The State of New Jersey is making an aggressive push for a substantial infusion of federal funding—potentially up to $1 billion over five years—to bolster its rural health care system, and is calling on residents and health care partners to urgently provide input on the application.
The New Jersey Departments of Health (NJDOH) and Human Services (NJDHS) are co-leading the state’s application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHT Program), a $50 billion national initiative designed to improve health care access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities. The application for the highly competitive funding is due in November.
“It’s critical that New Jersey put forward its best application so we can adapt to federal changes and drive investment in innovative care models for rural health,” Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said. “To do that, we need to hear from stakeholders across the State so we’re ready to use any funds awarded through the RHT Program to maximum effect. That’s how we strengthen health care access for rural New Jerseyans.”
The application effort comes at a critical time, as the state braces for significant financial upheaval in its health care landscape. Recent federal changes, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed in July, are projected to cause massive cuts to Medicaid and other health insurance funding, which could leave an estimated 375,000 New Jerseyans without Medicaid coverage and lead to a combined $3.3 billion cut to hospitals and public health funding.
Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman emphasized the opportunity the RHT Program presents: “The Rural Health Transformation Program offers New Jersey an opportunity to strengthen our health care ecosystem, facilitate collaborative partnerships, and invest in technological advances that support the health of New Jersey’s residents.”
The RHT Program funds, while not intended to replace lost Medicaid funding, will be allocated to strengthen rural communities through efforts like promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment. If approved, New Jersey is guaranteed at least $500 million, with the potential for more through a competitive allocation process.
To ensure the strongest possible submission, NJDOH and NJDHS are inviting all residents, health care facilities, and community-based organizations to share feedback on priorities, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
Stakeholders must provide input before Oct. 7 via an online survey or by joining a virtual listening session on Oct. 3. More information can be found here.
