Contact:For more information on future Rural Health Transformation Program funding opportunities, visitruralhealth.mt.gov. For specific questions regarding the program, please [email protected].

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Rural Health Transformation Program Stakeholders:

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is excited to share several updates regarding the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP):

• Vendor Webinar:DPHHS and the Department of Administration (DOA) are hosting a live webinar for vendors onMarch 11 from 10 a.m. to noon.

• New Resources:A new webpage is now live with resources for organizations seeking RHTP funding.

• Budget Approval:The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Montana’s final RHTP budget on Feb. 19, 2026.

RHTP Vendor Webinar Scheduled for March 11

DPHHS and DOA are hosting a live Zoom webinar onWednesday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to noonfor vendors interested in upcoming RHTP Request for Proposals (RFPs).

The webinar aims to ensure a transparent and efficient funding process.

During the webinar, state officials will detail thefive core RHTP initiativesand anticipated procurements, followed by a Question-and-Answer session.

To register for the webinar in advance,please click the Zoom registration link. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Resources Available for Vendors

In addition to the live webinar, acentralized website pagehas been created with resources to help vendors effectively navigate the registration process and understand next steps. The resources include a vendor checklist, direct links to helpful videos, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.

TheVendor Checklistfeatures topics such as available vendor resources, how to register, and next steps after registration, and how to troubleshoot registration.

TheFAQ documentexplains how to participate as a vendor in the RHTP.

DPHHS Final Budget Approved by CMS

Following CMS requirements, DPHHS submitted a revised budget in January 2026 that was adjusted to prioritize scalable, high-impact programs. CMS issued final approval of the DPHHS budget for the first year of funding on Feb. 19, 2026, clearing the way for the agency to begin awarding funds.

With the first-year budget finalized, funds will be awarded to vendors to support implementation of RHTP initiatives through competitive bidding atbids.mt.gov. Other funding avenues will include grant applications for providers and community organizations and inter-agency agreements (e.g., between DPHHS and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry). Future opportunities for communities and providers will be posted atruralhealth.mt.govon a rolling basis.

Over 600 Montanans Participated in First RHTP Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting

RHTP implementation is already guided by robust community feedback. On Jan. 22, 2026, over 600 Montanans participated in the first RHTP Stakeholder Advisory Committee meeting at Montana State University in Bozeman. This session focused on project goals and gathering public input to ensure the initiatives meet the unique needs of Montana’s diverse rural landscape.

For more information on future funding opportunities, visitruralhealth.mt.gov. For specific questions regarding the program, please [email protected].

Not interested in RHTP updates?Click “Unsubscribe” at the end of this email to be removed from future email updates.

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The Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $233,509,358.76 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.