The Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a federally funded initiative administered by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) with technical assistance from the Colorado Rural Health Center, currently advancing implementation for its 2026–2027 cycle. The program supports rural and frontier providers through a structured application process, site-level eligibility verification, technical assistance, and oversight by an Advisory Committee, and provides grants for workforce, provider stability, health IT, EMS, maternal/perinatal health, and innovative care models. Major focus areas include measurable outcomes, regional collaboration, and completion of grant-funded projects by September 30, 2027. The current cycle features active stakeholder engagement, detailed work plans, and explicit guidance for allowable uses and rural eligibility, with awardees announced after application review and contracting. Current structured plan tracks 13 key initiatives and 13 strategic goals.
CO - 2026 - RHTP Overview (Department of Health Care Policy & Financing Stakeholder Committees and Collaborations)
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Rural population12.3%
712,118 rural residents
Current Progress
Implementing
Colorado is actively soliciting applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program, with the RFA open through August 3, 2026. Updated grant guidance and budget templates have been released, and technical assistance continues for applicants, supported by a contracted partner. No sub-grantee awards have been announced as of early August 2026; full program implementation will proceed after application review and notification of awards. State opportunities: 4 active (4 open, 13 past/closed), $141.3M listed funding. Key opportunities: FY 27 RFA for Forensic Evaluations; FY 27 UCR/CR Evaluations; FY27 GAE RFA - Neuropsychological Evaluations.
RHTP Strategy
Colorado’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) advances rural and frontier health system modernization through competitive, annual grants over a five-year implementation period. The program centers on value-based care readiness, workforce and EMS development, technology enablement, facility improvements (including up to 20% for minor renovations per updated CMS guidance), and regionally-adapted collaborative partnerships. Oversight by the RHTP Advisory Committee ensures governance, rural stakeholder input, and program evolution, with technical assistance and guidance for applicants and grantees provided through the Colorado Rural Health Center.
Model
A stakeholder-driven rural health transformation model utilizing annual competitive grants, SMART goal-based work plans, quarterly performance reporting, Advisory Committee governance, and targeted technical assistance to support value-based care readiness, EMS and workforce expansion, facility and technology modernization (minor renovations up to 20%), and integrated, coordinated regional care delivery in rural and frontier Colorado.
Key Initiatives
1Administer annual, competitive grant awards prioritizing whole person health, value-based care adoption, workforce and EMS development, maternal/behavioral health, facility improvements (minor renovations up to 20% per CMS guidance), hospital-community partnerships, and technology modernization in rural and frontier areas.
2Fund and coordinate regional transformation partnerships led by rural health providers, supporting collaborative applications involving community organizations, education institutions, and EMS.
3Require annual SMART goal-driven work plans and budgets detailing activities, deliverables, staffing, and timelines across workforce, EMS, technology, chronic disease prevention, maternal, and behavioral health.
4Mandate quarterly performance reporting using standardized and project-specific metrics aligned to RHTP and federal priorities.
5Engage the RHTP Advisory Committee for rural governance, stakeholder participation, and guidance on funding priorities and program development.
6Provide targeted technical assistance, office hours, and training through the Colorado Rural Health Center and partners for applicants and grantees.
7Facilitate regional collaborations, EMS integration, and care coordination, with tools such as partnership match platforms for grantee and vendor connections.
8Support pilot and implementation projects in technology modernization, including EHR/HIE integration, telehealth, remote monitoring, and interoperability (with EHR replacement costs capped at 5% of award).
9Invest in data analytics, population health management, preventive outreach, chronic disease prevention, maternal/child health, and behavioral health pilots.
10Distribute mini-grants for rural hospital service line expansion, telehealth participation, EHR upgrades, operational readiness, and workforce training and retention.
11Implement financial supports (advance/reimbursement payment options) to address rural provider and EMS cash flow needs.
12Require legally enforceable formal agreements for funded partnerships prior to fund disbursement.
