Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Plan Rapid Response Stabilization Payments

Summary

$25 million direct payment program from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to stabilize or enhance rural health care access. Supports hospitals and rural health facilities with one-time payments ranging from $10,000–$1 million per applicant. Aligned with six RHTP initiatives: Aging and Access, Behavioral Health, EMS and Transportation, Maternal Health, Technology and Infrastructure, and Workforce.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include hospitals, health care providers (as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 1397ee(h)(9)), and rural health facilities (as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 1397ee(h)(3)(D)) that currently operate in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and have been in operation since at least December 29, 2025. Entities must be located in RHTP-eligible rural counties (class 4–8) or in a HRSA-defined rural census tract of a county of the second class A or third class. Entities must be in full operation in Pennsylvania on the funding receipt date and, if required, licensed or approved by the appropriate state authority.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must complete and submit the RHTP Payment Certification and provide all supporting documents as outlined in the application instructions. One application/payment per qualified entity. Entities must submit: completed payment certification, project narrative with description of intended use in one or more RHTP initiatives, budget worksheet and narrative, proof of status and location, and any other required financial or eligibility documentation.

Required attachments