Indianapolis, Indiana – As health disparities between rural and urban communities continue to grow nationwide, rural health is quickly becoming a national priority — and Indiana is moving to take full advantage of new federal support. The state is now preparing its application for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a $50 billion federal initiative created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to improve healthcare access, outcomes, and long-term sustainability in rural America.
The Indiana RHTP Working Group, led jointly by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and the Department of Health, has begun shaping the state’s application ahead of the November 5 deadline. The working group brings together policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders from across the state to pinpoint which investments will have the most lasting impact in Indiana’s rural regions.
The program’s goals are broad but deeply connected — from expanding preventive and chronic-disease care to addressing workforce shortages, enhancing sustainable access to medical services, and encouraging the adoption of new health technologies such as telemedicine and digital health tools. For many rural areas where hospitals have closed and healthcare workers are scarce, the initiative could represent a lifeline.
With more than one-fifth of Hoosiers living in rural areas, state officials see the RHTP as a critical opportunity to stabilize and modernize rural healthcare systems that have long been under strain. The funding could help small hospitals, clinics, and local health departments invest in infrastructure, recruit and retain staff, and expand services that many rural residents currently travel long distances to access.
Awards for the Rural Health Transformation Program are expected to be announced by the end of the year, and state leaders are optimistic about Indiana’s chances. If approved, the funding would not only strengthen care delivery but also help build a more resilient network of rural health providers capable of adapting to future challenges.
As national attention turns toward the health of rural communities, Indiana’s proactive approach signals its commitment to ensuring that every Hoosier — no matter where they live — has access to quality, sustainable healthcare.