13Update grant guidance and budget templates to reflect expanded minor renovations allocation (up to 20% per CMS guidance).
Timeline: Five-year implementation period. Grant awards are made annually, with an initial application due in summer 2026; Year One work plan executed through September 2027 (grant funds must be expended by then, no carryover allowed). Annual SMART goal reviews and advisory meetings occur each year, with program funding available through at least 2030.
11Develop population health reporting and analytics tools to support actionable health improvement.
12Support innovative and sustainable models for rural Medicaid providers and hospitals.
13Drive value and reduce costs for Colorado’s rural Medicaid populations.
Health Priority
Health care access
RHTP aims to boost access to services for rural and frontier populations through grant-funded transformation projects.
StatewideRural and Frontier Counties
Aug 12, 2026
Health Priority
Workforce expansion
Increasing the availability of qualified health professionals in rural communities is a key focus.
StatewideRural and Frontier Counties
Aug 12, 2026
Health Priority
Innovative care and technology
The program supports modernizing care delivery and technology-enabled services for rural health providers.
StatewideRural and Frontier Counties
Aug 12, 2026
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CO - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda: May 11, 2026
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CO - 2026 - Understanding the Impact of H.R.1 and Federal Changes to Medicaid
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CO - 2026 - Colorado RHTP: Project Summary
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CO - 2026 - Colorado RHTP
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CO - 2025 - Colorado RHTP (3-17-26_RHTP_Advisory_Committee_Meeting_Transcript)
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CO - 2030 - Home For Our Stakeholders Committees, Boards, and Collaboration Colorado RHTP
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CO - 2025 - Colorado RHTP
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SupportingPDF2026-2031Award: $200.1M
CO - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Committee March 17, 2026 11:00 - 1:00 PM
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SupportingPDF2026Award: $200.1M
CO - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Committee Meeting (RHTP_Advisory_Committee_Meeting_Meeting_Minutes_3.25.26)
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SupportingPDF2025Award: $200.1M
CO - 2025 - Colorado RHTP (3-25-26_RHTP_Advisory_Committee_Meeting_Transcript)
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SupportingPDF2026-2027Award: $200.1M
CO - 2026 - Colorado RHTP (Final_Colorado_RHTP_Budget_Narrative)
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CO - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Committee
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CO - 2025 - Colorado RHTP (Project_Narrative_(1))
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CO - 2025 - RHTP - Colorado
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CO - 2026 - Supporting Documents
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CO - 2025 - RHTP Applicant FAQs December 22, 2025
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CO - 2026 - Eligible Rural Health Providers and Partners 4.2026
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SupportingPDF2026Award: $200.1M
CO - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Committee Meeting
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SupportingPDF2026-2031Award: $200.1M
CO - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Committee March 10, 2026 12:00 - 2:00 PM LINK
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ReferencePDF2025-2029Award: $200.0M
CO - 2025 - Colorado First Colorado RHTP Advisory Committee meeting
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SupportingPDF2025-2026Award: $200.1M
CO - 2025 - Colorado’s RHTP Advisory Committee meeting Minutes
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SupportingPDF2026-2030Award: $200.1M
CO - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Committee March 25, 2026 8:00 - 10:00 AM
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CO - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Committee Meeting (RHTP_Advisory_Committee_Meeting_Meeting_Minutes_4.2.2026)
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ReferencePDF2026Award: $200.1M
CO - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Committee April 2, 2026 3:00 - 5:00 PM
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ReferencePDF2025Award: $106K
CO - 2025 - Colorado RHTP (RHTP_Advisory_Committee_Meeting_Transcript_4.2.26)
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SupportingPDF2026-2030Budget: $10.0B
CO - 2026 - H.R.1 Presentation for Legislative Leadership
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CO - 2026 - Eligible Rural Health Providers and Partners 4.20.2026
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ReferencePDFAward: $200.1M
CO - 2026 - Colorado RHTP Budget Overview (Colorado_RHTP_Budget_At-A-Glance)
North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) and trellyz
NFRMPO and trellyz are launching a pilot to make transportation access easier to coordinate across Northern Colorado by adding a shared digital coordination layer to Ride NoCo, enhancing transportation for healthcare and essential needs.
