Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project (RHPTP)

The Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project is administered by the National Rural Health Resource Center with financial support from the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program was launched in 2020 to support rural health care providers in adapting to systemic changes in reimbursement and care delivery models, particularly the national shift toward value-based care. This shift, driven in part by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services goal to transition most beneficiaries into value-based arrangements, emphasizes improved patient outcomes, preventative services, and cost efficiency rather than service volume. The primary purpose of the program is to guide small rural hospitals and certified rural health clinics through the transition to value-based care models. Rather than providing direct grant funding to participants, the project offers intensive technical assistance tailored to each participating organization. This includes coaching and consultation focused on operational improvement, readiness for financial risk, and implementation of systems that support quality improvement and patient-centered care. The program is structured to build long-term organizational capacity and sustainability in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Participants in the program receive individualized support through both virtual and on-site engagements. The technical assistance covers areas such as infrastructure development, care quality and safety, patient experience, and operational efficiency. Organizations also participate in a learning collaborative that fosters peer exchange and shared learning among cohort members. Additional support includes post-project follow-up calls to monitor progress and reinforce implementation strategies. Eligible organizations not selected for intensive assistance may still access supplemental educational resources, including webinars offered through the Health Education Learning Program. Eligibility for the program is limited to small rural hospitals and CMS-certified rural health clinics located in rural areas. Hospitals must have 49 or fewer beds and meet additional criteria related to financial stability, quality reporting participation, and readiness for alternative payment models. Both nonprofit and for-profit entities may apply, including tribally operated facilities, provided they meet the program’s requirements. Applicants must not already be participating in similar technical assistance programs or advanced alternative payment models, ensuring that the program targets organizations that would benefit most from foundational support. The application process requires submission of a formal application followed by a mandatory 60-minute interview with program staff. Applications may be submitted by individual organizations, partnerships between hospitals and clinics, or consortia of rural health clinics. The program selects four to six organizations annually for participation, contingent upon federal funding availability. Evaluation focuses on organizational readiness, commitment to transformation, and alignment with program goals related to value-based care adoption. For the current cycle, the application period is open and closes on August 14, 2026. An informational webinar is offered to provide additional guidance on eligibility and application expectations. While no direct funding is awarded to participants, the overall program is supported by a federal cooperative agreement totaling 800000 dollars, covering the full cost of program delivery. The project operates on an annual cycle, with new cohorts selected each year, indicating a recurring opportunity for eligible rural healthcare providers.