HHS Region 7 · Iowa Department of Public Health Flex Program
Program Overview
The Iowa Rural Health Transformation Program, administered by state agencies with multi-year federal funding, is currently in pilot and early award phases supporting Critical Access Hospitals and rural healthcare providers. Major focus areas include strengthening rural health infrastructure, establishing hub-and-spoke care models, provider partnerships, workforce recruitment via expanded rural residencies, and development of health hubs for cancer and cardiovascular care. The program operates under five main initiatives—Hometown Connections, Combat Cancer, Communities of Care, Health Information Exchange, and EMS Community Care Mobile—with implementation advancing through competitive RFPs and scheduled awards managed via IowaGrants.gov. Progress is measured by structured initiatives and strategic goals, consistent with ongoing RFP issuances and tracking. Current structured plan tracks 12 key initiatives and 10 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Iowa — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (99)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk County | 503,175 | 10.3% | 7.1% |
| Linn County | 230,004 | 9.4% | 6.2% |
| Scott County | 174,608 | 11.5% | 7.3% |
| Johnson County | 156,639 | 17.1% | 7.2% |
| Black Hawk County | 131,049 | 14.9% | 9.0% |
| Dallas County | 107,968 | 6.3% | 4.8% |
| Woodbury County | 106,247 | 14.0% | 10.7% |
| Story County | 100,466 | 18.2% | 5.6% |
| Dubuque County | 99,030 | 9.7% | 5.8% |
| Pottawattamie County | 93,424 | 12.1% | 8.0% |
| Warren County | 54,409 | 5.1% | 2.7% |
| Clinton County | 46,268 | 13.2% | 8.6% |
AI source: IA - 2026 - Iowa first in the nation to award RHTP funding
AI auto-updated Sep 26, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
1,232,642 rural residents
Iowa continues to implement its Rural Health Transformation Program, Healthy Hometowns, and remains active with new awards and ongoing solicitations. As of January 2026, Iowa announced over $78 million awarded in the first grants for Hometown Connections, supporting equipment procurement and healthcare workforce recruitment across rural areas, with further RFPs underway or forthcoming. Multiple RFPs—including for cancer care hubs, rural residency programs, and maternal health—are active, supporting the $209 million project year. Public dashboards, funding postings, and regular updates confirm sustained and visible program rollout. State opportunities: 2 active (1 open, 1 closing soon, 8 past/closed), $146.0M listed funding. Key opportunities: Iowa Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke Networks (RFP COMPADM26007); Iowa School Based Services (RFP MEDIOMC26023); Iowa Best and Brightest Medical Equipment Program (RFP PHTHORC26011). Strategy alignment: supports telehealth, prevention, maternal health priorities.
Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), through the Healthy Hometowns initiative, applies a statewide hub-and-spoke strategy to transform rural health care delivery. The approach emphasizes the development of integrated clinical and specialty networks, robust provider partnerships, advanced equipment installation, rural workforce recruitment and rural residency expansion, and comprehensive health information exchange. RHTP implementation is guided by competitive RFPs between FY2026–2031 and prioritizes increased access and care coordination for maternal, cancer, cardiovascular, and EMS services.
Model
Statewide hub-and-spoke model integrating rural hospitals, clinics, EMS/mobile integrated health, multi-agency co-location hubs, and specialty networks (oncology, maternal, cardiovascular, transport services) to deliver coordinated, high-quality, and patient-centered rural population health.
Key Initiatives (12)
Timeline: RHTP implementation is set for FY2026–2031, with primary RFPs issued July–September 2026, contract awards beginning October 31, 2026, initial services launched by 2027, and the contract period continuing through September 2031.
Combat Cancer is a key initiative focused on preventing and treating cancer in rural communities.
Initiatives like Hometown Connections and Health Information Exchange aim to improve rural healthcare connectivity and coordination.
