Idaho has been awarded approximately $185.9 million in federal funding to enhance its rural health care infrastructure. This funding is part of a broader initiative, with the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing on Monday that all states will receive grants through the Rural Health Transformation Program. This program stems from the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The grant received by Idaho is slightly below the $200 million that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare initially requested in its application submitted in November. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo emphasized the significance of these funds, stating, “The projects supported by this grant will help Idahoans in remote areas get the care they need, even long after the program ends.” He highlighted the innovative nature of the initiatives approved by CMS, illustrating the Rural Health Transformation Program’s critical role in sustaining rural health care systems across the United States.
Funding Distribution and Future Awards
The upcoming year marks the commencement of the $50 billion program’s disbursements, which will be allocated in $10 billion increments from 2026 through 2030. Each year, half of the funding will be distributed equally among states, while the other half will depend on various factors, including the rurality of the state’s health system and the financial status of rural hospitals.
In 2026, the awards to states averaged $200 million, with amounts ranging from $147 million to $281 million. For instance, Montana received $233.5 million, Oregon secured $197.3 million, Utah garnered $196.7 million, and Washington was awarded $181.3 million. A detailed breakdown of these awards is accessible on the CMS website.
Addressing Health Care Challenges in Idaho
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare previously conducted a survey that identified the top three priorities for utilizing the state’s funds: recruiting and retaining clinical workforce talent, helping rural communities assess their health care needs—including emergency, pre-hospital, and outpatient care—and enhancing prevention and chronic disease management.
The specific allocation of Idaho’s grant is still in development. However, the Idaho Medical Education Working Group, which consists of legislators and health sector stakeholders, has recommended that part of the funding be directed towards addressing the state’s physician shortage. Idaho currently ranks 50th in the nation for physicians per capita.
To combat this shortage, the group recently unveiled the “Train Here, Stay Here” plan, aimed at improving medical education in the state. This initiative proposes retention incentives and the expansion of both undergraduate and graduate medical education infrastructure to better serve the state’s health care needs.
As Idaho prepares to implement this significant funding, its potential impacts on rural health care accessibility and quality remain to be seen. The ongoing efforts to adapt and innovate within the health care system will be crucial in ensuring that all Idahoans receive the care they require.
