OLYMPIA, Wash. – Governor Bob Ferguson announced on Wednesday that the state had submitted an application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, seeking $1 billion in funds to support a five-year bipartisan plan for rural healthcare in Washington.
The $1 billion would be distributed in equal $200 million installments across 5 years, supporting initiatives such as hospital infrastructure, technology improvements, and improving maternal healthcare in rural communities.
10% will also be exclusively reserved for Indian health care providers, Governor Ferguson said.
The amount Washington requested is in alignment with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required budget application of $200 million per year. The actual amount awarded will be later determined by CMS.
“Rural Washington boasts strong communities, robust agriculture and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world,” Governor Ferguson said in a press release. “In order to sustain this way of life, we must support a strong rural health care system. Our bipartisan plan will help modernize and strengthen this crucial resource.”
29 of Washington’s 39 total counties are considered rural, home to more than 1 million Washingtonians combined.
CMS is expected to either approve or deny applications by the end of 2025.
To read Washington’s full proposal for the funds, visit the Washington Health Authority website.
