FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 16, 2026

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Trump Administration Announces $92 Million to Coordinate Rural Hospital Networks, Improve Maternal Care, and Expand Medical Services Across Ohio

This federal investment will connect rural providers and bring MRI, behavioral health, and maternal care closer to patients across Ohio

Today, the Trump Administration announced $92 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding to help rural providers connect patients to coordinated, high-quality care and bring essential health services closer to home for Ohioans. This investment will support coordinated care networks, strengthen maternal health services, and upgrade equipment and facilities at 22 rural hospitals across Ohio.

This transformational funding will deliver $31.4 million to establish or expand coordinated rural care networks, including Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs) and Rural Health Innovation Hubs, that connect physicians, hospitals, clinics, emergency medical services, behavioral health providers, pharmacists, and higher education institutions so they can coordinate care more effectively. An additional $30.3 million will go to hospital networks and health centers to improve maternal care in rural Ohio communities, while another $30.3 million will fund one-time equipment and facility upgrades at 22 rural hospitals, including a new behavioral health unit, on-site MRI services, and expanded diagnostic capacity.

The Rural Health Transformation Program is expanding access to quality healthcare, regardless of a patient’s zip code, and equipping first responders with the lifesaving resources they need when every second counts. This funding will make critical investments to strengthen rural healthcare, expand access to lifesaving services, and bring modern technology to communities across Ohio.

“These investments will transform healthcare in rural Ohio,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “We are grateful to Dr. Oz, CMS, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for standing up this important program and partnering with us to ensure that all Ohioans, regardless of where they live, have access to the care they need.”

“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 gave states the resources to transform rural healthcare, and now we’re seeing those dollars move from plans into action,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Our focus now is on making sure this early progress translates into lasting results for rural patients and more resilient, sustainable health systems in the years ahead. In Ohio, that means rural hospitals are joining coordinated networks and upgrading equipment to bring services like on-site MRI and behavioral healthcare closer to 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.

“Despite historic obstruction by DC Democrats, President Trump made a historic pledge to rural America. These investments are converting that pledge into improved care for Ohioans. The Rural Health Transformation Fund prioritizes patients and broadens access to healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these places home. Ohioans should remember that including every single Democrat Member of Congress voted against the creation of this transformational effort and worked to repeal it. Republicans always will stand with rural Ohio,” said Sen. Bernie Moreno.

“Ohioans living in rural communities deserve access to high-quality health care close to home. That’s why I fought for this provision in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which makes historic investments in rural health care. This $92 million in funding will help strengthen rural health care, expand maternal and behavioral health services and improve access to care for Ohio families, no matter their zip code,” said Sen. Jon Husted.

“For too long, rural Buckeye families have had to travel too far and wait too long to receive the critical healthcare they depend on,” said Rep. Dave Taylor. “Thanks to President Trump’s historic investment in rural Appalachia, Ohio families will have better access to high-quality, reliable care. I was proud to vote for the Working Families Tax Cut, which delivers this investment and puts accessible care within reach for those who need it most.”

“I’m pleased to receive word that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are announcing $92 million for rural healthcare in Ohio. Rural hospitals serve an integral role in the health and well-being of so many lives throughout Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District. This funding that will go toward enhancing behavioral health services, expanding maternal care, and several other initiatives will help Ohio families have access to the care they need closer to home. We must continue to support our rural providers who are devoted to keeping our communities healthy,” said Rep. Bob Latta.

“Ohio’s rural communities deserve access to high-quality healthcare without having to travel hours to get it. This $92 million investment will strengthen rural hospitals, expand behavioral and maternal care, and help ensure families across Ohio can get the care they need close to home. I’m proud to support President Trump and CMS as they continue delivering real results for rural Ohio,” said Rep. Michael Rulli.

“Health care works best when it stays local, with doctors and nurses who know their patients better than anyone,” said Rep. Warren Davidson. “This $92 million investment, made possible by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, equips Ohio’s rural providers to add services, partner with one another, and expand the treatments they offer. That support gives families in small-town Ohio more options for quality care in their own communities.”

“Access to quality healthcare should not depend on where you live. This $92 million investment will strengthen rural hospitals, expand maternal and behavioral healthcare services, and help ensure Ohio families have access to the care they need in their own communities,” said Rep. Michael Turner.

“Congress took action through the Working Families Tax Cuts to strengthen rural health care by creating the Rural Health Transformation Program. This $92 million investment will help Ohio’s rural providers deliver better care and improve health outcomes for my constituents and families across the state. With this funding, we’re making sure every Ohioan has access to quality health care, no matter where they live,” said Rep. Troy Balderson.

“I believe every Ohioan deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare, and the Rural Health Transformation Program is helping bring that care closer to home for families across Ohio’s 14th Congressional District,” said Rep. Dave Joyce. “I appreciate the Trump Administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare opportunities in rural communities and directing resources where they can make a meaningful difference. This investment will expand access to maternal care, while also helping local providers improve how they deliver care and better meet the needs of the patients and families who rely on them.”

Today’s announcement is one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to Ohio for fiscal year 2026.

Key initiatives the overall RHTP funding will focus on include: 

• Building the rural healthcare workforce: Supporting recruitment, training, and retention strategies to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals serving rural communities.
  
  
• Strengthening rural facilities and access: Supporting partnerships, operational improvements, and care-delivery changes that help rural providers maintain essential services and improve access.
  
  
• Advancing innovative care and payment models: Supporting new approaches to delivery and financing designed to improve quality, strengthen primary care, and support sustainable rural healthcare.
  
  
• Expanding community-based and preventive care: Investing in school-based care, mobile services, and other community strategies that improve prevention, address chronic disease, and expand access to care.
  
  
• Modernizing rural healthcare technology: Expanding remote care and data-driven tools to improve coordination and extend healthcare services to rural communities.

The Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize technology to promote health and well-being for rural communities. 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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