Missouri has been awarded $218 million in second-year funding through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, bringing the state’s total allocation through the program to $434 million.
The additional funding will support the next phase of the state’s Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Care program, which used its initial $216 million allocation to establish 27 locally led care hubs serving all 104 rural counties. The first-year investment also supported hospital infrastructure, essential healthcare services, workforce development and technology modernization.
Gov. Mike Kehoe said the continued federal investment will help expand community-based services, improve access to care and strengthen the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare providers.
The next phase will shift from planning and initial investments to broader implementation, with priorities including rural hospital modernization, improved technology and data-sharing systems, healthcare workforce recruitment and retention, and new care and payment models. Department of Social Services Director Jess Bax said the funding will help rural providers expand capacity, adopt new tools and improve healthcare outcomes.
Missouri’s annual award is based on state performance and progress toward program milestones. Additional details on Year 2 initiatives, funding opportunities and timelines will be released as the state coordinates with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Jake Kroesen serves as the Editor of the Missouri Times. He hails from Independence, Missouri and enjoys all things Jackson County. A graduate of UCM, he obtained his degree in Political Science.
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