How North Dakota Plans To Transform Rural Health Services

Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced Wednesday that North Dakota has submitted its application to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for participation in the Rural Health Transformation Program, a new initiative that could bring more than $500 million to the state over five years.

The proposal outlines plans to strengthen rural health care by improving access, quality, and outcomes for residents in small and remote communities.

“North Dakota is a proud rural state. Whether you live in Beach or Belcourt, Crosby or Colfax, or anywhere in between, North Dakotans should have access to high-quality health care,” Armstrong said. “The Rural Health Transformation Program gives us an opportunity to think about ways to bring sustainable and transformational care to our rural communities. We appreciate President Trump, CMS Administrator Oz and our congressional delegation for supporting this funding that will be transformational for health care delivery in North Dakota.”

The program was established under the federal *One Big Beautiful Bill Act* and allows participating states to redesign rural health systems with a focus on innovation and sustainability. North Dakota’s application highlights four key initiatives: strengthening the rural health workforce, promoting preventive care and healthy living, expanding access to high-quality care closer to home, and building a stronger statewide health network through technology and data integration.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen rural health care delivery in North Dakota,” said Pat Traynor, interim commissioner of North Dakota Health and Human Services. “Our plan prioritizes better access to care and long-term wellness while advancing our vision to make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation.”

Proposed efforts include expanding medical residencies, improving telehealth capacity for behavioral and specialty care, and developing a connected data hub for statewide health coordination.

Sarah Aker, the department’s medical services executive director, said input from residents and providers shaped the plan. “Our goal from the beginning was to listen first,” Aker said. “The ideas and priorities came directly from the people who know rural health care best—our residents, providers, tribal partners, community leaders, and other partners across the state.”

More than 1,200 people participated in a statewide survey, and over 300 joined public listening sessions during the planning process.