Iowa Delegation Urges CMS to Approve Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Application
IOWA - Today, on National Rural Health Day, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) led the Iowa Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz showing strong support of Iowa’s application for the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program.
“As a physician, I know how deeply rural Iowans rely on their local hospitals, not just for care, but for security, dignity, and peace of mind. That’s why I fought to pass the Rural Health Transformation Program." Said Dr. Miller-Meeks. "Iowa has put forward a thoughtful, forward-looking plan that will improve access, modernize care, and support the providers who serve our communities every day. I urge CMS to approve this application so we can continue building a stronger, healthier Iowa.”
"The Rural Health Transformation Program—included in Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts—is a historic investment, and I was thrilled to advocate for and support it." Said Rep. Hinson. "In rural states like Iowa, this fund would help our rural providers keep their doors open and adopt new technologies that make care faster, easier, and better for everyone. I will continue advocating for ways to strengthen and support rural health care for Iowans—and bring as many federal dollars back to Iowa through this fund as possible!"
"When we passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, I fought to secure $50 billion for rural hospitals in Iowa and across the country,” said Rep. Nunn. “Iowa's Healthy Hometowns program shows exactly how rural communities can lead the future of health care. This investment strengthens care close to home and gives local providers the tools they need to keep serving Iowa’s families."
"Earlier this year, President Trump and Republicans passed the largest investment in rural healthcare in U.S. history. We delivered $50 billion for rural hospitals and rural health, ensuring that our families, veterans, and seniors can get the high-quality care they need when they need it," said Rep. Feenstra. "The Rural Health Transformation Program will support Iowa’s Healthy Hometowns initiative to invest in rapid emergency response, help recruit and retain physicians, prevent and treat cancer, and support patients. I’m glad to join my colleagues in supporting Iowa’s application for these funds, and I’ll keep working to make high-quality healthcare more affordable and more accessible for all Iowans."
Background:
The RHT Program represents the largest investment in rural health transformation in American history, aimed at increasing access, driving innovation, and strengthening care delivery in underserved communities. Of the $50 billion allocated for the program, $25 billion automatically gets divided evenly amongst all 50 states. The second $25 billion, which Iowa has submitted its application for, is more competitive and funds will be allocated based on overall need.
The delegation letter highlights how Iowa’s proposal, Healthy Hometowns, directly aligns with CMS’s strategic priorities and delivers a comprehensive approach to improving care across rural communities. The initiative includes:
- Hometown Connections: Expanding Centers of Excellence, Health Hubs, telehealth capacity, and services for uninsured Iowans.
- Best and Brightest: Recruiting and retaining high-quality health professionals in rural communities.
- Combat Cancer – Prevent and Treat: Creating cancer care hubs, increasing screenings, and supporting research and families.
- Communities of Care: Co-locating providers to coordinate multidisciplinary care with community health workers.
- Health Information Exchange: Ensuring seamless statewide access to medical records for continuity of care.
- EMS Community Care Mobile: Delivering mobile health services and high-risk transport support directly to rural residents.
Click HERE to read the Iowa Delegations full letter to Dr. Oz.