New Hampshire will receive over $204 million in federal funding aimed at enhancing rural health care services across the state. This financial support comes from the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was announced on October 23, 2023, by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The initiative, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, allocates $50 billion to all 50 states to address persistent challenges in rural health care delivery.
Governor Kelly Ayotte expressed her gratitude for the collaborative effort that led to New Hampshire’s successful application for these funds. “We did this the New Hampshire way — with input from our providers, community health and mental health centers, other rural health stakeholders, and feedback from Granite Staters, and the hard work paid off,” Ayotte stated. “This is the beginning of a bold effort to expand access to affordable, high-quality care closer to home for Granite Staters in rural communities.”
In its proposal, New Hampshire sought $200 million annually over the program’s five-year duration. The state achieved the highest funding level among its New England counterparts: Vermont received $195 million, Massachusetts $162 million, Connecticut approximately $154 million, and Rhode Island about $156 million.
The allocated funds will focus on expanding behavioral and mental health services in rural areas, improving chronic disease management, and overcoming access barriers in northern New Hampshire. These challenges are exacerbated by limited transportation options, making it difficult for residents to access hospitals and emergency medical services.
The priorities for this funding were shaped by feedback from more than 300 stakeholders, including hospitals, rural health providers, community health centers, and members of the public. Lori Weaver, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, emphasized the importance of stakeholder input in the planning process. “It was important that the Department hear from as many stakeholders as possible as we worked to transform rural health care delivery in New Hampshire,” Weaver remarked. “I am grateful to all who provided input and look forward to working together to implement our plans and meet our goals.”
As planning for the program progresses, the initial investments are expected to commence in 2026. The first phase will concentrate on supporting rural health care providers and the communities they serve, laying the groundwork for improved health outcomes throughout the state. This funding represents a significant step toward addressing long-standing gaps in rural health care and ensuring that New Hampshire residents have access to the services they need.
