# Missouri RHTP Workforce Retention and Enablers Funding Opportunity

The Missouri Department of Social Services Rural Health Transformation Office (RHTO), in partnership with Healthier Communities Together (HCT), announces approximately $11 million in Workforce Retention and Enablers funding under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This competitive opportunity is open to Missouri’s rural healthcare stakeholders, targeting recruitment and retention barriers for essential rural health workers through innovations tailored to local needs. Each of the 27 ToRCH Care Hubs is eligible for an allocation of approximately $412,000 over two program years (subject to CMS Year 2 approval). Eligible activities may include housing assistance, workforce training and retention incentives, transportation, workplace organizational supports, and locally designed workforce solutions not otherwise covered by RHTP workforce programs. Providers and community-based partners participate via their local ToRCH Care Hub by proposing needs and collaborating in the aggregated Hub proposal process. Leadership Boards will review, prioritize, and approve Hub proposals before formal submission. Key program requirements, eligible funding uses, and detailed application instructions will be presented in the November 12, 2026, statewide informational webinar.

## Key facts

- Status: Open
- Type: RFA
- Issued by: Missouri Department of Social Services, Rural Health Transformation Office (RHTO) in partnership with Healthier Communities Together (HCT) (Missouri)
- Posted: 2026-10-30
- Application due: 2026-12-07
- Funding: $11.0M
- Eligible applicants: Rural hospitals, Rural clinics, Behavioral health organizations, EMS agencies, Pharmacies, Healthcare providers, Community partners
- How to apply: Only aggregated, Leadership Board-approved ToRCH Care Hub proposals will be accepted. Providers must coordinate with their Hub Program Coordinator; the Hub Anchor submits the finalized proposal to Healthier Communities Together by the official deadline.
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://mydss.mo.gov/mhd/rural-health

## Eligibility

Eligible applicants include rural hospitals, clinics, behavioral health organizations, EMS agencies, pharmacies, other healthcare providers, and community partners. Participation is channeled through each entity's local ToRCH Care Hub as part of a Leadership Board-approved, aggregated Hub proposal.

## Requirements

Interested providers must: (1) identify workforce needs in consultation with their local ToRCH Care Hub Leadership Board; (2) work with the Hub Program Coordinator to develop and complete the proposal template during the proposal window; (3) submit needs to the Hub Anchor for aggregation; and (4) ensure their project is included in a single, Leadership Board-approved Hub proposal for submission to HCT. Individual provider entries are not accepted—only aggregate proposals per Hub, reflecting prioritized workforce needs, are considered. Proposals must adhere to CMS and Missouri DSS guidelines and avoid prohibited uses (e.g., construction, duplicative services). Further guidance will be provided in the program webinar and in updated documents.

## Application package and source documents

- [MO - 2026 - rural health (Official Missouri DSS rural health page - Workforce Retention and Enablers announcement)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/f6a2a40b-843d-4225-8e96-4175dc1920f2/file) (primary) — official: https://mydss.mo.gov/mhd/rural-health

More Missouri RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/mo (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/mo.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/missouri-rhtp-workforce-retention-and-enablers-funding-opportunity--ec74f28c16 — data as of 2026-10-30.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.