The Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program, administered by KDHE with partners such as the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance and Healthworks, is actively implementing structured initiatives to enhance rural health outcomes through innovative care models, technology adoption, workforce pipeline development, and pilot programs in areas like dementia care and chronic disease management. Current focus areas include Emerging Technology grants for rural providers, centralized credentialing, revenue technical support, Community Health Worker and Food is Medicine projects, workforce programs, and the Interfacility Transport Project. The program maintains a structured plan with multiple strategic initiatives and ongoing progress tracking to expand access and quality for rural residents. Multiple funding opportunities are currently open across key focus areas for rural providers and facilities. Current structured plan tracks 13 key initiatives and 11 strategic goals.
Kansas has issued multiple RFPs and RFAs under the Rural Health Transformation Program, including for centralized credentialing, revenue cycle support, and an Emerging Technology Grant. Applications are open and being accepted, with deadlines in July and August 2026. First awards have been made to 39 organizations, and new pilot and grant opportunities are launching for Kansas providers. Sub-awards for Community Health Worker and Food is Medicine projects are now active, with selected rural hospitals and health systems receiving funding to implement integrated care interventions. State opportunities: 1 active (1 closing soon, 10 past/closed), $63.2M listed funding. Key opportunities: Kansas Dementia-Related Behavioral Supports in Rural Nursing Facilities Pilot; Regional Partnership Grant Program (RPGP); REH Conversion/Transformative Capital Investment Grant Program (REH/CAP). Strategy alignment: supports workforce priorities.
RHTP Strategy
Kansas RHTP advances rural health transformation through statewide initiatives focused on expanding access to care, strengthening dementia-related supports in rural nursing facilities, investing in the rural workforce, enabling financial sustainability, standardizing credentialing, and scaling targeted technology solutions. Program oversight by KDHE, KDADS, and the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance emphasizes phased implementation, measurable outcomes, and sustained stakeholder collaboration. The strategy centers on integrating proven technology and operational models, rigorous reporting, and continuous improvement to deliver sustained impact for rural healthcare providers.
Model
Kansas deploys an initiative-driven grant and pilot framework under state and alliance oversight, distributing resources to address access, workforce, credentialing, financial stewardship, interfacility transport, dementia care, and innovative technology adoption in partnership with stakeholders and expert organizations.
Key Initiatives (13)
1Centralized Credentialing Verification Pilot Project to streamline provider onboarding, standardize credentialing policies, and reduce administrative burden via a phased, scalable model
2Revenue Technical Support Organization Program to optimize rural hospital finances, reimbursement, and payer accountability through centralized statewide technical support
3All-Kansas Payer Scorecard Program for statewide payer performance measurement, benchmarking, and financial transparency
Timeline: First budget period: December 31, 2025 – October 30, 2026; funds available Q1 2026; grant application deadlines from June through August 2026; all first period funds to be expended by September 30, 2027. Annual reporting and committee reviews recur, with subsequent budget periods following upon milestone completion.
11Improve the quality and availability of dementia-related behavioral supports in rural nursing facilities
Program Update
Reference: ... organizations across the state to implement or expand CHW and AFIM programs Link: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/ 2088
Aug 15, 2026
Health Priority
Provider credentialing and onboarding
Focus on reducing credentialing timeframes and administrative burden to improve access to care in rural Kansas.
rural Kansas
Aug 14, 2026
Health Priority
Rural hospital financial sustainability
Centralized revenue cycle support aims to reduce claim denials, accelerate payment resolution, and improve payer accountability.
Great Plains Health Alliance and Pioneer Health Network will deploy Avel eCare telemedicine services to 31 rural Kansas hospitals across all six Kansas Hospital Association regions, providing inpatient, emergency and psychiatric tele-coverage.
$5.0M
Regional Partnership
2026
Great Plains Health Alliance
Initial implementation partner for deployment of ambient AI listening technology for rural facilities using Oracle systems.
$6.0M
Health IT
2026
Children's Mercy Hospital
Children's Mercy Hospital, in partnership with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, KUMC Great Bend and Logan County Health Services, will implement the Rural Pediatric Chronic Care Network using AI-driven risk identification, Epic-integrated care coordination and telemedicine co-management to support children in rural communities.
$6.1M
Regional Partnership
2026
Stormont Vail Health
Stormont Vail HealthCare proposes PrairieLINK, a regional clinically integrated network and shared services infrastructure to strengthen rural hospital sustainability across northeastern and central Kansas through performance benchmarking, care coordination and value-based care alignment.
