RHTP Activities and Initiatives Chart
Program Overview
Vermont's Rural Health Transformation Program, funded by CMS and administered by the Agency of Human Services, has completed Year 1 funding cycles and is preparing for Year 2 opportunities. The program advances 35 activities within five strategic initiatives focused on strengthening the rural workforce, improving timely care access, leveraging innovation, and enhancing quality and cost-effectiveness for underserved and high-need populations. Current implementation includes executed agreements targeting facility improvements, workforce development, health IT, and clinical transformation, with all Year 1 RFP opportunities now closed and Year 2 opportunities forthcoming. Current structured plan tracks 19 key initiatives and 12 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Vermont — % 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chittenden County | 169,758 | 9.7% | 3.9% |
| Rutland County | 60,425 | 11.8% | 7.2% |
| Washington County | 60,017 | 8.7% | 5.7% |
| Windsor County | 57,990 | 9.2% | 5.2% |
| Franklin County | 50,638 | 10.3% | 7.7% |
| Windham County | 45,923 | 11.6% | 6.0% |
| Addison County | 37,664 | 7.6% | 4.4% |
| Bennington County | 37,269 | 11.3% | 7.3% |
| Caledonia County | 30,475 | 11.7% | 7.5% |
| Orange County | 29,761 | 9.3% | 5.9% |
| Orleans County | 27,606 | 11.7% | 8.3% |
| Lamoille County | 26,148 | 8.5% | 5.1% |
417,515 rural residents
AI source: VT - 2026 - Final Memorandum of the Liaison Team
AI auto-updated Sep 22, 2026
API refreshed May 13, 2026
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
10 related documents
VT - 2026 - Health Care Workforce | Office of Health Care Reform - RHTP Announcements and Workforce Strategy
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
Vermont has allocated over $195 million in federal funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program, with multiple executed agreements and contracts supporting facility upgrades, mobile services, analytics, and operational improvements as of September 2026. Procurements and awards are actively ongoing, and the list of funded activities is being regularly updated. Stakeholder engagement and robust oversight processes are in place to monitor progress and adapt strategies. The program continues to implement its provider and regionalization initiatives across the state. State opportunities: 28 total (28 past/closed), $2.3M listed funding. Key opportunities: VDH Mobile Integrated Health Consulting & Project Management RFP; Evaluation of Vermont’s Rural Healthcare Transformation (RHT) Program; AHS Rural Health Grant Management Solution. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, ems, telehealth priorities.
Vermont’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) leverages CMS AHEAD model funding to drive regionalization, clinical integration, workforce development, and innovative care models addressing rural needs. Building on ongoing reform efforts and stakeholder engagement, RHTP implements 35 activities across five strategic initiatives focused on workforce, access, and quality improvement. The program prioritizes expanded access, sustainability, and milestone-based performance monitoring to strengthen affordability, transparency, and the viability of rural health services.
Model
AHEAD (Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design) Model
Key Initiatives (19)
Timeline: Performance period: December 29, 2025–October 30, 2030. Year 1 subrecipient grant execution (August 2026–September 2027) with up to two competitive rounds. Year 1 grants may be extended for up to four additional years pending approval. All Year 1 funds must be fully spent by September 30, 2027. The overall program aligns with a five-year CMS performance period.
Developing urgent care access for mental health needs in rural regions, such as Rutland County.
Addressing rural health workforce shortages through training, clinical champions, and collaborative learning approaches.
Improving access to dialysis and ventilator care for nursing facility residents to address high acuity care needs in rural areas.
