Health News Federal Funding Cuts Could Impact Already Fragile Rural Health Care

Iowa seeks $1 billion from new federal rural health fund amid Medicaid cuts

Gov. Kim Reynolds' "Healthy Hometowns" plan aims to modernize rural hospitals with federal aid from a new $50 billion fund — but health leaders warn it won't fully offset sweeping Medicaid reductions. Read More

Missouri applies for piece of $50 billion federal fund for rural hospitals

Missouri leaders applied Wednesday to the $50 billion federal grant initiative, which Congress included in the spending package known as "One Big Beautiful Bill." Other cuts in the bill are expected ... Read More

Oklahoma could receive part of $50 billion for rural health care. How should money be used?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is administering the program, with $10 billion available annually for state grants. Read More

Wisconsin is asking for $1B for rural health care. Here's what it could include.

The money would come from the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion fund included in the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act. Read More

Rural health transformation program won’t make up for federal budget cuts, experts agree

Rural health transformation program won’t make up for federal budget cuts, experts agree A new program touted to give $50 billion in federal funding to rural hospitals won’t necessarily keep rural ... Read More

The quiet collapse of America’s reproductive health safety net

Maine Family Planning’s closures are among the first visible signs of what leaders call the biggest setback to reproductive care in 50 years. Read More

Washington submits $1 billion plan for federal rural health-care funding

We’re looking forward to the opportunity this creates to advance health outcomes and strengthen care in rural Washington,” one official said. Read More

Mississippi likely to get $500M for rural health, with governor to set spending

At least $500 million is expected to flow into Mississippi over the next five years as a part of a major federal investment into rural healthcare. The funding aims to offset the disproportionate ... Read More

AR seeks money to help health care systems navigate funding cuts

The State of Arkansas will apply for federal money that’s available to help states make up for funding cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. The Rural Health Transformation Program, included in the budget ... Read More

Medicare cuts to home health programs will hurt rural Oklahomans | Opinion

As a registered nurse, I’ve seen countless examples of how home health changes lives, but one patient in particular stays with me. She had lost a leg in a car accident, and not long after, her house ... Read More

Health care providers eye collaboration as federal cuts loom

This story by Aaron Calvin was first published in the News & Citizen on Oct. 9, 2025. Area health care providers specializing in treatment for mental health-related issues and substance-use disorders ... Read More