The Rural Health Transformation Program: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Rural America
The Opportunity
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is one of the most significant federal efforts in decades to strengthen the foundation of rural healthcare. Backed by $50 billion over five years, the program allows each state to design its own blueprint for improving access, workforce, and technology in rural communities.
For the 60 million Americans living in rural areas, many of whom face chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure, this program could change lives. Rural residents have higher disease rates and fewer care options, but one critical access point already exists: their local pharmacy.
Why Pharmacies Matter
During COVID, community pharmacies became lifelines. They delivered vaccines, testing, and education when other access points were closed. They proved that they could mobilize quickly, deliver care at scale, and earn the public’s trust.
Now, RHTP gives states a way to put pharmacies back on the front lines, this time to manage chronic conditions, prevent hospitalizations, and keep seniors healthy at home.
In North Carolina, pharmacy-led Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) programs are already proving what’s possible. At Truentity-supported sites, patients have seen a 16 mmHg average drop in systolic blood pressure and meaningful A1C reductions. These results rival medication outcomes and show what happens when local care teams stay connected to their patients every day.
Why It Matters Now
This is a one-time opportunity. States must apply by November 5, 2025, or risk missing out entirely. Each governor must designate a lead agency—often the Medicaid department or Office of Rural Health—to develop and submit the application.
CMS has made it clear that applications should focus on chronic disease prevention, technology innovation, and workforce development. These are areas where pharmacy-led models have already proven to work.
How Truentity Health Is Leading The Charge
Truentity Health is working directly with state Medicaid agencies and Offices of Rural Health to help them understand how to fully leverage their pharmacy networks. We’re providing education, data, and ready-to-use language for states to include in their RHTP applications, ensuring that pharmacies are recognized as key partners in rural health transformation.
We’re also giving states the air cover and strategy they need to scale proven models—helping communities close care gaps and keep local pharmacies financially strong.
The Rural Health Transformation Program is a once-in-a-generation chance to reshape care for millions of Americans. The opportunity is here, but the clock is ticking.
If your state needs help integrating pharmacy-led care models into its RHTP application, contact Truentity Health. Our team can help build a compliant, scalable plan that improves outcomes and keeps care local.