CMS Announces Establishment of the Office of Rural Health Transformation
New Office Will Continue Leading Implementation of the $50 Billion Rural Health Initiative
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the establishment of the Office of Rural Health Transformation (ORHT) within the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS). Following the creation of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program earlier this year under President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut legislation (Public Law 119-21), CMS has been carrying out this work and has now formally established ORHT within its organizational structure. The office will continue overseeing the RHT Program — a historic, $50 billion initiative to strengthen rural health systems and expand sustainable access to care nationwide.
“Healthy communities start with access to reliable care, no matter where you live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “By establishing the Office of Rural Health Transformation, we are making sure this historic investment delivers real results for rural families and strengthens health systems for the long term.”
ORHT, which announced approved awardees on December 29, 2025, will guide states in implementing their rural health transformation plans, provide technical assistance, coordinate federal and state partnerships, and ensure strong oversight and accountability throughout the five-year program, which will run through September 30, 2031.
“The Rural Health Transformation Program represents a generational investment in the health and vitality of rural America,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “By formally establishing the Office of Rural Health Transformation, CMS is reinforcing its commitment to strong leadership, accountability, and partnership as states prepare to turn this investment into lasting improvements for rural communities.”
“The Office of Rural Health Transformation reflects CMS’ commitment to ensuring rural communities across America have consistent access to high-quality, dependable care,” said Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Dan Brillman. “With this office now formally established, CMS is reinforcing the infrastructure needed to help states deliver real, lasting improvements in rural health.”
“States are poised to undertake bold, ambitious work under the Rural Health Transformation Program, and CMS is committed to partnering with them every step of the way,” said Principal Deputy Director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Caprice Knapp. “The Office of Rural Health Transformation will help ensure states have the tools, strategic guidance, and strong program stewardship necessary to improve outcomes for the communities they serve.”
“I am honored to lead the Office of Rural Health Transformation at such a pivotal moment for rural health care,” said Director of the Office of Rural Health Transformation Alina Czekai. “Having completed a rigorous review of state applications, our team is prepared to partner with states on the transformational work ahead—advancing innovative care models, modernizing rural health infrastructure, and strengthening systems that will endure well beyond the life of the program.”
For more information about the ORHT, visit: federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/22/2025-23588/statement-of-organization-functions-and-delegations-of-authority.
For more information about the RHT Program, including state resources and program updates, visit: cms.gov/priorities/rural-health-transformation-rht-program/rural-health-transformation-rht-program.
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