Colorado

Core Initiatives

1. Advocate for improved implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program

Memorial Regional Health received $2.18 million in RHTP funding to upgrade its electronic health records system and expand behavioral health crisis services. This award advances rural health infrastructure and service capacity improvements in Colorado. Event schedule: - Award Announcement Date - 10/05/2026 - Steamboat Springs, CO

This document outlines the scoring rubric used to evaluate RHTP RFA applications, including criteria for organizational readiness, experience serving rural and frontier communities, partnership quality, responsiveness to RFA requirements, and strategic alignment. Applications are competitively scored out of 200 points, combining 100-point overall criteria with 100-point program-specific criteria. Guidance is provided for each major scoring category, detailing how reviewers should assess strengths, weaknesses, and alignment with RHTP objectives.

Colorado's RHTP Advisory Committee reviewed updates on the grant application (RFA) process, advanced payment policy, and technical assistance resources. A waiver from the Colorado State Controller allows advance payments to rural providers through June 2027, provided there is documented cash need and oversight. The RFA is open with expanded guidance and webinars to support applicants, and financial safeguards are built into the process. Key contacts: Michelle Mills; Courtney Roy; Challon Winer; Erin Ulric Event schedule: - RFA Release - 06/18/2026 - MT - RFA Deadline - 08/03/2026 - 11:59 PM MT - Budget/Workplan Webinar - 07/08/2026 - MT - Contract end date for first year - 2027-09-30 - Colorado - Application deadline for funding - 2023-08-03 - Colorado - Next Advisory Committee Meeting - 2023-07-20

Event Schedule

1. Advance Payment and Reimbursement Requirements Training - 10/01/2026
2. Grantee Newsletter - 11/06/2026

This annual report template and guidance outlines the required sections, progress checkpoints, and evidentiary documentation standards for states participating in the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). It provides detailed instructions for states to report initiative activity, policy action commitment progress, milestone completion, metric tracking, and funds disbursement, following CMS checkpoints and review periods. The document clarifies evidence expectations and the review/approval process for project changes and reporting.

This advisory committee meeting marked a transition from program design to program implementation and statewide progress review. CRHC was recognized as the central technical assistance and training provider for RHTP, offering support across all 53 rural and frontier counties. The meeting covered advance payment waivers, the upcoming RHTP grant application cycle, and the coordination requirements between CRHC and HCPF. Key emphasis was placed on workforce development, application guidance, and ongoing stakeholder engagement. Key contacts: Michelle Mills; Joe Theine; Sara Leahy; Marcy Cameron Event schedule: - Advisory Committee Meeting - 06/22/2026 - 10:00 – 11:30 AM MT - Virtual - RFA Guidance Webinar - June 23, 2026 - 9:00 – 10:30 AM MT - Virtual - RHTP Office Hours - June 23, 2026 - 12:00 – 1:00 PM MT - Virtual - RHTP Office Hours - June 25, 2026 - 8:00 – 9:00 AM MT - Virtual - Applications Due - 08/03/2026 - 11:59 PM MT - Online - Next Advisory Committee Meeting - 07/20/2026 - MT - Virtual

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.

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

The Colorado RHTP Advisory Committee is actively evolving its approach to maximize rural stakeholder engagement, continuous improvement, and program impact. The committee identified strong interest in shaping emerging rural health priorities, influencing funding and implementation decisions, and establishing mechanisms for feedback loops and learning. Two major evaluation contracts (Mathematica and CHI) totaling $750,064 are funded to support ongoing program evaluation and data gathering. Key contacts: Michelle Mills; Joe Theine; Jania Arnoldi; Camille Harding Event schedule: - NOA with BY2 Amount - 10/15/2026 - Revised BY2 Budget Narrative Due - 10/31/2026 - Advisory Committee Meeting - October 26, 2026 - 10:00 – 11:30 AM MT - Virtual

The program is federally funded through CMS as part of a nationwide RHTP initiative, with Colorado receiving $200,105,604.17 in FFY2026. Key activities include advisory committee meetings, grantee kickoff events, and technical assistance focused engagements to support rural healthcare transformation. Vendor partnership and potential grantee interest forms are active to facilitate collaborations and resource matching. Event schedule: - Grantee Kickoff Meetings - November 12, 2026 - 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM MT - Virtual (invitations sent directly to grantees) - Advisory Committee Meeting - November 16, 2026 - 10:00 AM MT - Webinar link provided in meeting invite - Stakeholder Engagement Meeting - November 17, 2026 - 4:00 PM MT - Webinar link provided in meeting invite