12/30/2025

DeWine Announces $200+ Million for Ohio Rural Health Transformation

Governor Mike DeWine announced December 29 that Ohio will receive more than $200 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program, supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The funding is aimed at improving access, quality, and sustainability of health care in Ohio’s rural communities, where residents face higher rates of chronic disease and limited access to specialty and preventive care.

Ohio’s plan builds on existing state initiatives and will invest in:

• Expanded school-based health centers in rural areas;
  
• Broader access to the OhioSEE child vision care program in rural school districts;
  
• Expansion of evidence-based home visiting programs to support maternal and infant health.
  

The initiative also includes a Rural Healthcare Workforce Pipeline to recruit and retain health care professionals in rural communities, along with the creation of Rural Patient Health Innovation Hubs to support integrated, community-based care models.

The Ohio Department of Health will serve as the lead agency and will coordinate with federal partners as implementation guidance becomes available. LeadingAge Ohio will continue monitoring the program and share updates relevant to aging services providers.