# Rural Texas Strong Program – Initiative 2: Rural Texas Patients in the Driver’s Seat (HHS0017518)

HHSC notice (Nov. 6, 2026) that Rural Texas Strong Initiative 2: Rural Texas Patients in the Driver’s Seat (RFA No. HHS0017518) is coming soon. Rural Texas Strong is a funding opportunity under the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The initiative will invest in technology to establish consumer-facing health portals that engage patients and facilitate exchange of health information among patients, providers and payers, including portals that integrate with other applications and consumer technology to make information more attainable. Funds will also be available to purchase equipment that remotely monitors consumers' health, or other portable health technology compatible with the portal. Eligible entities include clinically integrated networks, accountable care organizations or similar cooperatives whose membership is at least 60 percent rural providers. Application dates, deadlines and timelines will be released soon; applications go through the HHSC Grants Management System using an IAMOnline account.

## Key facts

- Status: Announced, not yet open
- Type: RFA
- Issued by: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (Texas)
- Eligible applicants: Clinically Integrated Network, Accountable Care Organization, Rural Provider Cooperative
- How to apply: Applications will be submitted through the HHSC Grants Management System. Applicants must access GMS through IAMOnline, locate Rural Texas Strong Initiative 2 on the HHSC Grants Portal, click the RFA posting, and use the “Apply Now” button. Portal: https://grants.hhs.texas.gov/Grants/resources
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXHHSC/bulletins/431edaf

## Eligibility

Eligible entities include clinically integrated networks, accountable care organizations or similar cooperatives whose membership is at least 60 percent rural providers.

## Requirements

Organizations and appropriate staff must have active IAMOnline accounts and access to the HHSC Grants Management System. Applicants must submit all required information and materials before the deadline within the HHSC Grants Management System. Late submissions will not be considered. All required tasks, application forms, and budget must be completed and marked “Complete” in GMS before submitting the application.

## Application package and source documents

- [TX - 2026 - Initiative 2: Rural Texas Patients in the Driver’s Seat is coming soon](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/6881ee28-632e-4b9e-9d87-f0052d2b3ffc/file) (primary)

More Texas RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/tx (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/tx.md)

---
Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/rural-texas-strong-program-initiative-2-rural-texas-patients-in-the-driver-s-sea--7a2794aa9d — data as of 2026-11-08.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.