$5.5M
Regional Partnership
2026
Recovery Unlimited
Recovery Unlimited KS will create a technology-enabled substance use disorder treatment model linking community supervision, primary care and specialized treatment through Skyscape telehealth platform, establishing medical detox centers in south-central and western Kansas.
$4.3M
Regional Partnership
2026
Garden City Community College
Garden City Community College will lead the "Frontline Futures" partnership to expand clinical training, launch a diagnostic medical sonography program, develop an accelerated radiology technology pathway, and build a regional healthcare workforce pipeline across western and southwestern Kansas.
$3.4M
Regional Partnership
2026
Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group will support Kansas RHTP implementation with rapid response and infrastructure development, focusing on staffing and process improvements at KDHE.
$3.0M
Other
2026
Gove County Medical Center
Replacement of an unreliable mobile MRI with a permanent fixed MRI system, restoring reliable diagnostic imaging access for this 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) in western Kansas.
$3.0M
Capital Investment
2026
Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System
Renovation of an idle nursing home facility on campus into an adult acute behavioral health unit and integrating with a new KU School of Medicine psychiatry residency program.
$3.0M
Capital Investment
2026
Clara Barton Medical Center
Construction of a sterile processing department, operating room (OR) dehumidification, and renovation of the rural health clinic to activate behavioral health space.
$2.9M
Capital Investment
…
Announcement Documents (4)
✉️
AnnouncementAug 5, 2026TXT
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (Kdads) is actively seeking applicants for a rural dementia care pilot. This initiative aims to target improved dementia care support services in rural areas of Kansas.
The press release announces a significant increase in RHT Alliance membership, signaling growing state engagement as states move from RHTP planning to execution. It highlights Kansas's participation in this transition, reflecting momentum in rural health transformation efforts.
Award Announcement Documents (4)
📄
Award AnnouncementNEWAug 14, 2026PDFFederal
Kansas awarded over $950,000 in federal funding across seven rural hospital and health system recipients to implement Community Health Worker and Accountable Food is Medicine programs. These projects target chronic disease management with integrated nutrition interventions tailored to rural populations.
Award: $956KPOPULATION_HEALTH
Core Initiatives
Improve chronic disease outcomes through community health worker and nutrition-based interventions
Address social determinants of health to reduce rural health disparities
Integrate clinical care with community-based support for sustainable health improvements
✉️
Award AnnouncementJun 25, 2026TXT
📋
Award AnnouncementJun 18, 2026PPTXUpcoming2025-2026Federal
KDADS is funding a pilot to provide up to $200,000 per rural nursing facility for enhanced dementia behavior support, targeting facilities across six regions. Facilities will use funds for individualized training, technical assistance, and consultation to better serve Medicaid recipients aged 60+ with complex dementia behaviors. The pilot aims to improve care quality, expand behavioral supports, and generate evidence for future Medicaid program design. Key contacts: KDADS Aging Commission KDADS.AgingCommission@ks.gov
Event schedule:
- Pre-application Presentation - 08/07/2026 - 11:00 AM CT - Microsoft Teams meeting link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/261790897708678?p=2p4m6v7eNxSxPlDi27
- Written Questions Submitted By - 08/07/2026 - 5:00 PM CT
- Written Questions Answered - 08/12/2026 - 5:00 PM CT
- Applications Due - 08/21/2026 - 5:00 PM CT - KDADS.AgingCommission@ks.gov
- Awards Announced (subject to change) - 09/07/2026 - 5:00 PM CT
Pre-application Presentation - 08/07/2026 - 11:00 AM CT - Microsoft Teams meeting link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/261790897708678?p=2p4m6v7eNxSxPlDi27
Written Questions Submitted By - 08/07/2026 - 5:00 PM CT
Written Questions Answered - 08/12/2026 - 5:00 PM CT
Show all schedule items (5)
Pre-application Presentation - 08/07/2026 - 11:00 AM CT - Microsoft Teams meeting link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/261790897708678?p=2p4m6v7eNxSxPlDi27
Written Questions Submitted By - 08/07/2026 - 5:00 PM CT
Written Questions Answered - 08/12/2026 - 5:00 PM CT
Applications Due - 08/21/2026 - 5:00 PM CT - KDADS.AgingCommission@ks.gov
Awards Announced (subject to change) - 09/07/2026 - 5:00 PM CT
Increase training, technical assistance, and consultation for nursing facility staff to improve care for residents with complex dementia-related behaviors.
