Rural Health Transformation Program - EConsult

Vermont has secured a $195 million Rural Health Transformation grant in the first year of a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening rural healthcare networks, enhancing technology and shared operations, and expanding the rural health workforce. This effort is designed to ensure that residents receive timely, appropriate, and affordable care. Under this program, primary care and specialist healthcare providers are invited to apply for funding to acquire or lease electronic consultation (e-consult) technology. The goal is to support workforce capacity by enabling interoperable access for primary care providers to consult with specialists, improving care coordination and reducing the need for patient travel. The funding supports not only the purchase of e-consult platforms but also technology upgrades and initial program coordination costs, provided no alternative funding exists for these expenses. The solicitation, issued by Vermont’s Department of Economic Development, encourages providers to implement these technologies to build and maintain an effective e-consult system, thereby enhancing rural healthcare capabilities. Interested parties must submit their responses by June 10, 2026, and can contact the department directly for further information. This initiative represents a strategic investment in rural health infrastructure aimed at increasing access and efficiency in Vermont’s healthcare delivery system.