$47K
Network Development
2026
Weisbrod Health and cliexa
Weisbrod Health and cliexa will pilot a prevention-first billing strategy at a rural critical-access hospital to identify coding gaps and errors before claims submission, reducing claim denials and increasing revenue stability in Kiowa County.
$45K
Flex Fund
2026
Lincoln Health and cliexa
Lincoln Health and cliexa will pilot AI-powered revenue cycle management to reduce claim denials, capture missed revenue, drive improvement in documentation quality, and lessen clinical staff burden in rural Colorado.
$30K
Flex Fund
2026-2031
Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC)
Funds technical assistance and support for Rural Health Clinics and Critical Access Hospitals to implement analytics platforms and Health Information Exchange (HIE) for data-driven patient care improvements. Activities include technology integration, technical assistance, and workflow development for rural providers.
$6.5M
Health IT
Announcement Documents (1)
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AnnouncementJun 19, 2026TXT
Senators led a letter to CMS urging adjustments to the implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program. The effort reflects concern over program rollout and aims to support rural health systems. No direct award announcements or solicitations are involved.
Core Initiatives
Advocate for improved implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program
The inaugural Colorado eHealth Solutions Challenge awarded $122,000 to three pilot projects focused on health IT and revenue cycle solutions for rural healthcare. Projects address critical access barriers—transportation for medical appointments and improved billing and denial prevention for rural hospitals. All pilots will launch in 2026 and demonstrate scalable models for improving health data coordination and operational stability in Colorado communities.
Award: $122KNETWORK_DEVELOPMENT · FINANCE
Core Initiatives
Improve health-related data sharing across systems and sectors
Increase healthcare access, quality, and affordability
Advance health IT innovation in rural and underserved communities
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Award AnnouncementMay 23, 2026HTMLEvent2026-2030Federal
This work plan guidance outlines the process for RHTP applicants to develop, track, and report their Year One project activities and outcomes. Applicants must focus on SMART goals and measurable health indicators tied to rural hospital and Medicaid transformation, including workforce, EMS, telehealth, and chronic disease risk factors. Quarterly progress and a five-year outlook are required.
Event schedule:
- Year One Project Start - 10/01/2026
- Year One Project End - 09/30/2027
This document provides detailed rural eligibility requirements for applicants to the Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program, focusing on census tract verification in Weld, Larimer, and Mesa counties. Eligibility must be demonstrated at the physical address level using HRSA/FORHP tools. Specific ZIP codes commonly classified as federally rural are provided for guidance.
QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
Core Initiatives
Improve health care equity, access, and outcomes for rural Coloradans
Save Coloradans money and drive value in health care
Ensure eligibility alignment with federal rural health program requirements
Colorado RHTP will invest over $200 million in year one to transform rural health care through 10 statewide initiatives, including telehealth, workforce expansion, chronic disease prevention, EMS and hospital stabilization, and value-based care pilots. The plan covers all 52 rural and frontier counties, two Tribes, and commits to reducing telehealth access gaps and strengthening rural hospitals and workforce by FFY2031.
Event schedule:
- Planning and early launch of rural chronic disease prevention programs - 2026 - Colorado
- Development and launch of rural health networks, EMS, and hospital readiness programs - 2026 - Colorado
- Health workforce needs assessment and curriculum planning - 2026 - Colorado
- Vendor engagement for value-based care model design - 2026 - Colorado
- Development of telehealth and technology integration project plan and pilot grants - 2026 - Colorado
This document provides a template letter of support for RHTP applications intended to strengthen rural healthcare in Colorado. It emphasizes collaboration and commitment to improving access, outcomes, and workforce capacity in rural and frontier counties.
