OLYMPIA, WA — Governor Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday that Washington state has submitted a bipartisan $1 billion funding proposal to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year plan aimed at revitalizing rural health systems across the state.

The proposal, developed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), requests $200 million annually through 2030 and was crafted with input from nearly 300 stakeholders, including tribes, legislators, and multiple state agencies. It focuses on strengthening rural hospital infrastructure, expanding access to maternal care, improving health outcomes, and leveraging emerging technologies.

Of the state’s 39 counties, 29 are classified as rural, with over 1 million residents. The plan emphasizes equitable access by allocating 10% of awarded funding to Indian health care providers serving both Native and non-Native patients in Washington’s most remote regions.

“In order to sustain this way of life, we must support a strong rural health care system,” Ferguson stated. “Our bipartisan plan will help modernize and strengthen this crucial resource”.

The funding, if approved, would contribute to improved access to hospitals and clinics, better chronic disease management, increased clinician recruitment and training, and new care models to prevent rural hospital closures. It also supports strategic partnerships between providers and efforts to ensure long-term financial stability.

A decision from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected by Dec. 31, 2025. The Rural Health Transformation Program provides up to $10 billion per year nationwide from 2026 to 2030.

Washington’s full proposal is available on the HCA website.