Increase services and supports for residents with dementia-related complex behaviors.
Provide KDADS with information to support the development of a Medicaid add-on based on successful pilot elements.
This RFA invites applications from rural nursing facilities in Kansas to implement dementia-related behavioral support programs. The initiative aims to enhance quality of care for rural elderly populations through targeted behavioral interventions.
This supporting document is part of an RFA package to pilot improved behavioral supports for dementia care in rural Kansas nursing facilities. It accompanies the main solicitation and provides program context. The initiative seeks to strengthen facility capacity and staff expertise to manage challenging dementia behaviors.
Kansas is developing a rural nurse residency program and an incentive program to expand clinical instructor and preceptor capacity in rural hospitals and schools. The consultant will work with rural hospitals and nursing schools to implement residency curriculum, training academies, and promote retention and workforce expansion. These efforts are designed to address rural nursing shortages and improve nurse graduate transition to practice. Key contacts: jfindley@kha-net.org
WORKFORCE
Contacts
<jfindley@kha-net.org> - Kansas
Core Initiatives
Increase new nurse graduate retention in rural hospitals
Expand available nursing clinical sites and rural preceptors
The Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program received $221.9 million in federal funding for FY2026, emphasizing the use of technology and data to improve rural health outcomes. An Emerging Technology Committee (ETC) was established to provide expert guidance on adoption of digital health and AI solutions in rural areas, with a focus on deploying ambient AI and supporting provider adoption. $6 million was allocated for ambient AI at Oracle-based rural sites with Great Plains Health Alliance as the initial partner; broader emerging technology grants are pending. Key contacts: Sheena Schmidt; Shelby Rowell; Wyatt Beckman; Tatiana Lin
Event schedule:
- Member Registration Survey Due - 06/16/2026 - CT
- Next ETC Meeting - 06/18/2026 - 1:00 PM–3:00 PM CT - KHI (virtual meeting)
- July In-Person Working Session - 07/29/2026 - Time TBD CT - KHI, Topeka
- Work Plan Draft Due - 08/15/2026 - CT
- Work Plan and Budget Finalized - 09/30/2026 - CT
- BioSTL Global Innovation Summit - October 2026 - CT - BioSTL (St. Louis/planned event)
Award: $221.9MHEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · POPULATION_HEALTH · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · OTHER
Event Schedule
Member Registration Survey Due - 06/16/2026 - CT
Next ETC Meeting - 06/18/2026 - 1:00 PM–3:00 PM CT - KHI (virtual meeting)
July In-Person Working Session - 07/29/2026 - Time TBD CT - KHI, Topeka
Show all schedule items (6)
Member Registration Survey Due - 06/16/2026 - CT
Next ETC Meeting - 06/18/2026 - 1:00 PM–3:00 PM CT - KHI (virtual meeting)
July In-Person Working Session - 07/29/2026 - Time TBD CT - KHI, Topeka
Work Plan Draft Due - 08/15/2026 - CT
Work Plan and Budget Finalized - 09/30/2026 - CT
BioSTL Global Innovation Summit - October 2026 - CT - BioSTL (St. Louis/planned event)
Tatiana Lin - Director of Business Strategy and Innovation, KHI - Statewide/KHI
Janet Stanek - Secretary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment - Statewide/KDHE
Matt Lara - Chief of Staff and RHTP Program Director - Statewide/KDHE
Martie Ross - State Partner - Statewide/UKHS Care Collaborative Association
Kristin Ebert - BioSTL - BioSTL
Core Initiatives
Transform rural health in Kansas through technology and data
Ensure remote patient monitoring and telehealth are available to rural residents
Align all rural providers with the national health data exchange framework (TEFCA)
Show all initiatives (5)
Transform rural health in Kansas through technology and data
Ensure remote patient monitoring and telehealth are available to rural residents
Align all rural providers with the national health data exchange framework (TEFCA)
Support adoption of artificial intelligence technology to improve clinical care and operational efficiency
Advance prevention, accessibility, sustainability, and value-based care in rural Kansas
Report Documents (2)
📄
ReportJun 11, 2026PDF2022
The report analyzes the relationship between commercial reimbursement rates and the financial health of rural hospitals in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. It finds that inadequate commercial rates, especially from dominant payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, are a primary driver of rural hospital distress. Modeling shows that higher commercial reimbursements could shift hospitals from loss to positive margins, supporting essential rural healthcare services.