Core Initiatives
Strengthen health care access in rural and frontier counties
This letter expresses organizational support for a Rural Health Transformation Program application focusing on improving rural health care access, outcomes, and workforce in Colorado's rural and frontier counties. It emphasizes collaboration and commitment to advancing rural healthcare transformation.
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SummaryApr 16, 2026PDF2025-2026
Report Documents (2)
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ReportMay 22, 2026PDF2025
Colorado's proposal for a State Directed Payment (SDP) program under Medicaid would drive an estimated $378 million in additional federal support to rural and urban hospitals through an MCO-directed model. The initiative is designed to maximize federal funds, enhance quality of care, and support coverage expansion while embedding rural hospital protections and quality reporting into the payment system. Implementation is targeted for July 1, 2025, pending CMS approval. Key contacts: Alison Sbrana; Annie Lee; Emily King; Josh Block
Event schedule:
- Proposed CMS submission date - 07/01/2025
Tom Rennell - Senior Vice President Financial Policy and Data Analytics, CHA - Colorado
Core Initiatives
Maximize reimbursement to hospitals for care to Medicaid members and uninsured patients.
Increase the number of hospitals benefitting from the CHASE fee and minimize those suffering losses.
Support improvements in the quality of hospital care.
Show all initiatives (4)
Maximize reimbursement to hospitals for care to Medicaid members and uninsured patients.
Increase the number of hospitals benefitting from the CHASE fee and minimize those suffering losses.
Support improvements in the quality of hospital care.
Expand health care coverage for Health First Colorado and CHP+ programs.
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ReportMay 15, 2026PDFEvent2026
Data Documents (2)
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DataApr 16, 2026PDF2025-2026
Colorado HCPF is launching the ACC Phase III with more rural hospital and provider support, advanced value-based care, and targeted population health strategies. Major goals include controlling Medicaid cost trends, increasing automation in member renewals, expanding provider networks (especially for behavioral health and prenatal care), and protecting rural health system viability. The plan targets improved access and outcomes for rural, aging, and at-risk populations while navigating federal Medicaid changes.
Core Initiatives
Improve health care equity, access and outcomes for Coloradans while saving money and driving value.
Reduce Medicaid cost trend via the Sustainability Framework and value based care.
Expand and modernize behavioral health coverage and provider network.
Show all initiatives (13)
Improve health care equity, access and outcomes for Coloradans while saving money and driving value.
Reduce Medicaid cost trend via the Sustainability Framework and value based care.
Expand and modernize behavioral health coverage and provider network.
Automate and digitize Medicaid renewal to improve operational efficiency.
Increase access to timely prenatal care for Medicaid members.
Stabilize long-term services and supports for aging and disabled individuals.
Protect health care systems and members against increasing cybersecurity threats.
The Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program updated its guidance to allow applicants to allocate up to 20% of their budgets to minor renovations (Category J), reflecting recent CMS clarification. Updated guidance and templates are now available for applicants. Deadline for RHTP grant applications is August 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT. Key contacts: CRHC_RHTP@coruralhealth.org; hcpf_rhtp@state.co.us
Event schedule:
- RHTP Application Deadline - 08/03/2026 - 11:59 PM MT
Rendered portal snapshot captured from Colorado RHTP apply page. Page indicates applicants can submit and save progress. Apply link: https://coloradorhtp-rfa.my.site.com/apply
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ReferenceJun 2, 2026PDF2025
