The State’s Program Advances Workforce Development, Innovation, and Access
NOVEMBER 4, 2025 – Today, Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced that the State of Florida has formally submitted its application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen Florida’s health care access, quality, and innovation in rural communities across the state. Florida’s proposal is built around three core priorities: workforce development, advancing technological infrastructure and innovation, and increasing access to care. By investing in people, technology, and care delivery, the State aims to ensure that rural Floridians receive the same high-quality care as those in urban areas.
“Florida’s application reflects what we have heard directly from our providers, stakeholders, and rural communities about the challenges they face and the solutions they need,” said Secretary Shevaun Harris. “We are laser‑focused on creating a lasting impact by strengthening our workforce, driving innovation, and expanding access to care. This plan is designed to ensure that rural families across Florida can count on a health system that is sustainable, responsive, and built around their needs.”
Key Initiatives in Florida’s Proposal Include:
- Workforce Development: Supports training and recruitment incentives to strengthen the rural health care workforce pipeline.
- Expanding Access to Primary and Preventive Care: Start‑up funding is available to expand access to primary and dental care, behavioral health, maternal health, and chronic disease management through satellite clinics and mobile health care units.
- Advancing Access to Specialty Care Through Technology: Invests in remote patient monitoring, tele‑specialty clinics, tele-psychiatry hubs, tele-ICU support, and hub‑and‑spoke tele-stroke services that bring advanced care directly to rural communities.
- Investments in Cost-Effective Strategies: Reduce preventable emergency department visits and hospitalizations by leveraging community paramedics and expansion of retail clinics.
- Health and Lifestyle: Strategic initiatives that improve nutrition awareness and physical activity.
The application for the Rural Health Transformation Program was submitted by the Agency, on November 3, 2025, to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS will review applications and announce awards by December 31, 2025, with funding distributed beginning in calendar year 2026 and continuing through 2030.
The Agency for Health Care Administration is Florida’s chief health policy and planning entity. The Agency is responsible for administering the Florida Medicaid program, the licensure and regulation of nearly 50,000 health care facilities, and empowering consumers through health care transparency initiatives.