New Hampshire will receive over $204 million in federal funding aimed at enhancing rural health care services. This investment, part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, was announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and is designed to improve access and quality of care for communities across the state.
The funding is part of a larger initiative, with $50 billion allocated to all 50 states under the One Big Beautiful Bill, which seeks to address persistent gaps in the delivery of health care in rural areas.
In a statement, Governor Kelly Ayotte expressed her gratitude for the collaborative effort that led to this substantial funding. “We did this the New Hampshire way — with input from our providers, community health and mental health centers, other rural health stakeholders, and feedback from Granite Staters,” she said. “This is the beginning of a bold effort to expand access to affordable, high-quality care closer to home for Granite Staters in rural communities.”
New Hampshire’s application requested $200 million annually over a five-year period, which secured the highest level of funding among New England states. In comparison, Vermont will receive $195 million, Massachusetts $162 million, Connecticut approximately $154 million, and Rhode Island about $156 million.
Prioritizing Community Health Needs
The funding will focus on expanding behavioral and mental health services in rural areas, enhancing chronic disease management, and addressing access challenges in northern New Hampshire. Limited transportation options often hinder residents’ ability to reach hospitals and emergency services, making these initiatives crucial.
Feedback from over 300 stakeholders, including hospitals, rural health providers, and community health centers, influenced the state’s application priorities. Lori Weaver, the Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, emphasized the importance of this input. “It was important that the Department hear from as many stakeholders as possible as we worked to transform rural health care delivery in New Hampshire,” she stated. “I am grateful to all who provided input and look forward to working together to implement our plans and meet our goals.”
Implementation Timeline and Next Steps
Planning for the program is already underway, with the initial round of investments set to begin in 2026. The first efforts will concentrate on supporting rural health care providers and the communities they serve, aiming to create a robust network of services tailored to the specific needs of residents.
With this significant funding, New Hampshire is poised to make substantial strides in rural health care, ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents and ensuring equitable access to essential health services.