This fact sheet updates Colorado's Rural Health Transformation Program CMS funding restrictions effective for the 2026 cycle. It details allowable and unallowable costs, including specific ceilings for construction, provider payments, EMR replacement, and technology initiatives. Restrictions and regulations focus on ensuring funds drive equity and value in rural health care without supplanting other sources. Key contacts: hcpf_rhtp@state.co.us
Event schedule:
- HHS Regulation Change Effective Date - 10/01/2025
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
CO - 2026 - RHTP Budget Template 7 09 2026
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CO - 2026 - Template: Budget Workbook Template
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CO - 2026 - Potential Grantee Partnership Interest spreadsheet
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2026
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CO - 2026 - Colorado RHTP FAQs – Fact Sheet updated June 15, 2026
RHTP FAQs (updated June 15, 2026)
SupportingPDF2025Award: $200.1M
CO - 2025 - Eligible Applicants and Guidance for the Colorado RHTP (Eligible_Rural_Health_Providers_and_Partners_6-4-26)
Eligibility criteria (June 4, 2026)
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CO - 2026 - Template Letter of Attestation June 2026
Letter of Attestation template (June 2026)
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CO - 2026 - Colorado RHTP Apply Portal Snapshot
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CO - 2026 - Colorado RHTP FAQs – Fact Sheet updated June 15, 2026
RHTP FAQs (updated June 15, 2026)
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CO - 2025 - Eligible Applicants and Guidance for the Colorado RHTP (Eligible_Rural_Health_Providers_and_Partners_6-4-26)
Eligibility criteria (June 4, 2026)
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CO - 2026 - Template Letter of Attestation June 2026
Letter of Attestation template (June 2026)
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CO - 2026 - Colorado RHTP Apply Portal Snapshot
Application portal snapshot
Colorado was awarded over $200 million in federal funds under the Rural Health Transformation Program for the 2026-2030 period. The funds will strengthen prevention, chronic disease management, workforce recruitment and retention, health IT, and new models of care. No state match is required, and funding is 100% federal. Key contacts: hcpf_RHTP@state.co.us
Event schedule:
- Award announcement - 12/31/2025
- Notice of Award received from CMS - January 2026
- CMS budget approval - April 2026
- RHTP Webinar for stakeholders - 12/02/2025
Award: $200.1MQUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · WORKFORCE · FINANCE · OTHER
Contacts
<hcpf_RHTP@state.co.us> - Program Contact - Colorado
Core Initiatives
Support rural health innovations and new access points to promote preventative health and address root causes of diseases
Help rural providers become long-term access points by improving efficiency and sustainability
Attract and retain a skilled rural health care workforce
Show all initiatives (5)
Support rural health innovations and new access points to promote preventative health and address root causes of diseases
Help rural providers become long-term access points by improving efficiency and sustainability
Attract and retain a skilled rural health care workforce
Spark innovative care models for improved outcomes and flexible arrangements
Promote health IT innovation and data security in rural care
This RHTP Year One Work Plan guidance outlines the required elements for state and hospital-led implementation plans, including SMART goals, activity timelines, deliverables, and reporting metrics. It provides sample work plan structures and KPI guidance to ensure planned use of RHTP funding addresses workforce, EMS, telehealth, care quality, and chronic disease priorities. The document establishes the framework for program accountability, milestone tracking, and payment release after award.
Event schedule:
- Year One: , 2026 - September 30, 2027 - December 31 - RHTP Lead Applicant Organization:
- Important: This Work Plan should only include activities and outcomes planned for RHTP Year One (, 2026 – September 30, 2027). - December 31 - Please complete all sections below.
Year One: , 2026 - September 30, 2027 - December 31 - RHTP Lead Applicant Organization:
Important: This Work Plan should only include activities and outcomes planned for RHTP Year One (, 2026 – September 30, 2027). - December 31 - Please complete all sections below.