VT - 2026 - Bi-Weekly Updates: Vermont Health Care Transformation (April 2026)
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Overview and Vermont Application Guidance
Auto-grouped context match (39%)
VT - 2026 - H.R.1 Documents and Resources | Health Care Reform
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2026 - CMS-RHT-26-001 RHTP Application Submission from the State of Vermont
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Application Summary
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2026 - Vermont’s RHT Program Activity Details
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2026 - CCMMSS--RRHHTT--2266--000011 RRuurraall HHeeaalltthh TTrraannssffoorrmmaattiioonn PPrrooggrraamm A pplication Submission from the State of Vermont Judith Morse Financial Manager (802) 279-2319 Judith.Morse@vermont.gov 2-11-2026
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
VT - 2024 - RHTP Vermont Hospital Transformation Plan
Auto-grouped context match (38%)
VT - 2025 - Award Information
Official HHS TAGGS award detail page (RHTCMS332047) -- authoritative federal award tracking system
Vermont Agency of Human Services
Due Aug 17, 2026
6 related documents
VT - 2026 - Questions and Answers: RHTP Subrecipient Grant to Healthcare Providers to Transform, Innovate, and Regionalize Care (NOFO RHT_AHSCO_0008_FY26)
008 Care Transformation_Q&A.pdf
VT - 2026 - RHTP Subrecipient Grant to Healthcare Providers to Transform, Innovate, and Regionalize Care
VT - 2026 - RHTP Transform, Innovate, and Regionalize Care NOFO (RHT_AHSCO_0008_FY26)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Appendix A Budget Template (BidIDs 73876 and 73877)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Transform, Innovate, and Regionalize Care Appendix A Budget Template
VT - 2026 - Appendix A RHTP Subrecipient Grant Budget Template
Appendix A RHTP Subrecipient Grant Budget Template.pdf
VT - 2026 - ADDENDUM 1 RHTP Subrecipient Grant to Healthcare Providers to Transform, Innovate, and Regionalize Care Subrecipient activities #4 and #19 RHT –…
RHT_AHSCO_0008_FY26 Addendum 1.pdf
VT - 2026 - AHEAD (Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design) Model Health Care Delivery Advisory Committee RHT Year 1 Awards and Contracts
VT RHT Year 1 Executed Agreements and Contracts (award recipients)
State of Vermont Agency of Human Services
Due Aug 17, 2026
6 related documents
VT - 2026 - RHT _AHSCO_0009_FY26 Facility Upgrades to Support Regionalization Questions and Answers
0009 Facility Upgrades_Q&A.pdf
Vermont Department of Mental Health
Due Aug 7, 2026
5 related documents
VT - 2026 - Mental Health Urgent Care- Rutland County
Source listing page
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Mt. Ascutney Hospital & Health Ctr Approved budget controls rural hospital net revenue and reimbursement rate for transformation. | $74.7M | Flex Fund | |
| 2027 | Grace Cottage Hospital FY27 hospital budget aims at affordability and sustainability for rural hospital operations. | $30.8M | Flex Fund | |
| 2026 | Vermont Student Assistance Corporation Provides tuition benefits to students in nursing, dentistry, and other healthcare fields who commit to working in Vermont for at least five years. | $9.0M | Workforce | |
| 2026 | St. Johnsbury Center for Living and Rehabilitation Selected to build out a new ventilator unit with federal funds, improving facility capacity. | $532K | Quality Improvement | |
| 2026 | Agate Software, Inc. AHS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program Grants Solution — a grant management system to support administration of Vermont's RHT Program grants. Awarded via sealed-bid RFP (Agency of Digital Services, on behalf of AHS). | $324K | Health IT | |
| 2026 | Hartford Town School District Awarded part of the $2.7 million for establishing a regional LNA Training Hub for licensed nursing assistants in long-term care. | $297K | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Springfield Center for Living and Rehabilitation Funds awarded for creation of a dialysis den so patients can receive local dialysis instead of traveling elsewhere. | $287K | Quality Improvement | |
| 2026 | Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital Awarded part of the $2.7 million for establishing a regional LNA Training Hub for licensed nursing assistants in long-term care. | $210K | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation Awarded part of the $2.7 million for establishing a regional LNA Training Hub for licensed nursing assistants in long-term care. | $150K | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Community Colleges of Vermont Awarded funding to develop a statewide licensed nursing assistants training hub program. | Not disclosed | Workforce |
The Trump Administration announced $11.7 million under RHTP to expand access, improve patient care facilities, and strengthen rural health. Vermont is dedicating $9 million specifically for tuition benefits to healthcare professionals in underserved areas.
The GMCB approved FY27 hospital budgets for 14 Vermont community hospitals, imposing statewide reductions in commercial rates and net patient revenue to improve affordability. A new working group will increase transparency for medical education funding. FY27 decisions support rural hospital transformation and system sustainability. Key contacts: Kristen LaJeunesse kristen.lajeunesse@vermont.gov Event schedule: - Budget Decisions Completed - 09/14/2026 - Green Mountain Care Board - Hospital FY27 Budgets Begin - 10/01/2026 - All Vermont Community Hospitals
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Vermont is soliciting applications under CMS Notice of Award #RHTCMS332047-01-00 to expand Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) training in rural areas. Applicants must submit a risk assessment and detailed work plan, including sustainability and performance targets. This program aims to address rural healthcare workforce shortages and improve care quality. Event schedule: - Application Due - 04/10/2026 - 4:30 PM ET
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
The program funds facility upgrades, mobile medical units, telehealth expansion, AI transcription technology, and recovery housing. It emphasizes regionalization, workforce training, and improving access to high-acuity services including dialysis and ventilators. The program is actively managing multiple executed agreements and contracts to implement these initiatives. Event schedule: - Updated as of , 2026 - September 18 - Please note: This is a partial and ongoing list and does not represent the full Year 1 awards or funding decisions. Agreements are being finalized on an ongoing basis, and procure...
