DSS Releases Rural Health Transformation Application

The Missouri Department of Social Services released today the state’s full application narrative for the Rural Health Transformation Program.

The application builds on the state’s Transformation of Rural Community Health pilot program. The new program is named ToRCH Care and will seek to buttress rural health systems through a model that rewards collaboration and keeping people healthy. MHA and Missouri’s hospitals are a tier-one stakeholder, as are the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and Missouri Primary Care Association.  

ToRCH Care envisions establishing seven regional coordinating networks and up to 30 community hubs of two to five counties each to align goals, represent community- and region-specific differences, and empower clinical and nonclinical partners at the local level to leverage the health improvement work they do best.

All RHTP applications have been submitted by the states. CMS’ input on the Missouri application, and the eventual funding award, are expected by Wednesday, Dec. 31. MHA continues to engage with the state and provider partners to create the systems necessary to launch and maintain the program.