Core Initiatives
Improve hospital performance and quality through advisory board recommendations
Expand EMS transport coordination and coverage in rural regions
Support service line expansion in rural hospitals through mini-grant programs
Show all initiatives (7)
Improve hospital performance and quality through advisory board recommendations
Expand EMS transport coordination and coverage in rural regions
Support service line expansion in rural hospitals through mini-grant programs
Strengthen and expand the rural health workforce
Establish incentive payment programs to promote value-based care
Expand telehealth participation in rural healthcare settings
Implement policies and practices to reduce chronic disease risk factors
This updated FAQ Fact Sheet provides comprehensive guidance for the Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program RFA cycle, including eligibility requirements, allowable costs, budget guidance, evaluation/scoring criteria, and information about partnerships and collaborative applications. Application opportunities are open to Qualified Rural Health Care Providers or their designated third parties, with grants available for workforce, infrastructure, technology, EMS, and other transformative projects in rural and frontier Colorado. Awardees and funded projects will be announced after application review and contract finalization. Key contacts: Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program Team hcpf_rhtp@state.co.us
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 08/03/2026 - 11:59 PM MT - Online portal via RHTP website
- RHTP Office Hours - July 23, 2026 - 1:00 PM MT - Join here (webinar link)
- RHTP Office Hours - July 27, 2026 - 12:00 PM MT - Join here (webinar link)
- RHTP Office Hours - July 29, 2026 - 8:00 AM MT - Join here (webinar link)
RHTP Office Hours - July 23, 2026 - 1:00 PM MT - Join here (webinar link)
RHTP Office Hours - July 27, 2026 - 12:00 PM MT - Join here (webinar link)
RHTP Office Hours - July 29, 2026 - 8:00 AM MT - Join here (webinar link)
Contacts
Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program Team - <hcpf_rhtp@state.co.us> - Program Team - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Improve health care equity, access and outcomes for rural Coloradans
Drive value for rural communities by transforming care delivery
Build sustainable models for rural Medicaid providers
Show all initiatives (4)
Improve health care equity, access and outcomes for rural Coloradans
Drive value for rural communities by transforming care delivery
Build sustainable models for rural Medicaid providers
Support rural hospital financial stability and transformation
This FAQ addresses eligibility, application process, and allowable uses for the Colorado RHTP, emphasizing support for rural hospitals and Medicaid providers. Applicants may include single or collaborative lead organizations, with strong encouragement for regional partnerships involving rural, frontier, and even out-of-state partners focused on Colorado services. Allowable costs include workforce development, technology, telehealth, EMS, equipment, and select renovations; strict supplanting prohibitions apply and all funds must support direct transformation objectives. Key contacts: The Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program Team hcpf_rhtp@state.co.us
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 08/03/2026 - 11:59 PM MT - Online Portal
- RHTP Office Hours - 07/23/2026 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM MT - Join here
- RHTP Office Hours - 07/27/2026 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM MT - Join here
- RHTP Office Hours - 07/29/2026 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM MT - Join here
RHTP Office Hours - 07/29/2026 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM MT - Join here
Contacts
The Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program Team - <hcpf_rhtp@state.co.us> - Program Team - Colorado statewide
Core Initiatives
Improve health care equity for rural and frontier Colorado communities
Increase access to high quality, sustainable rural health care
Drive value and reduce costs for Colorado’s rural Medicaid populations
Show all initiatives (4)
Improve health care equity for rural and frontier Colorado communities
Increase access to high quality, sustainable rural health care
Drive value and reduce costs for Colorado’s rural Medicaid populations
Support coordinated regional approaches for rural health transformation
Colorado’s 2025-26 Healthy Colorado For All report showcases implementation milestones in immunizations, maternity, behavioral health, and prevention, emphasizing health equity and regional variation. Rural disparities remain pronounced, with 11% of Medicaid members in rural and 3% in frontier counties, half of rural areas classified as Maternity Care Deserts, and persistent differences in diabetes control and oral health by race/ethnicity. Major reforms include ACC Phase III launch, Medicaid eConsult platform, expanded doula services, and the approved HRSN (1115) waiver for broader social supports.
Core Initiatives
Improve quality care for Medicaid and CHP+ members
Close unmet health needs and promote quality care for all members
Improve care access for members
Show all initiatives (18)
Improve quality care for Medicaid and CHP+ members
Close unmet health needs and promote quality care for all members
Improve care access for members
Advance health equity through data-driven and community-informed interventions
Manage costs to protect member coverage, benefits, and provider reimbursements
Stakeholder engagement is culturally responsive and appropriate.
