Rural Health Transformation (RHT)
The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was authorized by the Working Families Tax Cut (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) to invest $50 billion over five years in rural healthcare delivery in rural communities. The program created the Rural Health Transformation Fund, a $50 billion investment over five years, available to all 50 states that apply.
The purpose of RHTP is to give states the flexibility and resources to reimagine how rural health care is delivered and financed. Funding is not intended to supplement Medicare or Medicaid, but instead to support innovative, state‑driven approaches that address longstanding rural challenges such as access, workforce shortages, and infrastructure gaps.
California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) Program – California’s Implementation
The California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) program is California’s approach to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), led by the Department of Health Care Access and Information, with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversight. CalRHT is designed to strengthen health care delivery in rural communities where access challenges, workforce shortages, and infrastructure gaps create unique barriers to care.
Through RHTP, California has been awarded $233.6 million for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 to support rural communities across the state. Using this funding, HCAI and its partners are implementing a shared vision of a connected and resilient rural health system, helping ensure rural Californians can access timely, person‑centered care closer to home.
The CalRHT program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $233,639,308.46 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of CalRHT and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
For support or inquiries, call (855) CAL-RHTP (225-7487) between 8:00am and 5:00pm (Pacific) Monday through Friday, or email info@calruralhealth.org.
Thank you for considering applying to the Workforce Development Recruitment and Retention (WDRR) Program through HCAI's California Rural Health Transformation Program (CalRHT). We appreciate your dedication to rural health and look forward to learning more about your work through this application. To submit a complete application, applicants must fill out the application document addressing all sections, including but not limited to organizational entity documents, site verification documents, eligibility documentation, a high-level budget, and a work plan, and submit all completed materials no later than August 31st at 3pm for consideration in Budget Period 1. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered for Budget Period 1 but may be eligible for Budget Period 2. Applications submitted after the deadline that are incomplete will not be considered.
The Workforce Development Recruitment and Retention Program (WDRR), established under Initiative 2: Workforce Development of the California Rural Health Transformation Program (CalRHT), aims to strengthen and sustain the rural healthcare workforce by improving recruitment, retention, and training for Health Professionals. WDRR funds eligible organizations to retain Health Professionals already practicing in rural communities and to recruit eligible Health Professionals to qualifying rural sites.
WDRR is an organizational grant program. HCAI awards grants to eligible rural-serving organizations who will provide bonuses to Health Professionals at their qualifying rural sites. Every bonus to Health Professionals carries a uniform five (5) year service obligation.
The key goals of the WDRR are:
- Improved recruitment and retention of rural Health Professionals as evidenced by an increased number of licensed Health Professionals in rural areas of California, as defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
- Reduced vacancy rates and improved continuity of care as illustrated by reduction in turnover and increase in average tenure in rural service.
- Support a responsive and sustainable healthcare workforce to support rural California communities.
We are committed to supporting applicants throughout the application process and encourage you to reach out with any questions. Questions regarding the application or submission process may be directed to info@calruralhealth.org.
Click here to see all grant programs available with California Rural Health Transformation.
Click here to review the Grant Guide
Click here to download the Budget Template
Click here to download the Workplan Template
Click here to review Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers
The CalRHT program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $233,639,308.46 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of CalRHT and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.