Rural Health Transformation Program – Overcoming Geographic Barriers to Care, Technological Innovation for Virtual Care
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations selected by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to improve rural healthcare access through technology. The primary recipient is the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), which will implement improvements statewide. Organizations within this network or rural healthcare systems in Illinois can participate through ICAHN's collaborative efforts. Funding supports telehealth, EHR modernization, interoperability, and other technological solutions that reduce geographic barriers to specialty care. No cost-sharing is required from participants.
This grant is for organizations selected by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to improve rural healthcare access through technology. The primary recipient is the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), which will implement improvements statewide. Organizations within this network or rural healthcare systems in Illinois can participate through ICAHN's collaborative efforts. Funding supports telehealth, EHR modernization, interoperability, and other technological solutions that reduce geographic barriers to specialty care. No cost-sharing is required from participants.
Program description
The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was designed to empower states to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes through transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem.
This program will ensure that individuals in rural areas have consistent access to specialty care in their communities through investments in technology interventions aimed at bringing specialty care to those high-need rural populations through technology solutions, rather than transporting individuals out of their communities.
All RHT applicants must complete the Euna application. Once the completed application is received and approved, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services will collaborate with each subaward to complete the grant award process.
Note: Stevens Amendment Acknowledgment
This funding opportunity 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 $193,418,216.21 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
The lack of sufficient access to physician specialist services, emergency medical clinicians, behavioral health services, and obstetric care in rural areas of the state creates significant gaps in care for rural populations. Many of these provider types are more widely available in other areas of the state – such as in Cook County, its collar counties, or other areas with a higher population density. Illinois is committed to connecting people to their healthcare providers with as few barriers as possible between the individual and their care provider.
Through this Non-Discretionary Funding Information (NDFI) the state has identified Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) to invest in technological enhancements, including telehealth, interoperability, Electronic Health Record (EHR) modernization, and other technological innovations to expand and enhance healthcare service offerings in rural areas of the state while mitigating geographic barriers to care and workforce shortages. This will be implemented in part through the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network’s (ICAHN’s) efforts under the Illinois Connected Care Collaborative (IC3) model. This program utilizes federal CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program funds. Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NDFI is up to $31,008,265.00 in the first year, and $84,841,666.79 over years 2 – 5, subject to continued funding and program approval. Funding in future years is subject to CMS’s continuation, review, and award of future Rural Health Transformation Program funding. The release of this NDFI does not obligate HFS to make an award. Federal Assistance Listing: 93.798. Administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 478-00-3984).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations selected by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to improve rural healthcare access through technology. The primary recipient is the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), which will implement improvements statewide. Organizations within this network or rural healthcare systems in Illinois can participate through ICAHN's collaborative efforts. Funding supports telehealth, EHR modernization, interoperability, and other technological solutions that reduce geographic barriers to specialty care. No cost-sharing is required from participants.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Euna application
- Documentation of rural healthcare access gaps
- Technology implementation plan
- Interoperability and EHR modernization strategy
- Telehealth and connectivity plans
Program contact
- 👤 Dani Mendez
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.798 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$281,319,361
-
$272,174,856
-
$233,639,308
-
$233,509,359
-
$223,476,949
-
$221,898,008
-
$218,862,170
-
$218,529,075
-
$216,276,818
-
$213,008,356
Top States by Funding
- TX 1 awards $281.3M
- AK 1 awards $272.2M
- CA 1 awards $233.6M
- MT 1 awards $233.5M
- OK 1 awards $223.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this funding?
This is a non-discretionary award to the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN). Rural healthcare providers in Illinois can participate through ICAHN's collaborative model, not through direct application.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is June 9, 2026. Funding is subject to CMS continuation and annual program review.
What activities are eligible?
Eligible investments include telehealth infrastructure, EHR modernization, health information exchange, and other technological innovations that expand specialty care access in rural areas.
How much funding is available?
Up to $31 million is available in year one. Years 2-5 total approximately $84.8 million, pending CMS approval and continued funding.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant is 100% federally funded by CMS/HHS with no required cost-sharing from recipients.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Coordinate with the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) early, as they are the designated primary recipient and administer funding through the Illinois Connected Care Collaborative (IC3) model.
- Focus applications on technology solutions that address the specific barriers mentioned: specialty care access, behavioral health, obstetric care, and emergency medical services in rural areas.
- Document baseline gaps in physician specialist services and other providers in your target rural communities before applying.
- Ensure your technology strategy includes interoperability and EHR modernization, not just standalone telehealth platforms.
- Complete the Euna application thoroughly, as approval is required before HFS will process the grant award.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lacking clear connection to ICAHN's IC3 model or failing to demonstrate partnership with the designated network. Proposals that propose direct provider recruitment rather than technological solutions to reduce geographic barriers. Insufficient documentation of existing rural healthcare access gaps or unclear metrics for measuring technology implementation impact.
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