EMS Community Care Mobile works to expand emergency medical services tailored for rural community needs.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Due Oct 31, 2025
1 related document
IA - 2026 - Home Resources For States RHT Program RHT Program RHTP State Spotlights RHTP Resources Image
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
1 related document
IA - 2026 - Home Resources For States RHT Program RHT Program RHTP State Spotlights RHTP Resources Image
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
1 related document
IA - 2026 - Home Resources For States RHT Program RHT Program RHTP State Spotlights RHTP Resources Image
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Due Nov 17, 2026
5 related documents
IA - 2026 - Request for Information Healthy Hometowns Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke Networks of Care
Supporting source: Iowa Cardiovascular RFI and submission guidance
IA - 2026 - RFI# COMPADM26007 Regarding Healthy Hometowns Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke Networks of Care
Reference source: How to Submit in Response to RFI# COMPADM26007
IA - 2026 - funding opportunities
Auto-linked by identifier
IA - 2026 - Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke networks
Notice of Intent to Release — Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spokes (RFP COMPADM26007)
IA - 2026 - Healthy Hometowns Cardiovascular Health Hub Program Request For Proposal # Compadm26007
Primary source
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Due Oct 1, 2026· ⏰ 5 days left
1 related document
IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Release RFP PHTHOPD27001 - Public Health Lead Entities
Official Iowa HHS Notice of Intent
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Due Sep 30, 2026· ⏰ 4 days left
1 related document
IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Release for School Based Services
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Adair County Memorial Hospital Supports recruitment of MD/DO physician for rural hospital healthcare workforce. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Avera Holy Family Hospital Funds rural recruitment of family practice physician (MD/DO) in Emmet County. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Boone County Hospital Supports hiring of physician assistant and primary care physician for Boone County Hospital. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Cass County Memorial Hospital DBA Cass Health Funds recruitment of physician (MD/DO) or ARNP for rural hospital. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | CHI Health Mercy Corning Supports recruitment of internal medicine physician and registered nurses for Adams and Taylor Counties. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Central Iowa Hospital Corporation Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Decatur County Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Guttenberg Municipal Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Iowa Specialty Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence |
Local news reported Senator Grassley discussed the Rural Health Transformation Program in Carroll County, IA. No specific award or recipient named. Event schedule: - Announcement - 07/09/2026 - Carroll County, IA
Event Schedule
This RFP enables organizations to apply as hub-and-spoke networks to strengthen cardiovascular and chronic disease care for rural Iowans. Federal RHTP funds are used to expand access to advanced diagnostics, interventions, rehabilitation, and tele-cardiology. The procurement offers flexible options for applicants to serve as regional hubs, expand hub capacity in underserved regions, or sustain local spokes focused on prevention and management. Key contacts: Jennifer Zepeda jennifer.zepeda1@hhs.iowa.gov; iowagrants.helpdesk@hhs.iowa.gov Event schedule: - RFP Issued - 09/21/2026 - CT - www.IowaGrants.gov - Letter of Intent (Mandatory) - 10/19/2026 - CT - Jennifer.Zepeda1@hhs.iowa.gov - Round 1 Questions Due - 10/05/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - www.IowaGrants.gov - Round 2 Questions Due - 10/30/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - www.IowaGrants.gov - Applications Due - 11/17/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - www.IowaGrants.gov - Applicant Oral Presentations - 01/11/2027 - CT - TBD - Post Notice of Intent to Award - 01/19/2027 - CT - https://hhs.iowa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/notice-intent-award - Contract Year 1 Period - 2027-01-29 to 2027-10-30 - Iowa
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Iowa HHS is issuing an RFP for up to $10.5 million to fund the development or expansion of rural residencies and rural tracks in selected medical specialties statewide, excluding counties above 150,000 population with university main campuses. Eligible applicants include Iowa hospitals, health systems, GME consortia, and non-profits, with the goal of expanding the rural physician workforce. Awards will support planning, design, and program implementation for ACGME-accredited residencies in obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, psychiatry, and general surgery. Key contacts: Mike Drotzt Michael.drotzt@hhs.iowa.gov Event schedule: - RFP Issued - 07/24/2026 - CT - Round 1 Questions Due - 07/30/2026 - CT - Responses Posted By (Round 1) - 08/07/2026 - CT - Final Questions Due - 08/14/2026 - CT - Responses Posted By (Final) - 08/19/2026 - CT - Applications Due - 08/24/2026 - 4:00 PM CT - https://www.iowagrants.gov/ - Release of Applicants - 08/27/2026 - CT - Notice of Intent to Award Posted - 09/24/2026 - CT - https://hhs.iowa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/notice-intent-award
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Iowa plans to release an RFP in mid-2026 to develop a rural residency program in Internal Medicine or Obstetrics/Gynecology. This initiative focuses on building rural healthcare workforce capacity through accredited residencies. Event schedule: - Question and answer period - July 2026 - Deadline for bid proposals - July 2026 - Award contract(s) - August 2026
Iowa’s RHTP focuses on innovative partnerships, enhanced workforce programs, and expanded use of health information technology to transform rural health access and outcomes. Multi-pronged initiatives target maternal/child health, cancer, chronic disease, EMS integration, and provider recruitment and retention. The program expects significant infrastructure upgrades, robust telehealth deployment, and technical assistance for rural providers.
