Trump Administration Announces $51 Million for Rural Texas Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Programs
This federal investment will support 68 rural hospital districts and authorities working to prevent and manage diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and obesity
The Trump Administration announced today that a $51 million investment is being delivered to create or improve community-based chronic disease prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This investment will help rural healthcare providers implement solutions to improve outcomes for rural Texans with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, or obesity, while also supporting efforts to prevent these chronic conditions.
“President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.”
“President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Texas,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.”
Today’s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act — passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats — delivering a historic $50 billion investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America.
“Rural Texans deserve quality health care in their own communities,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. "This $51 million will aid 68 rural hospital districts and authorities with prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that keep Texans healthy and strong. I thank President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Administrator Oz for this investment in rural Texas.”
“The Working Families Tax Cuts Act made the single largest investment in rural health care in more than two decades,” said Sen. John Cornyn. “I was proud to support this once-in-a-generation law that established the Rural Health Transformation Program, and I look forward to seeing these resources expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and better support folks with chronic conditions across the Lone Star State.”
“This investment is critical to Texans, and I applaud CMS and Administrator Oz for approving it,” said Sen. Ted Cruz. “The decision is a recognition that the needs of rural Texas communities should be met, and these resources will strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to high-quality care, and help Texans in every part of our state get the healthcare they need. I was proud to work alongside my colleagues in the Texas delegation to secure this funding.”
“Rural Texans deserve the same access to quality healthcare as anyone else in our state, and this investment is a major step toward closing that gap. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts and the Rural Health Transformation Program, we're strengthening our rural hospitals and investing in prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that get ahead of chronic conditions. Healthier communities mean stronger families, a more productive workforce, and a brighter future for rural Texas. I will always work to ensure our rural communities have the resources they need to thrive,” said Rep. Nathaniel Moran.
“This historic investment in rural health will expand access to care and give Texas communities more tools to prevent and manage chronic disease,” said Rep. Dan Crenshaw. “I’m proud to see these resources going directly to rural Texans who need them most.”
“This is welcome news for rural Texas. I thank President Trump and his Administration for standing with our rural communities, and I was proud to join my Republican colleagues in Congress to make the Rural Health Transformation Program possible,” said Rep. Keith Self. "Helping families get better access to care—and live healthier lives—is exactly the kind of result we should keep delivering.”
“Rural hospitals are the backbone of so many North Texas communities, and new funding will help keep them strong,” said Rep. Pat Fallon. "I am proud that $51 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program is coming to 68 rural hospital districts and authorities across our state through the Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative. By investing in the health of rural Texans, we’re strengthening families, supporting local providers, and building a stronger future for our communities.”
“$51 million will improve lives, fight chronic disease, and make our rural communities healthier,” said Rep. Lance Gooden. “Texans should remember that in the fight to improve healthcare, every Democrat voted against this funding.”
“Our rural communities are home to the farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and families who keep Texas and this country moving. Access to quality healthcare is critical to keeping those communities strong. Too many rural Texans still have to travel long distances or face limited options when they need care,” said Rep. Jake Ellzey. “These funds will help strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to preventive care, and give communities more tools to address chronic conditions before they become more serious. By putting these resources closer to home, we can help rural Texans get the care they need while strengthening the hospitals and healthcare systems these communities depend on every day.”
“Rural Texans deserve the same access to quality care as anyone else, and this investment puts real resources into the communities that need it most. I'm grateful to CMS and state leaders for recognizing the importance of these programs and working to deliver better outcomes for Texas families,” said Rep. Morgan Luttrell.
“This is great news for rural Texans, who deserve the same access to quality health care as anyone else. This $51 million investment will help communities across our state take a more proactive approach to improving health and preventing chronic disease. I’m proud to have an administration that understands the importance of investing in rural healthcare, which strengthens our local communities,” said Rep. Michael McCaul.
“Rural Texans shouldn’t have to drive hours to see a doctor or receive the life-saving care they need. I was proud to support and advocate for Texas to receive its fair share of funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program, and I’m glad to see these dollars now reaching our hospitals. This historic investment will keep rural hospitals open, expand access to telehealth, and recruit and retain medical professionals. When a rural hospital or clinic has the resources it needs, the entire community benefits. I'll keep fighting for rural health care in Congress and will make sure every dollar of this funding gets to the rural hospitals it was meant to serve,” said Rep. August Pfluger.
“Texans across our state deserves access to high-quality health care. Alongside my Texas colleagues, I'm proud to have helped pass the Rural Health Transformation Program, which is investing millions of dollars into health care services in Texas,” said Rep. Craig Goldman. “This innovative program will strengthen rural health care and help make Texans healthier.”
“Texans in TX-13 and every rural community deserve access to quality healthcare,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “This investment through the Rural Health Transformation Program will help rural communities expand prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs while addressing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and obesity. I’m proud to support efforts that strengthen access to care and improve health outcomes for hardworking families across rural Texas.”
