Columbus, Ohio – In a significant effort to improve health outcomes for residents in remote parts of the state, Governor Mike DeWine has announced that Ohio will receive more than $200 million in funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funding comes through the Rural Health Transformation Program and will directly support health care access and quality across Ohio’s rural communities.
Focused Investments to Address Health Disparities
“We are so grateful to be awarded this funding so that more Ohioans can receive expanded access and enhanced quality to necessary health care,” said Governor DeWine. “Thank you, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz for your support of Ohio’s proposal. We are committed to working collaboratively with you and your teams to ensure these funds are fully utilized so rural Ohioans can live their healthiest lives. Thank you, Senator Husted and Senator Moreno for your continued work to invest in rural health care here in Ohio.”
The announcement comes at a critical time for many residents living in rural areas. According to the Ohio Department of Health’s Ohio Chronic Disease Atlas 2025, those in rural communities face a higher risk of chronic illness, limited access to specialty care, and overall poorer health outcomes. Travel distances and a shortage of health services often mean that rural Ohioans go without vital preventive care or timely medical interventions.
The newly announced Rural Health Transformation Program aims to change that reality by building on Ohio’s current health care initiatives. The funding will allow the state to enhance and expand existing efforts, with a strong emphasis on making care more accessible and tailored to rural needs.
Strengthening Health Care Infrastructure and Workforce
The funding will support a wide array of improvements, including increased investment in school-based health centers in rural communities and expanding the OhioSEE child vision care program. These efforts aim to ensure children in rural school districts receive essential eye care services that might otherwise be unavailable.
The state also plans to expand home visiting programs proven to help lower infant mortality rates. By extending these services into more rural areas, the state hopes to improve early childhood health outcomes across underserved populations.
In terms of workforce development, the funding will help create a stronger pipeline of rural health professionals. Ohio will invest in the Rural Healthcare Workforce Pipeline, building partnerships between hospitals and educational institutions to encourage homegrown medical talent to stay and serve in Ohio’s rural communities.
Another key piece of the plan involves launching Rural Patient Health Innovation Hubs. These hubs will connect hospitals, behavioral health experts, community health centers, and other providers to deliver high-quality, integrated care directly to rural areas. This model is intended to reduce gaps in care while boosting the quality and consistency of services.
A Step Forward for Rural Health Equity
The Ohio Department of Health will serve as the lead agency for the program, coordinating with federal partners to ensure effective implementation as additional guidance becomes available.
With this investment, Ohio aims to bring modern, dependable, and equitable health care to the people who need it most—those living far from major medical hubs. The program stands to not only improve lives but also strengthen communities by anchoring more medical talent and services in the heart of rural Ohio.