Healthy Hometowns is Iowa’s ambitious rural health transformation plan proposing up to $1 billion over 5 years from CMS Rural Health Transformation Program focused on building Health Hubs, workforce expansion, cancer care, health information exchange, community care, and EMS mobile telehealth services.
Core Initiatives
The Healthy Hometowns program aims to reduce avoidable emergency department visits, increase local care and telehealth services, and improve provider-to-population ratios in rural Iowa. It includes multiple initiatives focusing on network development, workforce recruitment, cancer prevention, chronic disease management, health information exchange, and EMS integration.
Core Initiatives
Governor Reynolds shares a vision for improving health care quality and accessibility in Iowa, emphasizing the Rural Health Transformation Program funding of $209 million in year one. Healthy Hometowns is the cornerstone initiative, focusing on rural health care accessibility, connectivity, and patient focus, with significant investments in cancer prevention and treatment. Event schedule: - Cancer research project start - 07/01/2025 - Cancer research project end - 06/30/2026
Core Initiatives
This application outlines Iowa's strategy to leverage the Rural Health Transformation Program for significant improvements in rural health care. Key initiatives include care coordination, specialty access, workforce recruitment, cancer prevention and treatment, telehealth investments, health information exchange expansion, and EMS innovation. The plan targets measurable improvements in access, local service availability, care coordination, and rural health outcomes.
Reference: Carroll County, Local News. RHTP. On Thursday, July 9, Sen. Charles Link: https://www.1380kcim.com/2026/07/11/senator-grassley-takes-question-on-rural-health-transformation-program/
Reference: Article 8c252439 15ce 4408 A628 E6335ad44335 Link: https://www.kimt.com/news/iowa-pca-hosts-forest-city-sessions-on-rural-healthcare-access/article_8c252439-15ce-4408-a628-e6335ad44335.html
2025-12-31
Award Announcement
RHT Program awards decided by December 31, 2025.
2025-11
Application Deadline
Application submissions for RHT Program funding close in early November 2025.
2025-09
NOFO Release
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for RHT Program released by mid-September 2025.
