HHS Region 3 · Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement
Program Overview
Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program is a statewide initiative addressing rural health care access, workforce shortages, and chronic disease, focusing on workforce development, technology modernization, provider productivity, flexible care models, and chronic disease prevention. As of 2026, the program is actively implementing multiple competitive funding opportunities, supporting EHR modernization, provider recruitment, remote monitoring, workforce training (including Earn to Learn and apprenticeship programs), and innovative maternal health and community paramedicine models. Implementation is directed by the VHHA Foundation and DMAS, with core initiatives and an active multi-year plan guided by ongoing stakeholder engagement. The current phase emphasizes tracking targeted sub-initiatives and strategic goals, with several RFAs presently open and awards expected through fall 2026. Current structured plan tracks 20 key initiatives and 8 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Virginia — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (133)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County | 1,147,837 | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| Prince William County | 488,880 | 6.2% | 4.6% |
| Virginia Beach city | 456,349 | 8.6% | 6.8% |
| Loudoun County | 432,998 | 4.2% | 3.1% |
| Chesterfield County | 377,869 | 7.1% | 4.9% |
| Henrico County | 335,744 | 8.8% | 6.2% |
| Chesapeake city | 252,583 | 9.4% | 7.1% |
| Arlington County | 236,254 | 7.4% | 4.3% |
| Norfolk city | 233,596 | 16.5% | 12.1% |
| Richmond city | 229,359 | 18.2% | 12.4% |
| Newport News city | 184,216 | 14.5% | 10.8% |
| Stafford County | 163,466 | 4.7% | 3.4% |
AI source: VA - 2024 - Virginia RHTP Earn to Learn Initiative | RFA #128140 Exhibit C: State Corporation Commission Form
AI auto-updated Sep 25, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
2 related documents
VA - 2025 - VA Rural Vitality (rhc-transformation-project-narrative)
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
1,068,638 rural residents
Virginia has received its CMS Rural Health Transformation award and launched formal state-level grantmaking. Multiple RFAs are open or recently closed across sub-initiatives such as Mobile & Hybrid Care, Provider Productivity, and Homegrown Health Heroes, with active application cycles for rural providers. Applications for the 'Earn to Learn' workforce apprenticeship RFA opened September 14, 2026, with technical assistance, deadlines, and state procurement via eVA underway. Award decisions and subrecipient selection are in progress, with the first grant awarded to Virginia Highlands Community College. State opportunities: 4 active (2 open, 2 closing soon, 6 past/closed), $66.6M listed funding. Key opportunities: Virginia RHTP: Innovative Maternal Care RFA; Virginia RHTP Earn to Learn Initiative; Virginia RHTP: Community Paramedicine RFA. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, ems, maternal health priorities.
Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) pursues a comprehensive, community-driven transformation led by DMAS with strong implementation roles for VDH, VHHA Foundation, and VHCF. Four interconnected pillars—technology modernization, workforce development, mobile/hybrid care, and population health—anchor a multi-year, targeted funding strategy. The program operates through specialized sub-initiatives delivered by state and local partners with explicit rural service requirements, leveraging competitive and rolling RFAs, multi-sector engagement, and structured performance review. Active focus areas include the new 'Earn to Learn' workforce initiative and the recent expansion of rural allied health and licensed practical nursing opportunities.
Model
Integrated, community-based model anchored in four RHTP pillars: CareIQ (technology and interoperability), Homegrown Health Heroes (workforce and education), Connected Care, Closer to Home (mobile, telehealth, EMS care), and Live Well Together (prevention, nutrition, and wellness). The model emphasizes ongoing needs assessment, modernizing digital infrastructure, rural workforce growth, structured sub-initiatives for high-need areas, scalable and sustainable delivery models, and partnerships with local agencies and providers.
Key Initiatives (20)
Timeline: 2026–2031 (multi-year rollout linked to CMS RHTP funding with annual performance reviews)
Virginia is focused on expanding health coverage and improving care access in rural communities through strategic grants and partnerships.
Expanding training and recruitment pipelines to build local health professional networks.
Legislation signed to support Virginians struggling with substance abuse and improve access to treatment.
VA - 2025 - VA Rural Vitality
Auto-grouped context match (38%)
Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (Virginia Works)
Due Oct 16, 2026
20 related documents
VA - 2026 - Virginia Works Launches Request for Application for “Earn to Learn” RHT Grant
Virginia Works Earn to Learn source evidence
VA - 2026 - Virginia Works Launches Request for Application for “Earn to Learn” RHT Grant (virginia-works-launches-request-for-application-for-earn-to-learn-rural-health-transformation-grant)
Virginia Works Earn to Learn source evidence
VA - 2026 - Virginia Works An official website of the Commonwealth of Virginia Here's how you know
Virginia Works program background page
VA - 2026 - REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS Virginia RHTP Earn to Learn Initiative
RFA #128140 controlling solicitation
VA - 2026 - Virginia RHTP Earn to Learn Initiative | RFA #128140 Exhibit A: Application Cover Page
Exhibit A - Application Cover Page
VA - 2026 - Virginia RHTP Earn to Learn Initiative | RFA #128140 Exhibit B: Applicant Checklist
Exhibit B - Applicant Checklist
VA - 2026 - Virginia RHTP Earn to Learn Initiative | RFA #128140 Exhibit C: State Corporation Commission Form
Exhibit C - State Corporation Commission Form
VA - 2026 - Virginia RHTP Earn to Learn Initiative Budget Information
Exhibit D - Budget Information SF-424A
VA - 2026 - REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS Virginia RHTP Provider Interoperability: Where Connection Meets Care
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VA - 2026 - Virginia RHTP Mobile & Hybrid Care RFA — Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
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VA - 2026 - Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) Request for Applications: RHT – Homegrown Health Heroes: Allied Health Degrees
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VA - 2026 - Request For Applications (RFA) Live Well, Together: Food Is Medicine Initiative
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VA - 2026 - Provider Productivity: Technology that Makes Time for Care (RFA-RHTP-2026-02)
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VA - 2026 - Virginia RHTP Provider Interoperability: Where Connection Meets Care REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
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VA - 2026 - Request For Applications (RFA) Careiq: Remote Patient Monitoring Initiative
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VA - 2026 - REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS: Homegrown Health Heroes – Attract & Retain Physicians
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VA - 2026 - Virginia RHTP: Community Paramedicine RFA
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VA - 2026 - Virginia RHTP: Innovative Maternal Care RFA
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VA - 2026 - Virginia RHT An official website of the Commonwealth of Virginia Here's how you know (ways-to-apply)
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VA - 2026 - Virginia RHT An official website of the Commonwealth of Virginia Here's how you know
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Virginia Hospital Research and Education Foundation d/b/a Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association Foundation (VHHAF)
Due Oct 15, 2026
1 related document
VA - 2026 - Request For Applications (RFA) Live Well, Together: Food Is Medicine Initiative
Primary source
Due Oct 6, 2026· ⏰ 10 days left
6 related documents
VA - 2026 - Virginia RHTP: Community Paramedicine RFA
Community Paramedicine RFA (full solicitation)
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Virginia Works Supports expansion of Virginia's Registered Apprenticeship system, increases apprenticeship intermediaries, launches RAISE sector-incentive program, and funds on-the-job training, related instruction, and supportive services across high-demand industries. | $2.2M | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Virginia Highlands Community College First local RHTP sub-award in Virginia — supports Virginia Highlands Community College's expansion of its Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program (additional course offerings, increased student capacity, instructional support) to address healthcare workforce shortages in Southwest Virginia. Part of the Homegrown Health Heroes initiative (rural workforce pipelines via public education/community college/local provider partnerships). | $128K | Workforce |
Virginia Medicaid will initiate a $14 billion procurement to transform its managed care program, targeting implementation in 2024. The transformation will prioritize quality improvement, value-based care, and measurable health outcome improvements. Stakeholder input will be sought in the design of the program. Key contacts: Christina Nuckols christina.nuckols@dmas.virginia.gov Event schedule: - Procurement Launch - 2023 - Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services - Target Implementation Date - 07/01/2024 - Commonwealth of Virginia
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Virginia Works has been awarded a $2.2 million federal SAEF4 grant to expand Registered Apprenticeships across the Commonwealth. The funding will grow and support apprenticeship intermediaries, target high-demand industries, bolster affordability and career pathways, and improve program approval efficiency. The program aims to increase the number of Registered Apprentices from over 15,000 to approximately 18,400 and build capacity aligned with workforce priorities. Key contacts: Virginia Works communications team communications@virginiaworks.gov Event schedule: - Award announcement - 08/05/2026 - Richmond, VA
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This RFA launches the Virginia Rural Health Transformation Program 'Earn to Learn' initiative, targeting workforce development in rural allied health occupations across Virginia. Up to $4.68 million will fund employer-driven training and Registered Apprenticeship Programs, including pre-apprenticeships, wage support, technical instruction, and supportive services for participants. Eligible applicants must serve rural communities and commit to strict performance and reporting milestones. Key contacts: GrantApplications@virginiaworks.gov Event schedule: - RFA Issue Date - 09/21/2026 - Pre-application Webinar - September 21, 2026 - 2:00-3:00PM ET - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/0d74d5cf-0bc0-4a23-a0d8-7571d92e53f4@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309 - Application Deadline - 10/16/2026 - 5 PM ET - Review Period - October 19 – October 29, 2026 - Notice of Awards - 10/30/2026
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Core Initiatives
Virginia Department of Health has opened two RFAs for Community Paramedicine and Innovative Maternal Care to promote rural health transformation. Approximately $15.3 million in funding is available across these two programs to support projects improving rural access to care and maternal health outcomes. Key contacts: Brandon Rivenbark Brandon.Rivenbark@vdh.virginia.gov Event schedule: - Community Paramedicine Applicant Webinar - 09/16/2026 - 1:00 PM ET - webinar link - Innovative Maternal Care Applicant Webinar - 09/16/2026 - 2:00 PM ET - webinar link - eVA Blackout Period Start - 09/10/2026 - 7:00 PM ET - eVA portal - eVA Blackout Period End - 09/14/2026 - 7:00 AM ET - eVA portal - RFA Q&A Period End - 09/25/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - eVA portal
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This document is a blank budget template supporting the Virginia RHTP solicitations for Innovative Maternal Care and Community Paramedicine programs. It provides instructions and cost category definitions to assist applicants in preparing their budgets.
