US EditionRural Health Transformation Program Bill Passes in State House
North Dakota will allocate $199 million in 2026 to rural health programs and allow revolving loans to bridge funding until federal payments arrive, officials said.
- On Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, the North Dakota Legislature passed bills during a three-day special session at the State Capitol, and Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Governor, signed the package to close the session.
- Gov. Kelly Armstrong called lawmakers to Bismarck for a three-day special session so the Legislature could authorize expenditures to receive federal funds tied to a $50 billion CMS directive with spending due by September 2027.
- HB 1623 authorizes immediate disbursements of $199 million for 2026, and approved grantees may seek revolving loans from the Bank of North Dakota while awaiting CMS funds, which must be repaid upon issuance.
- Supporters hailed the move as a 'historic' step for rural health, with North Dakota receiving $250 per resident, though some legislators warned about sustainability and funding cliffs.
- The Legislature may revisit allocation statutes during its regular session next year, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is expected to announce 2027 amounts next month, as stakeholders question sustainability when federal funding ends.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Armstrong signs Rural Health Transformation Program bills passed during special session
BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has signed four bills giving out federal money for the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program. This is the first year of the five-year initiative which gives out funding to make up for lost Medicaid revenue since Congress changed eligibility requirements while passing the One Big Beautiful Act. “Our citizens who depend on rural health care stand to benefit greatly from this program, and…
North Dakota takes 'historic' step to authorize nearly $400 million for improving rural health access
BISMARCK — North Dakota lawmakers took a "historic" step in allocating hundreds of millions of federal dollars slated for programs to improve rural health care access. The North Dakota Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1623 on Friday, Jan. 23. The bill authorizes the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services to allocate $397.9 million in Rural Health Transformation grants to medical providers and communities over the next two years…
therogersvillereview.com
The Center SquareLawmakers eye 'transformational' rural health care with federal grant
(The Center Square) – Tennessee is receiving $206.9 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program, and lawmakers are calling on state health officials to ensure the money is truly "transformational."
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
