Congressman Gabe Evans Secures Historic Rural Healthcare Investment, Urges Polis to Apply

WASHINGTON - Congressman Gabe Evans applauded Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz for launching the landmark $50 billion Rural Healthcare Transformation Program (RHTP). The program was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Evans voted for in July, and funds the single largest investment in rural healthcare in American history. The funds are available to Colorado upon request.

"The Working Family Tax Cuts provided historic funding for rural communities, and as someone who lives in a rural Colorado town, I know firsthand how important this funding is to rural health. Republicans' investment delivers on our promise to strengthen rural health and provide better health outcomes for patients. I urge the state to apply for this program and use all the tools available to keep Coloradans healthy."- Congressman Gabe Evans

The strategic funding structure will designate $25 billion to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to be equally distributed to states, while the remaining $25 billion will be made available to states through an application process, with funds awarded based on rural need and state-specific factors. Starting in 2026, the program will deliver $10 billion annually. The RHTP will require a one time application process, giving state governors the opportunity to submit bold proposals tailored to the state's rural communities. As such, Congressman Evans urges Governor Jared Polis to apply for this money he helped secure.

The historic investment will completely reshape health care in rural America, investing in workforce retention, sustainable access, innovative CMS, new technology and updated investments in modern medicine.

The RHTP will:

✅Support rural health innovations and new access points to promote preventative health and address root causes of diseases.

✅Help rural providers become long-term access points for care by improving efficiency and sustainability.

✅Attract and retain a highly skilled health care workforce by strengthening recruitment and retention of health care providers in rural communities.

✅Advance innovative care models to improve health outcomes, coordinate care, and promote flexible care arrangements.

✅Foster use of innovative technologies that promote efficient care delivery, data security, and access to digital health tools by rural facilities, providers, and patients.