RHTP Strategy & CMS Funding

RHTP Strategy & CMS Funding: FHIR + AI to Maximize State Impact

By Engineering Solutions, Inc.

At a Glance

  • $50B across FY2026–2030 for rural transformation.
  • $100M+ base allocation per state, plus discretionary awards.
  • Deadline: CMS approvals/denials by Dec 31, 2025.
  • Use RHTP as seed capital for durable change.

The Funding Landscape: Why RHTP Strategy & CMS Funding Matter

RHTP funds are significant, but won’t fully backfill Medicaid reductions. Treat dollars as seed capital for structures that persist beyond five years.
  • Base allocation: $100M+ per state across five years.
  • Discretionary allocations: weighted by rural population, facility distribution, safety‑net solvency.
  • Plans due: by December 31, 2025.

ESI’s RHTP Strategy Playbook for CMS Funding Success

  1. Plan Development (6–12 weeks) — CMS‑compliant plan to secure base funds and position for discretionary dollars.
  2. Pilots (6–18 months) — FHIR data hub, AI analytics, telehealth workforce hub.
  3. Scaling (18+ months) — Medicaid alignment, VBC/APM, workforce pipelines.

Innovation at the Core: FHIR Modernization + AI Analytics

  • Chronic Disease: AI prediction reduces ER visits.
  • Workforce: AI forecasting guides incentives and recruitment.
  • Telehealth: GCC‑style hub routes specialists statewide.
  • Solvency: Automated FHIR claims; AI anomaly detection.
  • Emergency Response: real‑time dashboards & surge staffing.

FHIR makes Medicare/Medicaid data modular and portable—improving payer integration and VBC readiness.

Competing for RHTP Discretionary Funding

  • Quantify need: rural population %, closure risk, broadband gaps.
  • Prove impact per $: reduced stroke times, CAH stabilization.
  • Partnerships: tribal health, FQHCs, EMS, universities.
  • Shovel‑ready: procurement, BAAs, dashboards live in 30 days.

Beyond CMS RHTP Funding: Sustainable Rural Healthcare

  • AI‑enabled prevention lowers downstream costs.
  • Modular FHIR hubs create durable data infrastructure.
  • Telehealth workforce centers extend scarce clinicians.

Why Engineering Solutions, Inc.

  • CMS compliance & certification leadership.
    * Recognized by CMS as experts* 
  • IV&V, vendor management, and legislative briefings.
  • FEMA CERT; emergency‑procurement ready.
  • Playbook to meet CMS deadlines and maximize funds.

Let’s Talk

If your state is preparing an RHTP submission, let’s talk. ESI uses its RHTP Strategy Playbook to build CMS‑ready plans in 6–12 weeks, position for discretionary funding, and embed FHIR + AI innovation. Read more about the RHTP Plan, or 

 

Schedule a Strategy Briefing