FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP) recently got a thumbs-up from the Trump administration, bringing in $212.9 million to support health care in rural areas. This funding aims to counterbalance recent federal cuts and bolster care in these communities.
“Healthcare is a fundamental right,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “I’m thrilled that our community-driven plan received full approval, ensuring that Kentuckians will access the quality care they deserve.”
The RHTP, crafted by the Beshear administration alongside health partners statewide, will tackle challenges unique to rural Kentucky over five years. These include high rates of chronic conditions, lack of maternity care, and gaps in oral health and emergency services.
Launched in September 2025, the RHTP is part of a larger initiative that allocates $50 billion nationally to support rural health care from 2026 to 2030. More details about Kentucky’s plan can be found at RuralHealthPlan.ky.gov.
Dr. Steven Stack, Secretary for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, highlighted the collaboration from local health leaders and organizations. “This plan shows we are united in our vision for a healthier Kentucky,” he said.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) will spearhead the plan’s implementation. It addresses several pressing issues:
- Chronic disease: 17% of Kentuckians live with multiple chronic conditions, compared to 11% nationally.
- Women’s health: Close to 1 in 6 women of childbearing age in Kentucky live in areas lacking maternity care, over four times the national average.
- Behavioral health: Many rural areas face shortages of mental health professionals, straining local emergency services.
- Oral health: Some Appalachian regions report among the lowest dental visit rates and high rates of complete tooth loss in older adults.
- Emergency response: About half of Kentucky’s paramedics work in the state’s five largest counties, limiting access in rural areas.
The plan introduces five innovative care models:
- Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care: Focus on preventing and managing obesity and diabetes through integrated nutritional and activity programs.
- PoWERing Maternal and Infant Health: Use telehealth to support community-based maternal care teams, especially in underserved areas.
- Rapid Response to Recovery (EmPATH Model): Provide mobile crisis response and telepsychiatry services to improve access to mental health care.
- Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access: Launch portable or tele-dental clinics to improve oral health services.
- Crisis to Care: Integrated EMS Response: Enhance pre-hospital care through better training and data sharing.
Dr. John Langefeld, a Commissioner at KDPH, emphasized that rural communities are vital to Kentucky’s future. “Our goal is to strengthen local health systems so that every family has access to the care they need.”
The application process for the RHTP incorporated feedback from over 100 local stakeholders. This collaborative effort included groups like the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and the Kentucky Hospital Association.
Allison Adams, President and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, expressed her enthusiasm for a unified plan that aims to address long-term health challenges in rural areas. “Partnerships like this highlight our commitment to healthier communities,” she said.
Molly Lewis, CEO of the Kentucky Primary Care Association, underscored that real change begins on the ground. “Investing in primary care and community collaboration is key to a healthier future.”
Dr. Jason Smith from UofL Health added, “Improving access in rural areas leads to better health outcomes. We fully support this initiative.”
Data from the National Rural Health Association indicates that rural communities often struggle with limited access to healthcare. This plan aims to tackle precisely those challenges, working to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, can achieve better health and well-being.
