Rural health care in New Hampshire to benefit from $204 million federal funding

New Hampshire is set to receive more than $204 million in federal funding to strengthen its rural health care by expanding access and improving the quality of care for communities across the state.

The funding comes through the Rural Health Transformation Program, announced Monday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 

Established under the One Big Beautiful Bill, the program’s $50 billion will be distributed to all 50 states to help address longstanding gaps in rural health care delivery.

In a statement, Governor Kelly Ayotte praised the collaborative effort behind the successful application that the state filed to receive the funds.

“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, and the hard work paid off,” said Ayotte. “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.”

In its application, New Hampshire requested $200 million annually over the program’s five-year span. The state secured the highest level of funding among New England states: Vermont will receive $195 million, Massachusetts $162 million, Connecticut approximately $154 million, and Rhode Island about $156 million in funding.

With the funding, the state aims to expand behavioral and mental health services in rural communities, strengthen chronic disease management and tackle access barriers in northern New Hampshire, where limited transportation options often make it difficult for residents to reach hospitals and emergency medical services.

These priorities were shaped by feedback from more than 300 stakeholders, including hospitals, rural health providers, community health centers and members of the public.

“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,” said Lori Weaver, the state Department of Health and Human Services commissioner, in a statement. “I am grateful to all who provided input and look forward to working together to implement our plans and meet our goals.”

Planning for the program is already underway, with the first round of investments expected to begin in 2026. Initial efforts will focus on supporting rural health care providers and the communities they serve.

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