FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 10, 2026

Contact: CMS Media Relations
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Trump Administration Announces More Than $177 Million to Recruit Rural Healthcare Workers, Expand Mobile Care, and Modernize Services Across Nebraska

This federal investment will bring new providers to rural communities, deploy remote-monitoring technology at dozens of healthcare facilities, and create hundreds of community health positions across Nebraska

Today, the Trump Administration announced more than $177 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding to strengthen rural healthcare delivery across Nebraska. This investment will expand access to care, support healthcare workforce development, modernize rural healthcare technology, and bring services closer to home for rural and frontier communities.

This transformational funding is supporting rural communities across Nebraska. Recruitment and retention awards have already resulted in signed contracts with providers across 51 counties, helping build and sustain a healthcare workforce that serves the needs of rural communities. Forty-five healthcare facilities have gained access to remote-monitoring technology, with 68 devices deployed so far, and more than 200 community health worker and supervisor positions have been created to help residents navigate care, manage chronic disease, and connect with local providers. During Nebraska’s 2026 wildfires, 19 crisis debriefing sessions provided community mental health support, and rural law enforcement and first responders are also being equipped with app-based telehealth tools that provide direct access to trained mental health professionals during a crisis.

The Rural Health Transformation Program is expanding access to quality healthcare, regardless of a patient’s zip code, and equipping first responders with the lifesaving resources they need when every second counts. This funding will make critical investments to strengthen rural healthcare, expand access to lifesaving services, and bring modern technology to communities across Nebraska.

“President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.”

“President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Nebraska,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.”

Today’s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act — passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats — delivering a historic $50 billion investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America.

“Nebraska’s successful first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program reflects the strength of our federal state partnership. This funding is already expanding access to care, addressing critical workforce needs, and supporting prevention focused, technology enabled solutions in our rural communities,” said Gov. Jim Pillen. “It is laying the foundation for a more sustainable health care system. A system that supports healthier families, stronger local economies, and thriving rural communities for generations to come.”

“The Rural Health Transformation Fund was created by Republicans to support rural communities across the country. I was proud to vote to create this program, and I welcome this much-needed funding coming home to Nebraska to expand access to quality health care,” said Sen. Deb Fischer.

“Nebraskans deserve access to quality care regardless of their zip code. Thank you to CMS for this further investment in our state to help strengthen rural healthcare in our communities. I look forward to continuing our work together to deliver on Nebraskans’ priorities and support the Good Life,” said Sen. Pete Ricketts.

“Growing rural Nebraska means protecting quality healthcare close to home. I voted to create the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen the hospitals and clinics our small towns depend on. This investment will help Nebraska healthcare facilities grow their workforce, expand mobile and behavioral health services, and keep vital care within reach for rural communities,” said Rep. Mike Flood.

“I was proud to support the Working Families Tax Cuts, which created the Rural Health Transformation Program, and am pleased to see this vital program continue to invest in rural communities across Nebraska. Moving forward, I will continue to work to ensure that every Nebraskan has access to quality care close to home, regardless of their ZIP code,” said Rep. Adrian Smith.

Today’s announcement is one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to Nebraska for fiscal year 2026.

Key initiatives the overall RHTP funding will focus on include: 

• Building the rural healthcare workforce: Supporting recruitment, training, and retention strategies to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals serving rural communities.
  
  
• Strengthening rural facilities and access: Supporting partnerships, operational improvements, and care-delivery changes that help rural providers maintain essential services and improve access.
  
  
• Advancing innovative care and payment models: Supporting new approaches to delivery and financing designed to improve quality, strengthen primary care, and support sustainable rural healthcare.
  
  
• Expanding community-based and preventive care: Investing in school-based care, mobile services, and other community strategies that improve prevention, address chronic disease, and expand access to care.
  
  
• Modernizing rural healthcare technology: Expanding remote care and data-driven tools to improve coordination and extend healthcare services to rural communities.

The Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize technology to promote health and well-being for rural communities. Led by CMS, the RHTP is moving beyond the failed one-size-fits-all approach and giving rural communities the tools to build stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable health systems that deliver better care and better outcomes for the Americans they serve.

For more information about the RHTP, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/rural-health.

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