ST. PAUL — Minnesota is set to receive the first installment of Rural Health Transformation Program funding from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.
The funding is part of the legislation passed July 4, 2025, that implemented sweeping changes to the country's public service programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The Rural Health Transformation Program includes $50 billion to be awarded to states over the next five years.
All 50 states received first-year base funding, but Minnesota was also awarded "significant additional funds recognizing Minnesota's innovative plan" to address rural health care challenges, according to a news release from the state Department of Health.
Funding will support: new technology tools to bring care closer to home for rural residents with telehealth; initiatives to improve outcomes for Minnesotans with or at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease; and expanding the rural health care workforce.
Money will also go toward enhancing technology-enabled care delivery, including mobile and community-based services; strengthening provider partnerships; and bolstering the financial stability of rural providers through investments in technology and data infrastructure.
“With rural Minnesota facing unprecedented access and funding challenges, this award comes at a crucial time,” stated Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham in a news release.
“It is an important investment in our rural communities, and we are excited to begin working with our partners to advance access to high-quality care, improve outcomes and ensure sustainable services in Greater Minnesota for years to come.”
The MDH's proposal for funding, submitted Nov. 4, asked for $1 billion over the next five years. The proposal was crafted after extensive collaboration with rural community stakeholders, such as hospitals and health systems, safety net clinics, tribes and local public health agencies.
State officials will continue to engage stakeholders as implementation of the program begins.
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Plus: Bridge to Health Survey seeks more Northland respondents to survey collecting anonymous health information; and local hospitals list top baby names of 2025. -
The long-running Bridge to Health Survey aims to collect local data from northeastern Minnesota for health systems, schools and nonprofits. -
From Ada to Winnie and Anders to Wylder, Northern Minnesotans' 2025 baby names range from one-of-a-kind to one-of-many. -
And: Former Iron Range teacher sentenced to 18 years for criminal sexual conduct; 8 Northern MN housing projects awarded state funds; and MN awarded $193 million in federal rural health dollars.
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Ekaterina Bolovtsova via PexelsFormer Mesabi East and Northeast Range teacher Ryan Ross Denzer-Johnson, 44, received the maximum sentence Jan. 5, 2026, after pleading guilty to assaulting an adolescent relative. -
Contributed/Minnesota HousingThe state funding will help create or preserve housing in Hibbing, Mahnomen, Bemidji, Warren, Grand Rapids and other communities in the region. -
Contributed/Nicole Neri / Minnesota ReformerAs Gov. Tim Walz withdraws from the race, there's already speculation that U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar may launch a campaign as the DFL candidate for governor. -
Contributed/Minnesota DNR EnforcementConservation officers stationed in Bemidji, Benson, Blackduck, Brainerd, Karlstad, Staples and Warroad were recognized for recent lifesaving efforts in Northern Minnesota. -
Chris Walker/KAXEElevated lead levels are not citywide and vary based on individual service lines and plumbing materials. The event is 6 p.m. at the Memorial Building. -
Contributed/Google Maps screenshotThe Minnesota Department of Transportation announced it will change the traffic control at the intersection of Highway 73/Lake Street and Third Avenue Northwest.
