Investing in advanced telehealth services, including behavioral health telehubs, remote patient monitoring, and tele-ICU support.
- Expanded mobile care: Funding for mobile health units and community paramedicine to bring chronic disease management and maternal care directly to residents.
- Infrastructure support: Providing start-up funding for satellite clinics and physicians establishing new practices in rural areas.
National context and oversight
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, led by Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, announced first-year allocations for all 50 states on Monday. Florida’s award of $209 million is slightly above the national average of $200 million per state.
Under the program’s structure, 50% of the total funds are distributed equally among approved states, while the remaining 50% is allocated based on a state’s “rural profile” and alignment with federal health priorities, such as nutrition education and preventive care.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, or AHCA, Secretary Shevaun Harris stated the agency will soon release procurements to begin implementing these improvements. The state’s plan also aligns with the “Live Healthy” legislative package and proposed “Rural Renaissance” initiatives intended to bolster infrastructure across Florida’s 31 rural counties.