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Vermont's application details an ambitious transformation of rural health care through 30 proposed initiatives and grant programs targeting regionalization, integrated shared service platforms, stronger primary care, and major investments in rural provider and workforce development. The state will fund both service delivery reforms and physical facility and IT modernization, emphasizing EMS/paramedicine, mobile units, analytics, telehealth, housing, workforce pipelines, and more. Large-scale system assessment, independent evaluation, and insurance competition/transparency strategies ensure a data-driven, accountable transformation.
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Vermont submitted its Rural Health Transformation Fund application for federal funding covering 2026-2030. The application focuses on strengthening rural health networks through coordination, technology sharing, workforce support, and affordability. Exact award amounts are yet to be determined by federal review.
Summary document linking to Vermont RHTP application and related resources, no explicit award details provided.
This final memorandum outlines progress and recommendations for Vermont's health system with a focus on affordability, access, and quality. The document calls for improved regulatory processes, closer ties between compensation and performance, expansion of collaborative planning for medical education, and prioritization of productivity gains. Strategic guidance is provided for ongoing transformation efforts relevant to rural health and Medicaid. Event schedule: - Liaison Team Assignment Ends - 09/30/2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Vermont is advancing a statewide rural health transformation strategy under Act 68 of 2025, building on prior community engagement and legislative mandates. Fourteen hospitals are engaged in shared services, care shifts to appropriate settings, analytics, and service line optimization. The state is broadening efforts to include primary care and community provider transformation, aiming for a sustainable, equitable rural health system.
Core Initiatives
The program is funded under award number RHTCMS332047 with a period of performance from December 29, 2025, to October 30, 2030. It is administered by the Vermont Agency of Human Services based in Waterbury. The total award amount for FY2026 is approximately $195 million designated for rural health transformation activities.
This document provides detailed answers and clarifications regarding the RFP for establishing Mental Health Urgent Care services in Rutland County, Vermont. The Q&A emphasizes the program's aim to fill service gaps in rural areas and clarifies eligibility, budgeting, and scope of expected services. Final program cost and pricing remain fully proposer-determined with no fixed-state or federal ceiling. Event schedule: - RFP Issue Date - 7/10/2026 - ET - Questions Due - 7/17/2026 - 4:00 PM ET - Answers Posted - 7/20/2026 - ET - Addendum Answers Posted - 8/5/2026 - ET - RFP Responses Due - 8/7/2026 - 4:00 PM ET - via VTBuys
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This document is an addendum to the Vermont Rural Health Transformation Program subrecipient grant regarding telehealth technology adoption, specifying corrections and compliance updates.
RHTP Activities and Initiatives Chart
VT RHTP site updated — 1 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
VT RHTP site updated — 1 new, 0 existing source(s) refreshed
VT RHTP site updated — 1 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
VT - 2026 - Trump Administration Announces $11.7 Million to Expand Access, Improve Patient Care Facilities, Strengthen Rural Health
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
VT - 2026 - Award Summary Report
2026 · HTML
VT - 2026 - We have a number of annual reports received and prepared by the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB). Please visit our Data Reports and Analyses, Legislative Report page, or our Press Release page for the most recent updates.
