Feenstra, Iowa Delegation Urges CMS to Approve Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Application

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, on National Rural Health Day, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) joined the Iowa congressional delegation in sending a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz in strong support of Iowa’s application for the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program.

“Earlier this year, President Trump and Republicans passed the largest investment in rural healthcare in U.S. history. We delivered $50 billion for rural hospitals and rural health, ensuring that our families, veterans, and seniors can get the high-quality care they need when they need it,” said Rep. Feenstra. “The Rural Health Transformation Program will support Iowa’s Healthy Hometowns initiative to invest in rapid emergency response, help recruit and retain physicians, prevent and treat cancer, and support patients. I’m glad to join my colleagues in supporting Iowa’s application for these funds, and I’ll keep working to make high-quality healthcare more affordable and more accessible for all Iowans.”

The RHT Program represents the largest investment in rural health transformation in American history, aimed at increasing access, driving innovation, and strengthening care delivery in underserved communities. Of the $50 billion allocated for the program, $25 billion automatically gets divided evenly amongst all 50 states. The second $25 billion, which Iowa has submitted its application for, is more competitive and funds will be allocated based on overall need. 

The delegation letter highlights how Iowa’s proposal, Healthy Hometowns, directly aligns with CMS’s strategic priorities and delivers a comprehensive approach to improving care across rural communities. The initiative includes:

• Hometown Connections: Expanding Centers of Excellence, Health Hubs, telehealth capacity, and services for uninsured Iowans.
• Best and Brightest: Recruiting and retaining high-quality health professionals in rural communities.
• Combat Cancer – Prevent and Treat: Creating cancer care hubs, increasing screenings, and supporting research and families.
• Communities of Care: Co-locating providers to coordinate multidisciplinary care with community health workers.
• Health Information Exchange: Ensuring seamless statewide access to medical records for continuity of care.
• EMS Community Care Mobile: Delivering mobile health services and high-risk transport support directly to rural residents.

You can read the full letter HERE.

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