FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 31, 2026

Contact: CMS Media Relations
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Trump Administration Announces $149.3 Million to Expand Telehealth and Increase Access to Specialty Care and Preventive Screenings in Rural Arkansas

This federal investment will help fund technologies that advance telehealth, expand specialty care, and modernize health infrastructure across Arkansas

The Trump Administration announced today that a $149.3 million investment is being delivered to transform rural healthcare delivery for Arkansans through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

This funding will make critical investments to strengthen rural healthcare, expand access to lifesaving services, and bring modern technology to communities across Arkansas. The administration’s investment will help upgrade ambulances, expand telehealth and patient-monitoring capabilities, upgrade rural hospitals and clinics with advanced imaging and emergency teleconsultation technology, and enhance training for rural health providers. Investments will also help hospitals maintain critical services during power outages and disasters, and expand specialty and preventive care across rural clinics. Together, these investments are modernizing rural healthcare, expanding the healthcare workforce, and ensuring Arkansans have access to the high-quality care they deserve.

“President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.”

“President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Arkansas,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.”

Today’s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act—passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats—delivering a historic $50 billion investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America.

“Arkansas’ rural communities are home to families who work hard, care for their neighbors, and deserve access to quality health care close to home,” said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Thanks to President Trump and his Working Families Tax Cuts Act, these awards will help local hospitals, health care providers, and community partners bring new services and technology directly to the Arkansans who need them. I’m proud that we are investing in stronger, healthier communities and building a better future for families across the Natural State.”

“I’m grateful to see these critical investments in rural health care coming to Arkansas. The Rural Health Transformation Program will help communities improve access to quality care so more of our state’s families can get timely evaluation, treatment and support close by. As a former healthcare provider, I know firsthand how important that is, which is why I was proud to vote for this funding. I look forward to seeing it make a meaningful difference for patients and providers across The Natural State,” said Sen. John Boozman.

“The Republican-led Rural Health Transformation Program will expand access to high-quality healthcare for rural communities across Arkansas. I was proud to vote to create this program and look forward to seeing how this historic investment will benefit Arkansas families for years to come,” said Sen. Tom Cotton.

“Today’s announcement is a triumph for rural Arkansans and a testament to the quality leadership we have in Little Rock and Washington. Rural Americans are too often left behind when accessing cutting-edge health care services. Through the funds awarded in President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act, we are expanding access to the critical health care Arkansans need.  We all saw the benefits of this law at tax time, and now, we’ll see even greater benefits as we invest in rural health care. I applaud Governor Sanders for her work to address our state’s health care needs,” said Rep. Eric "Rick" Crawford.

“The investments announced by CMS are great news for our rural communities and another example of how the Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering for Americans. These grants will strengthen rural health care across Arkansas, expand access to care, and give providers more tools and flexibility to better serve their patients. I was proud to support this historic investment in rural health care, and I am glad to see these dollars going to work for Arkansans,” said Rep. J. French Hill.

“Today, the historic investment Congress made to transform healthcare in rural Arkansas manifests. Through the Rural Health Transformation Program—an initiative I was proud to help establish in the Working Families Tax Cuts law—organizations serving Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley will have the needed resources to expand comprehensive healthcare services for our rural communities. Better healthcare access means better health outcomes, and I commend Governor Sanders for her work to get these dollars out the door and into the hands of worthy recipients,” said Rep. Steve Womack.

“As is true with many issue areas, good policy is best crafted at the state level. Funds from the RHTP will go directly to our rural programs that need it most, like providing maternal health care, nutrition assistance, and reducing inefficiencies in our health care system brought on by issues like outdated technology and staffing shortages. I am pleased to see such a great investment being made in Arkansas’ future for a health care system tailored to benefit and serve the specific needs of our communities,” said Rep. Bruce Westerman.

Today’s announcement is just one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to Arkansas for fiscal year 2026.

Examples of projects supported by this funding include: 

• $10 million to replace ambulances and add telehealth communications, connectivity and patient-monitoring equipment, data sharing, training, and a Patient Navigation Hub.
• $6,340,043 to upgrade rural hospitals and clinics with specialty telehealth, AI-enabled SMART rooms, telemetry and imaging equipment, digital integration, and emergency teleconsultation capability.

• $2,337,402 to provide telehealth assessments, infrastructure upgrades, access points, and digital health training through seven rural partners.
• $5 million to purchase and install emergency generators, integrate electrical systems, and conduct testing and preparedness activities so participating rural hospitals can maintain critical services during outages and disasters.

• $12 million to expand specialty and preventive care, modernize infrastructure, create a regional network intended to serve 2,400 rural residents by Year 5, expand services in 10 clinics, and increase provider data sharing.

• $1,228,624 to create a telehealth hearing-care network that provides screening, specialist triage, diagnosis, and treatment through community sites and rural clinics.

The Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize technology to promote health and well-being for rural communities. Led by CMS, the RHTP is moving beyond the failed one-size-fits-all approach and giving rural communities the tools to build stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable health systems that deliver better care and better outcomes for the Americans they serve.

For more information about the RHTP, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/rural-health.

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