“Every day, Texans continue to reap the benefits of the historic Working Families Tax Cuts Act I proudly voted for,” said Rep. Randy Weber. “Today, that means more than $50 million is heading to 68 rural hospital districts and authorities so quality health care reaches beyond the city limits and rural Texans can get the care they deserve closer to home.”
“Access to healthcare remains a major challenge in rural Texas, making this $51 million investment a major win for our state,” said Rep. Monica De La Cruz. “The funding will fight chronic illness, train the next generation of doctors, and empower local providers. I am proud to help secure these critical resources and will keep fighting to ensure our communities receive the best care possible.”
“Rural Texans deserve access to quality health care close to home,” said Rep. Pete Sessions. “This $51 million investment through the Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative will help our rural hospital districts expand prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that tackle diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions before they become crises. I thank CMS and Administrator Oz for standing with rural Texas and investing in healthier communities across our state.”
“We won’t have the next generation of agriculture and energy producers providing America with food security and energy independence without access to basic health care in rural communities. Yet for years, Rural America has faced a growing health care crisis marked by fewer providers, reduced services, and limited access to quality care,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington. “To combat this crisis, the One Big Beautiful Bill established the Rural Health Transformation Program, a historic $50 billion investment in rural health care over five years, including $1.4 billion for Texas, to strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes. In the first year alone, Texas is receiving $281 million to advance state-led solutions to our rural health care challenges. Today, I am proud to see the Trump Administration and Governor Abbott put this investment to work through Texas’ Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative, with $51 million supporting 68 rural hospital districts and authorities as they work to prevent and manage diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and obesity. This is another major win for rural America and a Texas-sized investment in a healthier, stronger future for Rural Texas.”
“Rural Texans deserve access to quality healthcare, no matter their location," said Rep. Troy Nehls. "This investment will equip rural communities across the great state of Texas with the resources to prevent chronic disease, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes. I applaud the Trump Administration for recognizing rural Texas and helping Make Rural Texans Healthy Again.”
“Texans across my home state have President Trump and his administration to thank for prioritizing their wellness in urban and rural regions alike. I am proud to see the Working Families Tax Cut Act already start to improve efforts to make America healthy once again,” said Rep. Brandon Gill.
“Providing access to healthcare comes with unique challenges when serving those in rural communities. This funding will help local Texas hospitals expand prevention and wellness programs where they are needed most,” said Rep. Michael Cloud.
“Bringing $51 million to Texas so rural Texans have greater access to wellness and chronic-disease prevention is a promise kept by the Trump Administration to Make America Health Again. I’m proud to support these efforts to deliver real resources to the communities that need them and invest in healthier outcomes for rural families. Quality access to care before there’s a problem means better outcomes when a health issue does arise, and this investment puts prevention, wellness, and stronger rural healthcare within reach for Texans across our state,” said Rep. John Carter.
“Quality health care should never be determined by your ZIP code. Today’s announcement of a $51 million investment in 68 rural hospital districts across Texas is a major step toward ensuring rural Texans have access to the care they need, close to home. As a health care professional and lifelong Southeast Texan, I’ve seen firsthand the dire consequences when quality care is too far out of reach. This investment in Texas’ Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative will deliver local solutions to combat chronic disease, strengthen rural hospitals, and improve health outcomes for families across Texas,” said Rep. Brian Babin.
“President Trump understands that your ZIP code should never determine the quality of health care you receive. Through the One Big Beautiful Bill, we made a historic investment in rural America, with the Rural Health Transformation Program,” said Rep. Wesley Hunt. “Now Texas is putting those resources to work, by strengthening rural hospitals, expanding access, and focusing on prevention and wellness. I’m proud to have worked with the President to help deliver this for our communities and grateful for his sustained commitment to the people who live, work, and raise their families in rural Texas.”
Today’s announcement is one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to Texas for fiscal year 2026.
Texas’s broader RHTP strategy is designed to strengthen rural healthcare and support more sustainable care across the state. Key initiatives the overall RHTP funding will focus on include:
- Strengthening prevention and chronic disease management: Supporting community-based prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs designed to improve outcomes for rural Texans with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, obesity, and other chronic conditions.
- Expanding technology-enabled healthcare: Investing in telehealth, digital health tools, and advanced technology to connect rural patients and providers with healthcare services and specialty expertise.
- Building the rural healthcare workforce: Supporting recruitment and retention strategies and expanded care teams to strengthen healthcare capacity in rural communities.
- Modernizing rural healthcare infrastructure: Upgrading equipment, strengthening interoperability and cybersecurity, and improving technology and facilities used by rural hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, behavioral health providers, public health offices, and EMS.
The Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize, transform and expand healthcare access for rural communities nationwide. Led by CMS, the RHTP is moving beyond the failed one-size-fits-all approach and giving rural communities the tools to build stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable health systems that deliver better care and better outcomes for the Americans they serve.
For more information about the RHTP, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/rural-health.
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