The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) represents one of the largest federal investments in rural healthcare in decades. The program will distribute $50 billion over five years, with $10 billion awarded annually from 2026 through 2030, to help states strengthen rural healthcare systems.
The goal is to improve care in rural communities by expanding access to services, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and supporting more coordinated models of care. This investment creates an important opportunity. But to reach its full potential, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) must be intentionally included in planning and implementation.
Why Inclusion Matters
People with IDD experience significant health disparities and often face barriers accessing providers who understand their needs. These challenges can be even greater in rural communities, where provider shortages and limited specialty care already affect access.
Without intentional inclusion, healthcare systems often respond to health crises instead of preventing them. Including people with IDD in rural health transformation efforts supports earlier identification of health risks, better coordination across providers, and stronger long-term health outcomes.
The Role of IDD Providers
Organizations that support people with IDD are deeply embedded in many rural communities. They work closely with individuals every day and are often the first to recognize changes in health status or emerging risks. Because of this, IDD providers bring valuable insight to conversations about improving rural healthcare systems and strengthening preventative care.
How Providers Can Advocate for Inclusion
Many states are already beginning to plan how they will use Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding. This is the time for organizations that support people with IDD to ensure disability services are included in those conversations.
Here are a few ways providers can engage:
IdentifyYour State’s RHTP LeadBy participating in these discussions early, providers can help ensure that rural health transformation efforts recognize the needs of people with IDD and build systems that support prevention, coordination, and better long-term health outcomes.