Kentucky secures $212.9 million for rural health care plan
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Over $212 million in funding has been secured for rural Kentucky health care.
That’s according to the office of Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday.
According to a release by the governor’s office, Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Plan has been accepted in full by the Trump administration. This secures $212.9 million to go toward tackling rural health care and to offset impacts of federal cuts, officials say.
“Health care is a basic human right, and it was a priority for me and my administration to submit this application and fight for funding to support our rural health communities – especially following the passage of devastating Medicaid cuts,” Beshear says. “I am proud our community-driven plan was accepted in full and now $212.9 million will help provide our fellow Kentuckians with the quality care they need and deserve.”
The plan was created by the Beshear administration alongside health partners from across the state, the release says. In addition, a release by the House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans states the funding was the result of the Working Families Tax Cuts and work done by Rep. Brett Guthrie, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. On Monday, Sen. Mitch McConnell’s team announced McConnell voted in support of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.
The plan will use the funding over the next five years to help take care of unique challenges rural Kentuckians face.
The release says this includes high rates of chronic conditions, maternity care deserts and gaps in coverage for oral care, emergency services and behavioral health.
“Our Rural Health Transformation Plan reflects the best of Team Kentucky,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services secretary Dr. Steven Stack. “We are working with local health leaders, hospitals, universities and community partners who share in the vision of a commonwealth where every Kentuckian can reach their full human potential and all communities thrive.”
According to the release, 17% of Kentuckians live with several chronic conditions, compared to 11% nationally.
In addition, officials say nearly one in six Kentucky women of childbearing age live in maternity care deserts, which is more than four times the national average.
Kentuckians also face a shortage of mental health professionals in rural areas, the release says, which can place a strain on emergency departments and first responders.
To address the challenges above, the release says the following innovation models will be utilized:
- Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation
- Local hub-and-spoke models focused initially on obesity and diabetes prevention and management, integrating nutrition, physical activity and digital self-management tools.
- PoWERing Maternal and Infant Health
- Telehealth-enabled, community-based maternal care teams expanding prenatal and postpartum services in maternity care deserts and high-risk regions.
- Rapid Response to Recovery (EmPATH Model)
- Mobile crisis response, telepsychiatry and stabilization services connecting individuals to community-based behavioral health and recovery supports.
- Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access
- Expanded dental hygiene training, externships and portable or tele-dental clinics to improve preventive oral health services.
- Crisis to Care: Integrated EMS Response
- Enhanced pre-hospital care and trauma coordination through treat-in-place protocols, workforce training and improved data connectivity.
In total, the Rural Health Transformation Plan provides $50 billion nationwide over five fiscal years between 2026 and 2030.For more information about Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Plan, visit RuralHealthPlan.ky.gov.