FINANCE · OTHER
Core Initiatives
Achieve financial sustainability for rural hospitals in Kansas.
Align commercial payer reimbursement with actual cost of care.
Enhance rural hospital viability to maintain essential health services.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) leads the program with coordination from the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance and other partners. The program framework includes five key initiatives: expanding prevention programs, securing local primary care access, building a sustainable rural health workforce, enabling value-based care, and harnessing data and technology.
Event schedule:
- Application submission - 11/03/2025
Core Initiatives
Expand Primary and Secondary Prevention Programs
Secure Local Access to Primary Care
Build a Sustainable Rural Health Workforce
Show all initiatives (5)
Expand Primary and Secondary Prevention Programs
Secure Local Access to Primary Care
Build a Sustainable Rural Health Workforce
Enable Value-Based Care
Harness Data and Technology
Reference Documents (15)
🌐
ReferenceNEWAug 15, 2026OTHER
Reference: ... organizations across the state to implement or expand CHW and AFIM programs
Link: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/2088
🌐
ReferenceAug 5, 2026OTHER
Reference: Kdads Seeks Applicants for Rural Dementia Care Pilot
Link: https://fortscott.biz/news/kdads-seeks-applicants-for-rural-dementia-care-pilot
📄
ReferenceJul 30, 2026PDF
This program seeks a consultant to help expand health science career and technical education pathways in rural Kansas K-12 schools. The consultant will coordinate with local and state partners, establish agreements, track student participation, and help administer program incentives. The initiative aims to strengthen the rural health workforce pipeline. Key contacts: Not given jfindley@kha-net.org
Media (2)
RHTP Milestones
09/30/2027
Performance period end
↳ KS - 2026 - REQUEST FOR APPLICATION – Emerging Technology Program (Kansas RHT Plan)
08/15/2026
Performance period start
↳ KS - 2026 - REQUEST FOR APPLICATION – Emerging Technology Program (Kansas RHT Plan)
08/07/2026
Award announcements (tentative)
↳ KS - 2026 - REQUEST FOR APPLICATION – Emerging Technology Program (Kansas RHT Plan)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
nsch-data-brief-2019-mental-bh.pdf
PDF
hcia2-yrtwoannualrpt.pdf
PDF
639198897238400000.pdf
PDF
Source Checks
Last checked
Last changed
Kansas was awarded $221 million from CMS to support the first year of the RHTP, with nearly $80 million sub-granted to 39 organizations through RPGP and REH/CAP grants. RHTP grant opportunities support rural hospitals, clinics, FQHCs, behavioral health providers, and long-term care facilities in Kansas to implement quality improvement, technology, and workforce development projects. Kansas is actively launching several RHTP initiatives, including infrastructure payments, technology adoption, and evidence-based practice support. Key contacts: KDHE Rural Health Transformation Program Office [email protected]
Event schedule:
- Emerging Technology Application Live - 06/10/2026 - CT - Online portal
- Emerging Technology Application Close - 07/10/2026 - CT - Online portal
- Emerging Technology RFA Webinar - 06/22/2026 - 1:00 PM CT - Webinar link
- Interfacility Transport Project Application Close - 07/31/2026 - CT - Online portal
- Interfacility Transport Project Award Announcement - 08/28/2026 - CT
- EBP Program Introductory Webinar - 03/30/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - Webinar
- CHW + AFIM Webinar - 06/04/2026 - 12:00 PM CT - Webinar
KDHE Rural Health Transformation Program Office - <[email protected]> - RHTP Program Office - Statewide - Kansas
Core Initiatives
Improve health outcomes for rural Kansans and transform delivery systems by promoting preventative care and addressing root causes of diseases
Enhance efficiency and sustainability of rural health care providers
Attract and retain a highly-skilled rural health workforce
Show all initiatives (5)
Improve health outcomes for rural Kansans and transform delivery systems by promoting preventative care and addressing root causes of diseases
Enhance efficiency and sustainability of rural health care providers
Attract and retain a highly-skilled rural health workforce
Spark growth of innovative care models that improve quality and reduce costs
Foster innovative technologies to increase access to rural care
Kansas RHTP advanced to the implementation phase, obligating over $100M in Year 1 across 5 initiatives and 24 programs designed to transform rural health care. Major sub-awards were made through competitive RFAs, including over $30M for REH/CAP (facility conversions and capital investments) and approximately $50M through the Regional Partnerships Grant Program to diverse providers. The program emphasizes chronic disease prevention, improved primary care access, behavioral health integration, workforce expansion, value-based payment, and health IT adoption, with updated progress and timelines for current and future years.