IA RHTP site updated — 1 new, 2 existing source(s) refreshed
IA RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
IA RHTP site updated — 4 new doc(s)
IA RHTP site updated — 3 new doc(s)
IA canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×2, Jun 16–Jun 17)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
Iowa Emergency Medical Services System Standards July 2026
2026 · PDF
Notice of Intent to Award Request for Proposal Number: PHTHMRH27002
2027 · PDF
Notice of Intent to Award Request for Proposal Number: COMPSCS27025 Marketing and Advertising Services
2026 · PDF
IA - 2026 - Carroll County, Local News. RHTP. On Thursday, July 9, Sen. Charles
IA - 2026 - Article 8c252439 15ce 4408 A628 E6335ad44335
IA - 2026 - NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES
2026 · PDF
IA - 2026 - NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES
2026 · PDF
IA - 2026 - Social Services Block Grant
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IA - 2017 - Please accept our apologies. We can't find that page
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IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Award (RFP FWBPEHV26018: Iowa Family Support Network)
IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Award (COMPADM26002: Health Hub Technical Assistance Provider)
Iowa SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT FIDELITY REVIEW MANUAL Deborah R. Becker Sarah J. Swanson Sandra L. Reese Gary R. Bond Bethany M. McLeman RHTP 2008 Reference
IA - 2017 - The Community Access and Eligibility's procurement office issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) to find organizations to handle different aspects of healthcare. RFPs require detailed answers in each request, outlined in the…
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IA - 2007 - Keeping Iowa’s Farms in the Family | Governor Kim Reynolds
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IA - 2026 - Vision for Iowa | Governor Kim Reynolds
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IA - 2026 - Welcome to the Governor of the State of Iowa | Governor Kim Reynolds
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IA - 2026 - Family Planning Program | Health & Human Services
2026 · HTML
example daily certificate (40.31 KB) .pdf
Child Care Task Force Report
2021 · PDF
Access the HCBS ID Waiver Tiered Rate Fee Schedule (185.17 KB) .pdf
2019 · PDF
Family Planning Progress Report 2019 (9.78 MB) .pdf
2019 · PDF
Family Planning Progress Report 2019 Executive Summary (649.92 KB) .pdf
2019 · PDF
This is a supporting file for the Iowa RHTP: Combat Cancer Health Hubs RFP opportunity. The intended program will establish health hubs to address cancer and related health disparities in rural communities. Event schedule: - Final Application Deadline: , 2026 12:00 PM - Jun 17 - 9:36 AM - Status Closed - Posted Date , 2026 9:36 AM - May 8 - Award Amount Range Not Applicable - , 2026 - May 8 - Letter of Intent (Mandatory) - , 2026 - June 3 - 4:00 PM - Written Questions and Responses - , 2026, by 4:00 PM - May 20 - 4:00 PM - Round 2 Questions Due: - , 2026 - May 27 - 4:00 PM - Round 2 Questions Due: - , 2026, by 4:00 PM - June 3 - 12:00 PM - Applications Due - , 2026 - June 10 - 12:00 PM - Applications Due
Event Schedule
Key contacts: Ryan Roovaart reconsiderationrequest@hhs.iowa.gov Event schedule: - Legislation Enacted (House File 972 establishes Healthy Hometowns Program) - 2025-07-01 - America/Chicago - Iowa - Anticipated start/execution of Co-Location Site Lead contracts - 2026-10-31 - America/Chicago - Iowa - Deadline to complete minor renovations and begin services at Co-Location Site - 2027-12-31 - America/Chicago - Iowa - Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) Report Due - 2026-10-31 - CST - Insurance Certificate Due - CST - Monthly Progress Report Due (15th working day after month) - CST - Quarterly Report Due - 2027-01-15 - CST - Quarterly Report Due - 2027-04-15 - CST
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
The Iowa Rural Health Transformation Program (Healthy Hometowns) application outlines comprehensive strategies to address chronic disease, cancer, workforce gaps, EMS, and health information exchange inequities facing rural Iowa. Data tables document substantial disparities in access, health outcomes, workforce distribution, and system performance between rural and urban areas. The technical alignment matrix details multi-sector integrated approaches, including hub-and-spoke models, technology adoption, community partnerships, and targeted workforce initiatives.
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has issued a Notice of Intent to Award for the 'Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment' proposal. Multiple community health centers, hospitals, and clinics across rural Iowa are named as apparent successful bidders, pending execution of contracts. The program aims to augment healthcare access and workforce capacity in rural regions. Key contacts: reconsiderationrequest@hhs.iowa.gov; HHSOpenRecords@hhs.iowa.gov; Julie Jones julie.jones@hhs.iowa.gov Event schedule: - Notice Date - 06/18/2026 - CT - Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Reconsideration Request Deadline
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives