Mississippi has been awarded $205,907,220 through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a significant funding initiative aimed at improving healthcare services in the state’s rural communities. The announcement was made by Governor Tate Reeves on December 31, 2025, following the state’s submission of its strategic plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in November 2025.
The funding is designed to enhance healthcare access and outcomes for residents in rural Mississippi, focusing on strengthening the healthcare workforce and ensuring sustainable access to care for those who need it most. By 2031, the aim is to guarantee that every rural resident has reliable access to high-quality healthcare services, whether in-person or via telehealth.
Strategic Initiatives for Improvement
Governor Reeves emphasized the collaborative effort that went into developing this plan, stating, “When we developed our plan, we worked with experts from across Mississippi. Together, we came up with a strategy that best serves Mississippians and makes the biggest impact on healthcare in rural communities throughout the state.” He expressed gratitude towards key figures, including President Donald Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Administrator Oz for their support.
The Office of the Governor will oversee the implementation of this program in coordination with the Mississippi Department of Health and the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. The state’s plan comprises six key initiatives aimed at addressing various aspects of rural healthcare:
- Statewide Rural Health Assessment: A third-party assessment will be conducted to evaluate current and future healthcare needs across rural Mississippi.
- The Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems Initiative: This initiative will create a connected network of emergency, clinical, and community-based services to enhance rural healthcare delivery.
- The Workforce Expansion Initiative: Targeted programs will focus on recruitment, retention, training, and career pathways for healthcare professionals in rural areas.
- The Health Technology Advancement and Modernization Initiative: This aims to modernize rural healthcare systems by strengthening digital infrastructure for coordinated and secure care.
- The Telehealth Adoption and Provider Support Initiative: Focused on increasing access to virtual care, this initiative will support providers in adopting telehealth practices and explore innovative payment models.
- The Building Rural Infrastructure for Delivery, Growth and Efficiency Initiative: This initiative seeks to enhance healthcare infrastructure by improving access to specialized care and supporting pilot programs aimed at better health outcomes.
These strategic initiatives are designed to address unmet healthcare needs, improve care coordination, and foster sustainable rural healthcare systems. With this substantial investment, Mississippi aims to create healthier communities and ensure that all residents have access to the care they require.
