The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a $50 billion federal funding initiative designed to strengthen rural health systems across all fifty states. For Alaska, RHTP represents a significant opportunity to secure long-term funding to modernize care delivery, expand access, and support sustainable rural health solutions.
The Alaska Department of Health has submitted a statewide application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CMS award decisions are expected by December 31, 2025. Based on Burrows Consulting’s experience supporting organizations through complex federal health funding initiatives, early understanding of the program timeline and priorities is critical for organizations that want to be prepared to participate if funding is awarded.
Why RHTP Matters for Alaska
RHTP funding accounts for both equity across states and demonstrated rural health need. The program distributes half of the $50 billion evenly across states and allocates the remaining funds based on rural health challenges.
RHTP funds may support:
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Technology modernization
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Workforce development
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Innovative care models
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Prevention of chronic disease and substance use disorder
Burrows Consulting is advising organizations to view RHTP as a multi-year transformation effort rather than a single grant opportunity. Preparation and alignment will matter as much as the project idea itself.
Where Alaska Is in the RHTP Process
Alaska has completed a key milestone by submitting its RHTP application to CMS. The state is now in the federal review phase.
Important milestones include:
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September 16, 2025: CMS released the Notice of Funding Opportunity
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November 5, 2025: State applications were due
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November to December 2025: CMS reviews applications
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December 31, 2025: CMS award decisions expected
Organizations should expect engagement and implementation timelines to move quickly.
How Alaska Developed Its RHTP Priorities
To inform its application, the Alaska Department of Health issued a Request for Information in summer 2025 to gather input from organizations across the state and beyond.
The response reflected broad engagement:
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160 external organizations submitted responses
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400+ project ideas
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77% of respondents are located in Alaska or have prior experience working in the state
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36% of respondents were health care providers, including Tribal health providers
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Health technology companies and health consulting firms each represented 15% of respondents
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Patient advocates accounted for 11% of responses
This feedback directly shaped Alaska’s proposed initiatives and signals that RHTP implementation will be collaborative and competitive.
Alaska’s Proposed RHTP Initiatives
Alaska’s RHTP application outlines six statewide initiatives focused on system-level transformation.
These initiatives provide an early roadmap for where funding may be directed and where organizations should begin aligning their efforts.
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Healthy Beginnings focuses on maternal and child health.
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Health Care Access expands and maintains essential services in rural, remote, and frontier communities.
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Healthy Communities promotes prevention and healthier lifestyles.
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Pay for Value and Fiscal Sustainability advances innovative payment models.
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Strengthen Workforce supports recruitment and retention of skilled health care teams.
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Spark Technology and Innovation modernizes technology and infrastructure to improve care delivery.
What Comes Next
CMS is expected to announce RHTP award decisions by the end of 2025. Following award announcements, the Alaska Department of Health will release additional guidance for organizations interested in participating in or applying for RHTP-funded projects.
To support early planning, the Department is hosting a multi-day Alaska RHTP Convening.
January 14, 2026 will be held virtually.
January 15–16, 2026 will be held in person in Anchorage, Alaska.
This convening will focus on statewide planning, partnership development, and understanding how organizations can align with Alaska’s RHTP priorities.
Vendor and Consultant Participation
Vendor opportunities will focus on solutions that address Alaska’s rural health challenges and support the proposed RHTP initiatives. This includes opportunities to connect with Alaska-based organizations preparing for RHTP-funded projects.
Preparing Now for RHTP Participation
RHTP is not a traditional grant program. It is a large-scale, multi-year initiative that rewards readiness, alignment, and collaboration.
Organizations can begin preparing now by:
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Aligning services with proposed initiatives
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Identifying strategic partners
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Responding quickly
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Navigating complex funding and implementation requirements
This is where early planning and experienced guidance can make a difference. Burrows Consulting is closely monitoring Alaska’s RHTP process and is happy to help you prepare your application.
To stay updated, visit the Alaska Department of Health website.
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