New Hampshire Secures More Than $204 Million More in Federal Rural Health Aid

Gov. Kelly Ayotte said the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved $204,312,551 for the state in the program’s latest round.

New Hampshire is set to bring in another large federal rural health grant, adding more than $204 million for the second year of the Rural Health Transformation Program and pushing the state’s two-year total past $408 million.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte said on Nov. 10 that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved $204,312,551 for the state in the program’s latest round. That amount keeps New Hampshire at the top of New England for rural health funding under the federal initiative and exceeds what the state received in the first year.

Unlike the initial award cycle, which was driven mainly by state proposals, this round took into account how well states had carried out their plans. CMS reviewed annual progress reports from all 50 states before deciding the second-year allocations.

State officials said New Hampshire’s strong showing reflected early work by GO-NORTH and the Department of Health and Human Services, which moved quickly to launch programs and form partnerships with health care providers, educational institutions and community groups.

The money is meant to help rural residents get more affordable and higher-quality care while supporting the long-term stability of local health systems. In the first year of the program, GO-NORTH directed more than $11 million toward rural emergency medical services and Mobile Integrated Health efforts. The state also opened grant opportunities for rural primary care, school-based dental care, rural hospitals, home health services, behavioral health programs and workforce training for both youth and adults.

Donnalee Lozeau, who leads GO-NORTH, said the first year was centered on building a base for future investments and creating the partnerships needed to carry out the state’s rural health strategy.

The initiative is working with five partner organizations: the Foundation for Healthy Communities, Community College System of New Hampshire, University System of New Hampshire, Community Development Finance Authority and New Hampshire Community Behavioral Health Association.

Other projects have focused on expanding support for children with complex behavioral health needs, improving access to integrated care through community mental health centers and developing new Medicaid payment and care models aimed at preserving essential hospital and primary care services in rural areas.

DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver said the new round of funding will help the state continue strengthening the health care workforce, broaden primary and behavioral health access and bring more innovative technology to rural communities.

CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said the program is intended to give states room to tailor solutions that improve access and create more durable rural health systems. The second-year awards are meant to support work already underway while helping states move toward longer-term gains.

GO-NORTH will use the next phase of funding to expand current programs and issue additional awards over the coming year. More details about the Rural Health Transformation Program are available at gonorth.nh.gov.