Idaho has distributed a $185.9 million federal grant intended to develop and modernize rural healthcare in the state. The funds were awarded as part of a program pursued by the Trump administration under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The Rural Health Transformation Program was authorized last year with several goals, including creating sustainable access and employment, progressing innovation in healthcare and promoting preventative care. Idaho’s award is for fiscal year 2026 and the state may receive further awards in the following years; the state was required to allocate the whole grant this year or face the funds being redistributed to other states.
The funds have mostly been distributed for researching preventative care, recruiting and reinforcing healthcare staff and fitting rural hospitals with the equipment they need. All funds were fully allocated on Friday, Oct. 30.
“For many Idaho families—especially in rural areas—affordable, accessible health care is a real concern,” says Governor Brad Little in a press release for the Center of Medicare and Medicare Services. “This investment recognizes those challenges and puts resources where they’re needed most.”
The University of Idaho has received three sub-grants, all for preventative care and education. Programs for cancer screenings, chronic disease education and care and mental health care add up to over $4.75 million in funding.
The full list of awardees can found here.
David Galindo can be reached at [email protected]
