California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT)

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.