H.R. 1, the Trump Administration’s federal budget reconciliation bill, was signed into law on July 4, 2025. Part of H.R. 1 establishes a one-time, five-year Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which makes funding available to states for health-related activities supporting rural communities and rural health system transformation. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will oversee RHTP and provide funding to awarded states between federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 through FY 2030.  

While the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) awaits guidance from the federal government, which is expected in early September, the agency is proactively seeking input to inform the state’s strategic approach to applying for and implementing the RHTP in Oregon.  

OHA welcomes public comment from any interested parties and is specifically interested in comments from people who live in rural areas and access health care services, as well as from health care providers and health systems. Those who would like to provide input are encouraged to fill out OHA’s survey, which is available through Sept. 5. You can find the survey and more information about the RHTP on OHA’s webpage.   

You can also stay up-to-date on the RHTP at the Oregon Office of Rural Health’s webpage, available here.