What Is the Rural Health Transformation Program?
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a landmark $50 billion federal initiative created under Section 71401 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Administered by CMS, the program distributes $10 billion annually from FY2026 through FY2030 to all 50 states through cooperative agreements — no state matching funds required.
RHTP is designed to transform rural healthcare by investing in infrastructure, technology, workforce, and care delivery models that create lasting, sustainable improvements for rural communities. Learn more about RHTP on our hub page.
Five Strategic Goals
South Carolina’s RHTP Program
Key Initiatives & Focus Areas
- Rural hospital stabilization and transformation
- Telehealth expansion for Lowcountry and Upstate communities
- Behavioral health and substance use treatment
- Health IT modernization and interoperability
- Workforce development and retention
Unique Aspects of South Carolina’s Program
- Multiple rural hospital closures have created healthcare deserts
- Pee Dee and Lowcountry regions have severe health disparities
- Strong FQHC network provides implementation infrastructure
- Significant maternal health challenges in rural areas
- Growing population in rural-adjacent areas straining existing infrastructure
How Technology Supports RHTP in South Carolina
The Interoperability Challenge
Rural healthcare facilities face significant technology gaps compared to their urban counterparts. Nationally, only 48% of rural hospitals have achieved basic interoperability, compared to 62% of urban hospitals. This data-sharing gap directly impacts care quality, coordination, and outcomes for rural patients.
RHTP’s Strategic Goal 5 specifically targets technology innovation, including a Technology Innovation Catalyst Fund that supports interoperability, telehealth, remote patient monitoring, AI-enabled health tools, and cybersecurity.
How Julota Addresses RHTP Technology Requirements
Julota is a cloud-based SaaS interoperability platform purpose-built for the challenges rural healthcare organizations face. Here’s how Julota supports RHTP goals in South Carolina:
- FHIR-Native Interoperability: Julota’s platform supports HL7 FHIR APIs and G10 compliance, meeting the interoperability standards required by RHTP and the 21st Century Cures Act. Learn about Julota’s platform.
- Health Information Exchange Connectivity: Connect rural providers across South Carolina to state and regional HIEs, enabling real-time data sharing that improves care coordination and reduces duplication.
- Care Coordination & Closed-Loop Referrals: Julota’s closed-loop referral management ensures patients don’t fall through the cracks — critical for rural communities where follow-up can require long-distance travel.
- MIH-CP & Community Paramedicine Support: Julota’s MIH-CP solution supports the mobile integrated health and community paramedicine models that many states are funding under RHTP.
RHTP Eligibility in South Carolina
RHTP funds flow from CMS to South Carolina through a cooperative agreement. The state then distributes funds to eligible subrecipients through competitive processes.
Eligible Organization Types
- Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) — Rural hospitals with 25 or fewer beds
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — Community health centers serving underserved populations
- Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) — Clinics in designated shortage areas
- Community Behavioral Health Providers — Including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) — Ambulance services and first responders
- Tribal Health Organizations — Indian Health Service and tribal facilities
- Local Health Departments — County and regional public health agencies
- Universities and Training Programs — Workforce development partners
How to Apply
Organizations in South Carolina should contact South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for subrecipient application details. Most states distribute RHTP funds through competitive RFP processes that require demonstrating alignment with the state’s approved Rural Health Transformation Plan.
Key compliance requirements include SAM.gov registration, adherence to 2 CFR 200 uniform guidance, and commitment to quarterly and annual reporting on performance metrics and milestones.
Key Questions About RHTP in South Carolina
How much RHTP funding did South Carolina receive?
South Carolina received RHTP funding as part of the FY2026 allocation, reflecting the state's significant rural health challenges, particularly in the Pee Dee and Lowcountry regions.
What is South Carolina's RHTP?
South Carolina's RHTP addresses rural healthcare challenges across the state, with focus on hospital stabilization, telehealth, behavioral health, health IT, and workforce development.
Who is eligible for RHTP in South Carolina?
Eligible organizations include Critical Access Hospitals, FQHCs, Rural Health Clinics, behavioral health providers, EMS agencies, and other rural healthcare organizations.
What technology does South Carolina's RHTP fund?
South Carolina's RHTP supports telehealth infrastructure, EHR modernization, health information exchange, remote patient monitoring, and cybersecurity for rural providers.
How does RHTP address South Carolina's hospital closures?
RHTP funds support hospital stabilization through technology modernization, care delivery redesign, telehealth expansion, and alternative care models to maintain healthcare access.
How can SC providers apply for RHTP?
South Carolina providers should contact DHEC for RHTP subrecipient information and monitor state announcements for application opportunities.
Ready to Build RHTP-Ready Infrastructure in South Carolina?
Julota helps rural healthcare organizations meet RHTP interoperability requirements with a cloud-based platform that connects providers, enables data sharing, and supports care coordination across your community.