Event schedule:
- Notice of Award - 12/29/2025
- Revised Budget due to CMS - 1/30/2026
- Funds available to State for authorized expenditures - Q1 2026
- End of first reporting period - 07/31/2026
- Annual report & funding request for 2nd budget period due - 08/30/2026
- First budget period ends; agreements must be signed and personnel funds spent - 10/30/2026
- Second budget period funding announced - 10/31/2026
- All 1st budget period funds must be expended - 09/30/2027
Improve dementia-care quality in rural nursing facilities
Reduce behavioral health incidents linked to dementia
Enhance workforce training and support for rural facility staff
The Revenue Technical Support Program RFP is open to all qualified vendors, with a statewide scope to assist participating rural hospitals in Kansas. Questions and answers are shared publicly to ensure a transparent procurement process aligned with the Rural Health Transformation Program. No preferential treatment is given, and selection will follow established evaluation procedures.
FINANCE · OTHER
Core Initiatives
Support the financial sustainability of rural hospitals statewide
Ensure fair and open procurement for revenue technical assistance
Implement statewide support as aligned with the Rural Health Transformation Program
This application template outlines KDHE's process for awarding Emerging Technology Program grants under the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan. The example budget narrative details categories and rationale for using advanced technology (e.g., AI clinical decision support platform) in rural healthcare settings. Applicants must align proposals to program goals, address sustainability, and provide robust project evaluation metrics.
Budget: $1.2MHEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · OTHER
Core Initiatives
Support rural hospitals and communities in improving care delivery through adoption of emerging technologies.
Address specific rural health challenges with transformative, technology-driven solutions.
Advance replicable and sustainable models for rural health improvement.
Kansas RHTP Year 1 funds significant contracts for administrative support, consumer-facing technology, behavioral health integration, and tribal health. Key initiatives include statewide deployment of Community Health Workers, computerized cognitive behavioral therapy, LEAP! Alzheimer's prevention, and mobile cancer screening in rural communities. KDHE partners with academic centers and rural networks to expand access and integrate quality improvement throughout the program. Key contacts: Matthew Lara; Janet Stanek; Dereck Totten, MD; Lainey Faulkner
Event schedule:
- Budget Period 1 Start - 12/31/2025
- Budget Period 1 End - 10/30/2026
- Kansas RHT Plan Year 1 Budget Narrative Revision - 2026-04 - Kansas
- Kansas RHT Plan Year 1 Budget Narrative Revision - 2026-04-01 - Kansas
Dereck Totten, MD - Chief Medical Officer - KDHE Chief Medical Officer
Lainey Faulkner - Bureau Director - KDHE Bureau Director, Health Promotion and Public Health
Robert Moser, MD - Executive Director - UKHS Care Collaborative Association
Martie Ross, JD - Project Management Executive - UKHS Care Collaborative Association
Crystal Rodriguez - CHW Unit Manager - CHW Unit Manager
Birgit Lemke - CHW Program Manager - CHW Program Manager
Core Initiatives
Improve rural health access and outcomes
Expand primary and secondary prevention programs
Integrate behavioral health services in primary care
Show all initiatives (15)
Improve rural health access and outcomes
Expand primary and secondary prevention programs
Integrate behavioral health services in primary care
Enhance network development and rural partnerships
Strengthen tribal health initiatives
Transform rural healthcare delivery within regions in a sustainable manner.
Improve access to primary care and preventive services in rural Kansas by strengthening integration between local health departments and primary care providers.
Build a sustainable rural healthcare workforce.
Enable value-based care.
Improve rural EMS treatment and transport options
Expand Medicaid Provider Incentive Payment Program
Implement Remote Patient Monitoring Program
Operate Telehealth Navigator Program
Develop Data Infrastructure including APCD and Data Dock
Support Emerging Technology adoption in rural clinics
WORKFORCE
Contacts
Not given - <jfindley@kha-net.org> - Contact for consultant inquiry - Kansas
Core Initiatives
Expand health science CTE pathways in rural Kansas K-12 schools