HTML
MN - 2005 - Assistance Listings Summary Report
HTML
VT - 2027 - GMCB Cuts Proposed 2027 Health Insurance Rate Increases
2026 · PDF
VT - 2026 - Vermont Health Care Association High-Quality LNA Study
2025 · PDF
VT - 2026 - DAIL Advisory Board Meeting Schedule
2022 · PDF
VT - 2022 - MFP Update DAIL ADV Nov 2022
2021-2022 · PDF
VT - 2024 - Standard State Provisions for Contracts and Grants
VT - 2026 - RHTP Appendix A Subrecipient Grant Budget Template
XLSX
Vermont Financial Health Indicators Flex Program 2018 Almanac Of Hospital Financial And Operating Medians 2016 Indicators (Optum) 2016 Northeast Metric US CAHs CAH 25-99 Beds 100-1
VT - 2026 - NMC FY23 Quarterly Actuals - 1
2023 · PDF
VT - 2026 - Jurisdictional Determination
2022 · PDF
VT - 2026 - AFT-VT Interested Party Statement
FY2020 Hospital Budget Guidance Final As Of 2019 03 27 Updated 4 8 19
VT - 2026 - Physician Transfer Schedules A & B
XLSX
VT - 2026 - Appendices A&B ACO Provider Network and Other Arrangements.xlsx
XLSX
VT - 2026 - Appendix A Budget Template.xlsx
XLSX
Q&A for Activity 18 .pdf
RHT Subrecipient Grant Budget Template 3.12.26.xlsx
XLSX
2025 Vermont Household Health Insurance Survey
2025 · PDF
Vermont H E A L T H P O L I C Y Marketplace Premiums In 2025 Insurer And Provider Concentration Contributes To Wide Variation In Rates John Holahan, Noah Kennedy, And Michael Simps
2025 · PDF
VT - 2024 - NY VT Funds Flow Analysis with FY2024 Budget
2024 · PDF
VT - 2030 - UVM Health 2030 Strategy Final Report
2026 · PDF
VT - 2026 - an order
2027 · PDF
VT - 2026 - an order
2026-2027 · PDF
VT - 2026 - MIH RFP Responses to Questions
XLSX
VT - 2026 - Addendum 2
VT - 2026 - Addendum
232
VT - 2026 - Vermont Landing Page (updated: June 3, 2026)
2026 · XLSX
VT - 2026 - Vermont Business Registry and Bid System - Home
HTML
VT - 2026 - AHEAD (Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design) Model | Health Care Reform
HTML
VT - 2026 - H.R.1 Documents and Resources | Health Care Reform
HTML
VT - 2026 - Health Care Workforce Development | Health Care Reform
HTML
VT - 2021 - Health Care Workforce Data Center | Health Care Reform
2021-2024 · HTML
VT - 2026 - Translate | Health Care Reform
HTML
VT - 2026 - RHTP Subrecipient Grant to Healthcare Providers for Facility Upgrades to Support Regionalization
VT - 2026 - RHTP Facility Upgrades to Support Regionalization NOFO (RHT_AHSCO_009_FY26)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Appendix A Budget Template (BidIDs 73876 and 73877)
VT - 2026 - RHTP Facility Upgrades Appendix A Budget Template
VT - 2026 - Appendix A RHTP Subrecipient Grant Budget Template
Appendix A RHTP Subrecipient Grant Budget Template.pdf
VT - 2026 - RHT_AHSCO_009_FY26 Addendum 1
RHT_AHSCO_009_FY26 Addendum 1.pdf
VT - 2026 - AHEAD (Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design) Model Health Care Delivery Advisory Committee RHT Year 1 Awards and Contracts
VT RHT Year 1 Executed Agreements and Contracts (award recipients)
VT - 2026 - RFP 142 Mental Health Urgent Care- Rutland County
RFP142_MHUC_Rutland.pdf
VT - 2026 - RFP 142 MHUC-Rutland Q&A Addendum
RFP142 MHUC-Rutland Q&A Addendum.pdf
VT - 2026 - RFP #142 Mental Health Urgent Care- Rutland County Questions and Answers
RFP 142 MHUC-Rutland Q&A.pdf
VT - 2026 - RFP # 142 Mental Health Urgent Care- Rutland County
RFP 142 Bidders conference 7-10-26.pdf
GMCB approved FY27 budgets for 14 VT hospitals totaling $3.8B, setting maximum NPRs and reducing commercial pricing. Oversight on UVMMC-Larner College relationship strengthened. Hospital affordability and transparency prioritized. Key contacts: Kristen LaJeunesse kristen.lajeunesse@vermont.gov Event schedule: - Board public deliberations - 09/02/2026 - Montpelier, VT - Board budget decisions complete - 09/14/2026 - Montpelier, VT - Budget orders issued - 10/01/2026 - Montpelier, VT
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Vermont awarded its first $11.7 million tranche of federal rural health funds, with $9 million directed to tuition benefits for health workforce education and $2.7 million distributed among nursing homes and teaching institutions for LNA training and facility improvements. This allocation supports workforce development, creation of regional LNA training hubs, and investment in specialized care resources like ventilator units and a dialysis den. The funds are part of a larger $195 million federal award to Vermont under new legislation responding to Medicaid cuts and rural hospital financial challenges. Event schedule: - Award Announcement - 09/10/2026 - 7:03 PM ET - Vermont
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This application solicits proposals to expand dialysis and ventilator services in licensed Vermont nursing facilities, targeting unmet rural health needs. Applicants must demonstrate risk management, internal controls, and sustainability planning. The program prioritizes improving access to specialized care for rural populations. Key contacts: AHS.DAILRHTGrant@Vermont.gov Event schedule: - Application Due Date - 04/10/2026 - 4:30 PM
