DSS Launches ToRCH Care Roadshows Around Missouri

Missouri’s implementation of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, known as Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Care, is underway. To support this effort, the Missouri Department of Social Services will host a series of ToRCH Care Roadshows across the state, bringing the conversation about the program directly to local communities.

From Thursday, May 21, through Thursday, June 4, DSS will host 10 in-person events and five virtual sessions. In-person attendance is limited to two representatives per organization, while virtual events are open to unlimited participants. Registration is required for all sessions.

The ToRCH Care Roadshows provide an opportunity for hospital leaders, providers and community partners to connect with the Missouri Rural Health Transformation Office and learn more about ToRCH Care and its impact on rural health care. Additional regional meetings will take place later this summer.

For questions or additional information, email DSS.RHTP@dss.mo.gov.

About the Rural Health Transformation Program

The Rural Health Transformation Program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), is a landmark federal initiative to strengthen rural Americans' health care access and outcomes through sustainability and innovation. Beginning in 2026, the program provides $50 billion over five years, divided equally between state-distributed funds and competitive grants to states awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Missouri's state-led initiative, known as Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Care and coordinated by the MO HealthNet Division within the Missouri Department of Social Services, received a $216 million award from CMS for the first year of the program. ToRCH Care is expected to build local partnerships, expand care coordination and build capacity through a “community hub” model. Rural hospitals, clinics and provider networks are expected to be the primary recipients of these funds. These investments are especially critical as hospitals face future reductions in Medicaid state-directed payments and provider tax matching rates, which disproportionately impact rural hospitals.