The program includes substantial funding for Provider Interoperability and Provider Productivity initiatives, with awards totaling about $14 million and $7-9 million respectively. It aims to modernize health IT infrastructure and adopt AI-enabled tools to improve provider efficiency and reduce burnout in rural Virginia. Event schedule: - The Provider Interoperability & Provider Productivity Request for Applications (RFAs) are now closed. Thank you for your interest. VHCF anticipates sharing a Notice of Awards by , 2026, for Provider Interoperability a...
Event Schedule
Virginia is re-procuring its statewide Medicaid managed care program, Cardinal Care Managed Care, with enhanced focus on quality improvement, data-driven analytics, and equitable access to care. The program introduces a single managed care contract, new models and value-based care initiatives, and specialized plans for foster care youth. Transition to new MCOs and enrollment enhancements take effect July 1, 2025.
This document is a supporting budget summary for the Virginia RHTP Earn to Learn Initiative RFA; no explicit award amounts or recipients are listed here.
In 2025, Virginia launched its largest-ever Medicaid managed care transformation, transitioning 1.7 million people into the Cardinal Care system. Major advances include improved outcomes in maternal and behavioral health, significant reductions in avoidable emergency room visits, and strengthened oversight mechanisms. The state reported robust workforce retention, enhanced IT security, and progress in language and disability access.
Core Initiatives
Fall 2027 Semester
Additional Students Enrolled
09/30/2027
Year 1 Period Ends
January–June 2027
Project Implementation
July–September 2027
Project Closeout
09/21/2026-09/25/2026
Application Review Period
08/14/2026-08/20/2026
Q&A Period
08/14/2026
RFA Issue Date
09/14/2026
Application Deadline
10/01/2026
Award Recommendations Due to Governor’s Office
10/15/2026
Award Notifications
October – November 2026
Award Agreements Executed
November 2026
Subaward Period Begins; First Monthly Disbursement
VA RHTP site updated — 6 new, 0 existing source(s) refreshed
VA RHTP site updated — 1 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
VA RHTP site updated — 1 new, 0 existing source(s) refreshed
VA RHTP site updated — 1 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
VA RHTP site updated — 1 new, 0 existing source(s) refreshed
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
VA - 2026 - RHTP Resources
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VA - 2024 - Stand Tall Hiring Tips
VA - 2026 - NEW Report Virginia Families Face More Than 3 Billion in Health Care and Food Assistance Cuts AS Trump Administration Pours Resources Into Immigration Enforcement
VA - 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Program Funding Tracker CMS Awards Virginia 122m Georgia
VA - 2026 - Budget Template
XLSX
VA - 2026 - Governor Spanberger Signs Day One Executive Orders to Make Virginia More Affordable 01.17.2026 Governor Abigail Spanberger today signed ten Executive Orders at the Virginia State Capitol — delivering decisive action on Day One…
2026 · PDF
VA - 2023 - Temporary Benefits for Several Virginia Assistance Programs Will End Soon 03.06.2023 Richmond - Several medical, food and financial assistance flexibilities and programs administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services
2023 · PDF
VA - 2024 - Virginia Medicaid to Provide 12 Months of Protected Coverage for Children 01.10.2024 Richmond – The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) announced that children below the age of 19 enrolled in Virginia’s Med
2024 · PDF
VA - 2024 - Virginia Medicaid Announces Intent to Award Managed Care Contracts 02.29.2024 Richmond – The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) posted a Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA) contracts after completing evaluations and n
2024 · PDF
VA - 2025 - Virginia Medicaid Launches Cardinal Care Health Plans and Member Options
2025 · PDF
VA - 2025 - Commonwealth of Virginia Celebrates 20 Years of Cardinal Care Smiles 07.24.2025 RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) are proud to celebrate a meaningful milestone. 20 years of Cardinal Care Sm
2025 · PDF
VA - 2026 - Virginia RHT Initiative Overview
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SFY 21 Rates Web File
SFY 22 Rates Web File with Temporary HCBS Rate Increase
NOVA Localities Homehealth
Coverage Assessment Multiplier
DOCX
VIRGINIA MEDICAID COVERAGE OF TRANSPLANTS RHTP 2021 Document
2021 · PDF
Breast Pumps And Lactation Consultation Services Fact Sheet
2016 · PDF
Anesthesia Reimbursement for Physicians
MCO Medicaid and FAMIS ID cards
VA - 2027 - Community Paramedicine & Mobile Integrated Healthcare – Applicant Work Plan
VDH Community Paramedicine Work Plan Template (blank)
VA - 2026 - APPLICATION COVER PAGE
Application Cover Page (blank form)
