RALEIGH, N.C. (WLOS) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services submitted a Rural Health Transformation Plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to demonstrate how the state could use $200 million in federal funding.
According to a news release from the office of Governor Josh Stein, the application demonstrates how the $200 million in federal funding annually over five years would help to improve health across 85% of North Carolina’s 100 counties.
The application is designed to ensure that every North Carolinian, regardless of where they live, has access to high-quality, affordable health care.
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The release says NCDHHS developed the plan through extensive engagement with more than 420 stakeholders, including rural hospitals, community health centers, local health departments, Tribal communities, faith-based organizations, and residents.
“Our plan reflects North Carolina’s commitment to ensuring that every North Carolinian, no matter where they live, has access to high-quality health care,” Stein said in a news release. “North Carolina is on the cutting edge of technology and innovation, and our application for the Rural Health Transformation Program shows that we’re ready to continue our leadership in rural health care. Let’s keep people healthy and ensure our rural communities remain vibrant. I also want to thank the bipartisan partners who helped develop this plan and will help carry it out.”
According to the release, the plan outlines six key strategies to transform rural health care systems, including:
- Launching a locally governed “NC ROOTS” Hub to connect medical, mental health, and social supports
- Expanding prevention, chronic disease management, and nutrition programs
- Increasing access to mental health services, including substance use disorder treatment
- Investing in the rural health care workforce
- Supporting rural providers in transitioning to value-based care models
- Enhancing technology in health care
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“Rural health care providers are the backbone of their communities, working tirelessly to ensure people have access to care when and where they need it,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai in a news release. “North Carolina is a leader in prioritizing rural health and remains committed to investing in rural health care and the rural health workforce. The North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Plan is one part of our efforts to support the more than 3 million people in North Carolina who live in a rural community.”
The release says that the initiatives will be implemented through a broad coalition of the following:
- State agencies
- Community-based organizations
- Academic institutions
- Rural providers
- Private-sector partners
The application also outlines the creation of the Rural Health Infrastructure Fund that will help rural health care providers get access to technology to support their practices.
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According to the release, NCDHHS continues to work with CMS regarding the plan and is expecting to receive a notice of approval by December 31.
If approved, the program will begin in early 2026.
To learn more about the project, visit here.