Stakeholder Engagement is a keystone.
Listen, Learn, Inform.
Stakeholder Engagement is consistent.
Continue to execute Healthy Colorado For All Plan.
Require Regional Accountable Entities (ACC Phase III) to develop Seven-Year Healthy Colorado For All Regional Plans, 2025-2032.
CHP+ Healthy Colorado For All Refresh.
Receive 13 Plans from All RAE and CHP+ Plans
Launch internal Dashboard with all 12 Core Measures
Align Plan with Department Quality Strategy
Modify 2022 Plan with new SB21-181 concepts (short term/long term goals)
Gain CDHS approval and support to continue to modify shared application optional questions
Receive formal recommendations from the Statewide Taskforce to address unmet health needs that impact Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus members
The RHTP Advisory Committee convened to review program milestones, budget status, and funding mechanisms for the $165 million Year 1 implementation in Colorado. 85% of Year 1 funding will be distributed via competitive RFAs, focusing on hospital support, workforce, telehealth expansion, and chronic disease prevention. The committee reaffirmed the consultative role in program oversight and discussed formation of subcommittees, especially on data, to advance program deliverables. Key contacts: April Randle; Camille Harding; Dannon Cox; Jack Devie
Event schedule:
- Advisory Committee Meeting - 04/24/2026 - 2:00 - 4:00 PM MT - Virtual
- HCPF Executive Director Appointment (Gretchen Hammer) - 04/13/2026
- CMS Budget Release Notice - 04/21/2026
- CMS Memo for RHTP Governance - 04/06/2026
April Randle - Basin Clinic, Southwest Health Systems
Camille Harding - CEO - Paragon Behavioral Health Connections
Dannon Cox - Colorado School of Public Health, University of Northern Colorado
Show all contacts (20)
April Randle - Basin Clinic, Southwest Health Systems
Camille Harding - CEO - Paragon Behavioral Health Connections
Dannon Cox - Colorado School of Public Health, University of Northern Colorado
Jack Devie - Certified Peer Specialist
Jania Arnoldi - CEO - Valley-Wide Health System
Joe Theine - Committee Co-Chair, CEO - Southwest Health System
Joni Reynolds - Gunnison County Health and Human Services
Kari Snelson - CEO - Northeast Health Partners
Kevin Stansbury - CEO - Lincoln Health
Konnie Martin - CEO - San Luis Valley Health
Lola Spradley - Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center Board
Michelle Mills - Committee Chair - Colorado Rural Health Center
Reuben Farnsworth - Deputy Chief - Delta County Ambulance District
Stephanie Sargent - Cedar Point Health
Theresa Wagenman - CEO - Grand River Hospital
Aisha Rousseau - Ex-Officio Member - Colorado Behavioral Health Administration
Cristen Bates - <Cristen.Bates@state.co.us> - Deputy Medicaid Director; Ex-Officio - Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Ned Calonge - Ex-Officio Member - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (HCPF)
Karen Scott - Ex-Officio Member - HCPF Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI)
Courtney Roy - <Courtney.Roy@state.co.us> - RHTP Program Director
Core Initiatives
Support and sustain rural hospitals and health systems.
Expand workforce and telehealth capabilities in rural communities.
Implement value-based and alternative care models.
Show all initiatives (5)
Support and sustain rural hospitals and health systems.
Expand workforce and telehealth capabilities in rural communities.
Implement value-based and alternative care models.
Address chronic disease risk factors in rural populations.
Strengthen stakeholder engagement and cross-agency collaboration.
Colorado's RHTP targets systemic transformation of rural health through a $1 billion five-year investment, addressing geographic, workforce, and financial barriers. Core strategies include expanding EMS, telehealth, workforce recruitment/retention, data integration, chronic disease/prevention programs, payment reform, and regionalized care coordination. The plan will strengthen rural hospitals’ sustainability, improve access to care, and reduce health disparities across all rural and frontier counties, prioritizing maternal, behavioral, and chronic disease outcomes.