VA - 2026 - Virginia RHTP RFA Budget Template
RHT Budget Spreadsheet Template
VA - 2026 - Community Paramedicine Documents and Innovative Maternal Care Documents
VDH resources page (application forms index)
VA - 2026 - New RFA Opportunities NOW OPEN for RHT in Virginia
VDH RHT announcement page
Governor Abigail Spanberger announced the first Rural Health Transformation grant in Virginia, awarding $127,500 to Virginia Highlands Community College to expand practical nursing training and address regional workforce shortages. The Rural Health Transformation initiative aims to modernize rural healthcare and strengthen local provider pipelines in partnership with educational and healthcare organizations. Registration is open for the Commonwealth's Rural Health Transformation Webinar to inform communities about participation opportunities. Key contacts: Heidi Hertz Event schedule: - Rural Health Transformation Webinar - 06/03/2026 - virtual
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Core Initiatives
Virginia Works has launched the 'Earn to Learn' initiative, a competitive RFA designed to expand employer-driven apprenticeship programs in rural health. $4.95M in federal funds is available to support rural providers in developing workforce pipelines for allied health professions. The initiative aims to increase paid training opportunities and reduce barriers for rural Virginians entering health careers. Key contacts: Nicole Overley communications@virginiaworks.gov Event schedule: - Application Period Opens - 09/14/2026 - Application Deadline - 10/16/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Technical Assistance Webinar - 09/21/2026 - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET - Webinar (link in document)
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Contacts
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Virginia Works is launching the 'Earn to Learn' employer-driven workforce training initiative under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The program will offer over $4.6 million to rural healthcare employers to expand allied health apprenticeships and increase workforce stability. With more than 1.5 million Virginians living in rural areas, these efforts are designed to improve healthcare access by addressing workforce shortages through paid apprenticeship opportunities and enhanced training capacity. Key contacts: Communications communications@virginiaworks.gov Event schedule: - Application Period Opens - 09/14/2026 - ET - Application Deadline - 10/16/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Technical Assistance Webinar - 09/21/2026 - 2:00 PM-3:00 PM ET - Webinar (registration link in document)
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
The Virginia Rural Health Transformation Fund RFA Navigator details state sub-initiatives grouped by applicant type, including provider productivity, technology, workforce, maternal health, food pharmacy, mobile/hybrid care, and integrated care. The document provides timeline windows for each RFA opportunity and describes program-level spending caps and allowable/unallowable costs. It also features criteria for applicant eligibility and exclusions, and identifies key metrics for each sub-initiative. Key contacts: Ben Barber ben@vhcf.org; Allison Youngblood Allison.Youngblood@VirginiaIPC.org; Heather Neil hneil@vhha.com; Kayla Diggs-Brody Kdiggsbrody@vhha.com Event schedule: - Remote Patient Monitoring RFA Open - 08/10/2026 - Remote Patient Monitoring RFA Close - 09/15/2026 - Provider Productivity Fund RFA Open - 08/14/2026 - Provider Productivity Fund RFA Close - 09/14/2026 - Provider Interoperability Fund RFA Open - 07/31/2026 - Provider Interoperability Fund RFA Close - 08/31/2026
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Core Initiatives
This is Virginia's formal application to CMS for the $1B Rural Health Transformation Program (2025-2030), proposing four pillars: technology, workforce, access, and prevention. Major initiatives aim to modernize rural provider infrastructure, build the workforce, improve access via mobile and hybrid models, and support integrated, preventive care for chronic disease and maternal health. Sub-initiative administrators and partners are identified, pending CMS funding approval.
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This document is a supporting form for the Virginia Rural Health Transformation Program Earn to Learn Initiative RFA. It is part of the application package and required for bidders to submit with their application. The initiative focuses on workforce development to support rural health transformation in Virginia.
Core Initiatives
This RFA invites applicants to submit proposals for the Earn to Learn Initiative aimed at supporting rural health transformation in Virginia. The solicitation requires submission through the eVA procurement system, emphasizing applicant responsibility for timely and complete submissions.
Core Initiatives