CMS Announces 2027 RHTP State Allocations; State Releases Digital Backbone Details

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, today announced $10 billion in second-year awards to all 50 states under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Missouri’s 2027 allocation is $218,547,090, an increase of $2 million over 2026. For two years running, Missouri’s allocation remains the ninth highest award nationwide.

A continuing series of announcements regarding Missouri’s RHTP also have been made at the state level, including workforce investments and the Smart Growth & Service Line Modernization awards. Then, last week, Gov. Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services highlighted more than $55 million in new and upcoming funding opportunities through RHTP. These include the recently announced $11 million Workforce Retention and Enablers opportunity.

The announcement also gives new detail on upcoming Digital Backbone investments, which are meant to help rural providers improve interoperability, cybersecurity, data sharing and adoption of advanced technology. According to DSS, opportunities will be available across four readiness levels:

• Foundational: for facilities without a certified EHR, including needs assessments and network connection
• Modernization: for facilities with a certified EHR that need to strengthen interoperability, cybersecurity and data governance
• Advanced Technologies: for organizations ready to adopt ambient AI documentation, remote patient monitoring or telehealth platforms
• Digital Innovation: for locally designed digital health projects aligned with RHTP goals

To help providers prepare, DSS will host a Digital Backbone Application Webinar from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. This webinar will cover eligibility requirements, application expectations and the Digital Backbone framework.

Healthier Communities Together, the statewide partnership that includes the Missouri Hospital Association, is helping lead the RHTP’s ToRCH Care hub implementation across rural Missouri.