Request for Information (RFI) 26-001 - Rural Health Transformation Projects

The State of Alaska’s Department of Health is requesting input from a broad range of stakeholders to develop its strategy for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a statewide initiative funded under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, which provides $50 billion nationally for rural health improvements. Alaska’s portion of this program is focused on overcoming the unique geographic and operational challenges facing its rural communities, with an emphasis on increasing access to care, enhancing health outcomes, and adopting new technologies for prevention and chronic disease management. As part of the information-gathering process, the Department seeks ideas and recommendations to help shape Alaska’s Rural Health Transformation Plan, which must meet Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) eligibility criteria. The plan should include strategies such as fostering provider partnerships, improving clinician recruitment and training, and prioritizing data-driven healthcare solutions. To be eligible, proposed projects must address at least three key activities: evidence-based interventions, direct payments for care services, technology-enabled healthcare solutions, or innovative models of care. Stakeholders invited to respond include Tribal Health Organizations, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, community groups, educational institutions, behavioral health organizations, local governments, and emergency medical providers. Responses are due by August 18, 2025, and the initiative is focused exclusively on rural communities within Alaska. No special certifications or registrations are required to participate at this stage, as this process is strictly for collecting input to inform the state’s application and transformation plan.