April 22, 2026 – Yesterday, the Agency for Health Care Administration announced the release of more than $188 million in grant funding opportunities through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), marking a significant step in enhancing health care access in rural communities throughout Florida.
The RHTP is a statewide initiative led by the Agency to strengthen health care delivery in Florida’s rural communities. Through innovative care models, technology integration, and workforce investment, the program aims to ensure all Floridians, regardless of location, have access to high-quality, sustainable health care.
“Florida continues to lead the nation in strengthening health care access, expanding innovation, and putting the needs of patients first,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris. “The Agency is grateful for the opportunity to expand access to quality health care in underserved areas of the state through the Rural Health Transformation Program to ensure that every community has the resource needed to deliver high-quality care, sustainable health care.”
The Agency released Requests for Applications (RFAs) to competitively award funding to qualified organizations across the four RHTP regions to best serve Florida’s rural counties and communities. Eligible applicants include for-profit and not-for-profit Florida health care providers, community organizations, and other qualified entities located in, or actively serving patients in eligible rural communities. Applicants can view qualification information at AHCA.myflorida.com/rural-health-transformation-program.
To ensure rural communities within metropolitan counties are included, the Agency has adopted a broad eligibility framework. Applicants can view qualification information at AHCA.myflorida.com/rural-health-transformation-program.
”The Rural Health Transformation Program is an important opportunity to support health centers, providers, and community-based organizations serving some of Florida’s most geographically isolated communities,” said Florida Rural Health Association Executive Director Sarah Catalanotto. “By investing in innovative care models, strengthening the rural health workforce, and partnering with trusted community organizations, the state is helping ensure long-term stability for the providers who anchor these communities.”
“The Rural Health Transformation Program reflects a strong commitment to strengthening health care access statewide. The conversations and collaborations thus far across provider types and geographies are very encouraging,” said CEO for the Florida Association for Community Health Centers Jonathan Chapman. “These investments will help ensure families in rural communities can receive timely, reliable care close to home, and I appreciate the Agency’s work to move this effort forward.”
“Florida’s rural hospitals play a vital role in ensuring access to essential health services, and this program provides meaningful support for the challenges they face,” shared Florida Hospital Association Executive Vice-President of Public Affairs David Mica, Jr. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Agency as these initiatives help expand care options and improve health outcomes for rural residents.”
“The Agency’s efforts through this program to provide broader access to mental health care in Florida’s rural communities is a tremendous opportunity for our partners and providers,” said Florida Behavioral Health Association President and CEO Melanie Brown-Woofter. “We look forward to collaborating on this effort to help facilitate a pathway to provide meaningful support and options.”
“Rural communities don’t need isolated solutions – they need strong, regional partnerships that expand access and connect care,” said Chief Executive Officer for PanCare of Florida, Inc. Robert Thompson. “The Rural Health Transformation Program gives us the opportunity to work alongside hospitals, public health, and community organizations to bring care closer to patients through local clinics, mobile outreach, and better coordination. That means earlier care, better outcomes, and stronger communities across Northwest Florida.”
The RFAs are now available on the MyFloridaMarketPlaceVendor Information Portal under Florida Solicitation Advertisements, Grant Opportunities:
- Preventive Care & Care-at-Home Bundle
- Specialty & Acute Care Bundle
- Rural & Satellite Clinics
- Workforce Development
- Health & Lifestyle
- Value-Based Purchasing
These rural health initiatives align with the Agency’s ongoing commitment to increasing quality health care access throughout Florida. For more information, visit Rural Health Transformation Program.
The Agency for Health Care Administration is Florida’s chief health policy and planning entity with a mission of ensuring all Floridians have access to high-quality, sustainable health care. The Agency is responsible for administering the Florida Medicaid program, licensing and regulating nearly 50,000 health care facilities statewide, and empowering consumers through health care transparency initiatives.
Florida’s Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $209 million with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of AHCA and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.