The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced $50 billion in awards are being distributed to all 50 states as part of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program.

This is the first year of the five-year program. CMS says award amounts were based on each state's rural population and the specific proposals and initiatives that will improve quality of care in rural communities. Funding will be used to expand access to care, increase the rural health workforce, modernize facilities and support new health care models.

Michigan will receive $173,128,201.00 in the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program. The State of Michigan has not yet commented on the funding.

Indiana is also awarded $206,927,897.00 in the first year which, according to Governor Mike Braun, is more than the $200 million a year that the state requested when applying. The money will support Indiana GROW (Growing Rural Opportunities for Well-being.)

"Indiana’s rural communities are the backbone of our state, and this investment will help ensure that every Hoosier, regardless of where they live, has access to high-quality, sustainable healthcare," said Gov. Braun. "Through GROW, we are building a healthier, stronger Indiana."

While the State of Indiana did not specify how much money will be utilized in each county, Gov. Braun highlighted the key goals in GROW to improve rural healthcare for Hoosiers. They include:

• Make Rural Indiana Healthy Again
  • Continue Gov. Braun’s initiative with a focus on rural health innovations and new access points to promote preventive care and address chronic disease prevention. Projects will use evidence-based, outcomes-driven interventions to improve disease prevention, chronic disease management, behavioral health and prenatal care.
• Provide Sustainable Access
  • Strengthen the long-term sustainability of rural clinicians and facilities by improving efficiency and collaboration. GROW will help rural providers coordinate operations, technology, and services with regional systems to expand access to primary, specialty, and emergency care.
• Improve the Rural Health Workforce
  • Attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals by enhancing recruitment and retention strategies. GROW will provide resources to rural clinicians and expand the healthcare team with community health workers, behavioral health specialists and other professionals trained to support patients in navigating the healthcare system.
• Implement New Ways to Provide Care
  • Encourage innovative service models, including for prenatal care, and payment mechanisms that improve outcomes, coordinate care, and reduce costs.
• Leverage Technology
  • Expand the use of digital health tools and technologies to improve care delivery and data sharing. Projects will enhance access to remote care, strengthen data systems, and invest in emerging technologies that support rural healthcare providers and patients.