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
The Vermont Rural Health Transformation Program is soliciting applications to expand dialysis and ventilator services in rural skilled nursing facilities. Proposals must include partnerships with ESRD providers (for dialysis) and Acute Care or Critical Access Hospitals (for ventilator services). Awards will be based on alignment with program narrative, qualifications, and sustainability of plans. Key contacts: AHS.DAILRHTGrant@Vermont.gov; ahs.rht@vermont.gov Event schedule: - Grant Application Due - 04/10/2026 - 4:30 PM ET - Review Team Determines Awards - 04/10/2026 - 04/30/2026 - ET - Grantees Notified of Awards - 05/01/2026 - ET - Grant Execution Deadline - 08/01/2026 - ET - Year-1 Funds Fully Spent - 09/30/2027 - ET
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This addendum updates the timeline for Vermont's Rural Health Transformation Program subrecipient grant competition, establishing two application rounds for rural healthcare provider transformation funding. The grant periods range from 10 to 11 months, starting in September or October 2026 and ending July 30, 2027. Extensions beyond Year 1 are possible with AHS and CMS approval. Event schedule: - Application Posted (Round 1) - June 19, 2026 - Deadline for Questions (Round 1) - June 26, 2026 - Application Deadline (Round 1) - July 17, 2026 - Commencement of Grant Agreement (Round 1) - September 1, 2026 - Application Deadline (Round 2) - August 17, 2026 - Commencement of Grant Agreement (Round 2) - October 1, 2026
Event Schedule
This addendum updates the award timeline and clarifies grant periods for facility upgrades supporting rural health regionalization in Vermont. Two application rounds are available, with grant periods ranging from 10 to 11 months and potential for up to four option-year extensions pending approval. Year 1 funds must be spent by July 30, 2027. Event schedule: - Application Posted - 06/19/2026 - ET - Deadline for Questions (Round 1) - 06/26/2026 - ET - Application Deadline (Round 1) - 07/17/2026 - ET - Commencement of Grant Agreement (Round 1) - 09/01/2026 - ET - Application Deadline (Round 2) - 08/17/2026 - ET - Commencement of Grant Agreement (Round 2) - 10/01/2026 - ET - Year 1 Funds Must Be Fully Spent By - 07/30/2027 - ET
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
This progress report details significant organizational restructuring at University of Vermont Health Network, resulting in $8.1 million in annual savings, as well as the commissioning of two consultant studies to optimize clinical operations and forecast fiscal sustainability. It also recounts ongoing negotiations to implement value-based care contracts with BCBS VT and the state's effort to address affordability, quality, and population health. The Liaison Team continues to oversee progress, aiming to inform and guide Vermont's rural health transformation strategy. Event schedule: - Consultant studies begin - 01/01/2026 - Consultant studies complete - 03/31/2026 - Liaison Team project completion estimated - Fall 2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Vermont's rural hospitals are pursuing multifaceted transformation strategies tailored to local needs, with emphasis on cost containment, specialist access, interoperability, and population health. Collaborative purchasing and network approaches are used to help achieve financial sustainability. No explicit funding allocations or award amounts are identified in this strategy document.
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
This document provides applicant guidance for Vermont's Rural Health Transformation Pharmacy Test-to-Treat grant RFP. It confirms a 14-month grant period, multiple anticipated awards, and includes FAQ on budget categories, eligible expenses, required documents, and program scope. Award amounts will be determined by proposal quality; technology integration with primary care and uninsured access are allowable if justified. Event schedule: - Application Deadline (Extended) - 05/08/2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This Q&A document clarifies operational, budgetary, and eligibility requirements for organizations considering applying for the new Mental Health Urgent Care RFP in Rutland County, Vermont. The state seeks proposals to develop and operate a clinic serving all ages, with flexible site planning and phased budget considerations. Renovation costs may be allowed with CMS approval, but major construction and capital improvements are prohibited. Event schedule: - RFP Issue Date - 07/10/2026 - ET - Questions Due - 07/17/2026 - 4:00 PM ET - Answers Posted - 07/20/2026 - ET - RFP Responses Due - 08/07/2026 - 4:00 PM ET - via VTBuys
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives