HHS Region 1 · Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Program Overview
Massachusetts’ Rural Health Transformation Program aims to create a thriving Commonwealth for rural communities, emphasizing access, well-being, and resilient systems. Led by an interagency team, the current structured plan tracks seven core initiatives across population health, care model innovation, workforce development, community health, EMS integration, technology improvement, and facility modernization. Ongoing implementation emphasizes partnerships, community engagement, and public involvement, supported through application opportunities and resources for rural entities. Current structured plan tracks 7 key initiatives and 3 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Massachusetts — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (14)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex County | 1,638,365 | 7.7% | 4.9% |
| Worcester County | 867,788 | 10.3% | 6.9% |
| Essex County | 813,054 | 9.4% | 6.7% |
| Suffolk County | 785,121 | 16.2% | 11.4% |
| Norfolk County | 730,082 | 6.7% | 4.1% |
| Bristol County | 582,270 | 11.3% | 8.4% |
| Plymouth County | 535,075 | 7.1% | 4.7% |
| Hampden County | 462,815 | 16.3% | 12.0% |
| Barnstable County | 231,668 | 7.7% | 4.2% |
| Hampshire County | 162,028 | 11.3% | 5.8% |
| Berkshire County | 129,430 | 11.4% | 6.7% |
| Franklin County | 70,944 | 12.1% | 7.1% |
105,884 rural residents
AI source: MA - 2020 - RHTP Information & Listening Session - Athol/North Quabbin/East Franklin
AI auto-updated Oct 30, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Source: CMS State Data Maps ↗ · checked Nov 2, 2026
Budget Period 1 award: $162,005,238.13
Initiatives (7)
CMS stages run from Stage 0 (planning) to Stage 5 (full implementation). Complete In progress Not started
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
No related documents
No linked documents found.
Massachusetts has moved into implementation, as evidenced by the issuance and closure of RFQ 272267320229 for the Rural Hospital Performance and Quality Improvement Initiative, with an intent to award notice posted in August 2026. The state has also formally launched the Rural Partners RFA, soliciting applications from rural entities as of October 2026, with a bid opening in November. This marks the state's first active phase of public procurement opportunities to support the Rural Health Transformation Program. Further awards and subgrants are likely to follow as program activities ramp up into FY 2027. State opportunities: 2 active (1 open, 1 closing soon, 2 past/closed), $800.5M listed funding. Key opportunities: Massachusetts Rural Partners RFA (RHTP); Rural Digital Health Sandbox Program (MeHI); 26EHSKWRHTPRFQ - RHTP Project Management Service. Strategy alignment: supports telehealth, prevention, care access priorities.
The Massachusetts Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) continues to focus on transforming rural healthcare delivery through seven coordinated initiatives that strengthen population health, modernize facilities, expand digital health capabilities, and support workforce retention. The program leverages cross-sector partnerships, quality improvement and network development, and robust stakeholder engagement, including a Community Advisory Council and initiative-specific workgroups. Federal funding supports multi-year, community-driven investment in rural health systems.
Key Initiatives (7)CMS official list ↗
Supporting activities (1)
• Establish and engage Community Advisory Council
Timeline: Funding awarded in December 2025; ongoing implementation with key application milestones through 2027 and future updates planned
Emergency Medical System (EMS) Service Integration Initiative
Enhancing Technology Interoperability and Connectivity Initiative
Facility Modernization and Re-Use Initiative
Healthy Rural Communities
Innovation in Rural Care Models
Population Health Advancement Initiative
State Policy Action commitments (1 of 19)
Rural communities face disparities due to limited providers, aging infrastructure, chronic disease burdens, workforce shortages, and financial instability.
Targeted activities focus on recruitment, retention, and strengthening the healthcare workforce in rural areas.
Investments aimed at improving technology interoperability and connectivity to support better outcomes in rural health providers.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
Due Nov 9, 2026· ⏰ 5 days left
8 related documents
MA - 2026 - Q&A for RHTP Rural Partners RFA
Q&A — November 2, 2026
MA - 2026 - RHTP Rural Partners RFA Amendment 3
Amendment 3 — November 2, 2026
MA - 2026 - EOHHS RHTP Rural Partners RFA (27EHSCA RHTPRURALPARTNERSRFA)
MA - 2026 - EOHHS RHTP Rural Partners RFA (27EHSCA RHTPRURALPARTNERSRFA)
MA - 2026 - 27EHSCARHTPRURALPARTNERSRFA: RHTP Rural Partners RFA
MA - 2026 - COMMBUYS Bid Solicitation BD-27-1039-EHS01-EHS01-134186
MA - 2026 - Attachment C MA DPH Rural Definition and Rural Town and Cluster List
MA - 2026 - Attachment C MA DPH Rural Definition and Rural Town and Cluster List
MA - 2026 - Evaluation Criteria RHTP Rural Partners RFA
MA - 2026 - Evaluation Criteria RHTP Rural Partners RFA
MA - 2026 - Attachment A Rural Partner Application
MA - 2026 - Attachment A Rural Partner Application
MA - 2026 - Attachment B Partnership Validation Form
MA - 2026 - Attachment B Partnership Validation Form
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (Bureau of Community Health and Prevention)
Due Aug 4, 2026
1 related document
MA - 2026 - RFQ 272267320229 MA Rural Hospital Performance and Quality Improvement Initiative
Source listing page
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
Due Apr 30, 2026
1 related document
MA - 2026 - 26EHSKWRHTPRFQ - RHTP Project Management Service
Source listing page
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Deloitte Consulting LLP | Not disclosed | — |
The session provides an overview of three newly-launched programs aligned with Massachusetts RHTP goals to improve technology infrastructure for rural health care providers and patients. Programs include the Rural Digital Health Sandbox and the Rural Health Cybersecurity Grant Program. Event schedule: - Information & Listening Session - November 12, 2020 - 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Athol Public Library, Athol, MA
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This document is a newsletter from the Massachusetts Rural Health Transformation Program dated July 21, 2026, providing updates and information. Event schedule: - , 2026 - July 21 - Last updated: - , 2026 - July 21 - Related
Event Schedule
This newsletter serves as a periodic update for the Massachusetts Rural Health Transformation Program in 2026. It aims to inform stakeholders about program developments and ongoing initiatives. Event schedule: - , 2026 - July 21 - LAST UPDATED: - , 2026 - July 21 - RELATED
Event Schedule
This document is an updated applicant signature and acceptance form for the 2025 reissuance of the NOFO Rural Digital Health Sandbox Program managed by Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. It certifies compliance with NOFO terms and confirms applicants' understanding and agreement.
The Rural Digital Health Sandbox Program (MeHI) seeks to enhance digital health infrastructure and services in Massachusetts rural areas. This NOFO provides a focused opportunity for eligible entities to apply for funding to innovate and improve rural digital health capabilities.
This document is a project plan for the Rural Digital Health Sandbox Program in Massachusetts supporting rural digital health initiatives. It details phases and tasks over a six-month timeline but does not include award amounts or recipient details.
Massachusetts’ Rural Health Transformation Program is structured around seven core initiatives focused on population health, care model innovation, workforce development, community health, EMS integration, technology improvement, and facility modernization. An interagency team leads the program with a strong emphasis on community engagement and public involvement through advisory councils and workgroups.
This regulatory recap highlights federal health policy updates, including a $17 million RHTP award to North Carolina for rural mental health and substance use disorder service expansion. Additional updates include 2027 Medicare Advantage (MA) star ratings, new falls prevention funding, vaccine injury reporting developments, and analysis of the 340B drug pricing program. These policy actions reflect ongoing shifts in rural health transformation, quality measurement, and federal funding priorities.
This document details the budget categories and total cost of $475,000 for the Rural Digital Health Sandbox Program in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts commits to strengthening the rural health system and ensuring every community has access to high-quality, sustainable care.
The program focuses on addressing rural health challenges and promoting transformation through partnerships and engagement efforts. It offers application opportunities and informational resources to support rural health transformation.
By Q4 2030
Population Health Advancement: Review Outcomes and transition to sustainability.
By Q2 2029
Population Health Advancement: Sustainability- transition planning begins.
Q4 2027-Q1 2028
Population Health Advancement: Technical Assistance to providers begins
Q4 2027-Q3 2028
Population Health Advancement: Program implementation begins
Q4 2027
Population Health Advancement: Payment incentives begin.
By Q4 2027
Population Health Advancement: Dashboards, analytics & data sharing live.
Q4 2027-Q1 2028
Population Health Advancement: Quarterly program & data reviews begin.
Q3 2027
Population Health Advancement: Data sharing and network agreements in place.
Q1 2027-Q3 2027
Population Health Advancement: Begin training and onboarding
Q4 2026-Q2 2027
Population Health Advancement: Select vendors and organizations. Design program implementation plans.
Q4 2026-Q2 2027
Population Health Advancement: Technology development begins
Q3 2026-Q4 2026
Execute: Begin Leadership Council and Advisory Meetings. Begin quarterly program monitoring and evaluation.
MA state summary updated: transformationStrategy initiatives: 8 -> 7
The Massachusetts Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) advances seven strategic initiatives to transform rural healthcare by improving…
MA RHTP site updated — 1 new, 2 existing source(s) refreshed
MA RHTP site updated — 2 new doc(s)
MA RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
MA canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×2, Jun 17)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
MA - 2026 - Regulatory Recap: RHTP Funding, MA Star Ratings, and HHS Initiatives
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Core Initiatives
EOHHS plans to submit a grant application to CMS in response to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program NOFO. This Notice of Intent announces the rural health facilities it intends to partner with and the methodology used to define rural health facilities and populations. Key contacts: Shukri Osman EOHHS-Procurement@mass.gov Event schedule: - Bid Opening Date - 10/09/2025 - 5:00 PM ET - ASHWA - Ashburton & 600 Washington
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This guidance describes four rural digital health transformation initiatives in Massachusetts funded through RHTP. These include the Rural Digital Health Sandbox Program, Rural Health Cybersecurity Grant Program, Rural Health Information Exchange Program, and the Rural SHINE-HT Program, each focused on advancing technology, cybersecurity, interoperability, and innovative care models in rural communities. Event schedule: - Sturbridge Session - 11/05/2025 - 1:00 PM ET - Sturbridge, MA - Oak Bluffs Session - 11/06/2025 - 12:30 PM ET - Oak Bluffs, MA - Pittsfield Session - 11/09/2025 - 11:30 AM ET - Pittsfield, MA - Athol Session - 11/12/2025 - 10:30 AM ET - Athol, MA - Virtual Session 1 - 11/04/2025 - 11:30 AM ET - Virtual - Virtual Session 2 - 11/13/2025 - 12:00 PM ET - Virtual
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
Defines and regularly updates the list of rural towns and clusters for Massachusetts based on census data, supporting consistent data standards for state rural health programs. The document is used to determine eligibility and scope for rural health transformation efforts, including RHTP and Medicaid initiatives.
Core Initiatives
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services in Massachusetts issued a Notice of Opportunity to form the Rural Health Transformation Program Community Advisory Council. This council aims to bring community voices into the program development and guide decision-making with on-the-ground perspectives. Key contacts: Kalinda Collins kalinda.collins@mass.gov; Priscilla Martin Event schedule: - Bid Opening Date - 04/22/2026 - 05:00 PM ET - ASHWA - Ashburton & 600 Washington - Deadline for Submission of Written Questions - 04/10/2026 - ET
Event Schedule
Contacts