State updates as of April 10, 2026.

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) offers states a unique opportunity to invest federal resources in strategies that address not only medical care, but also the social drivers that shape health outcomes in rural communities. One highly effective intervention that has emerged across multiple state applications is “Food Is Medicine” (FIM). This expert perspective highlights select state initiatives and activities that propose leveraging the RHTP to advance FIM and other food and nutrition interventions.

State updates as of April 3, 2026.

During the Great Recession Arizona had to implement some of the deepest cuts in Medicaid in the country because of tremendous fiscal pressure. This expert perspective shares recommendations based on lessons learned in Arizona for state Medicaid programs as they grapple with tighter state budgets and increasing economic uncertainty.

State updates as of March 27, 2026.

State updates as of March 20, 2026.

State updates as of March 13, 2026.

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) provides an opportunity for states to leverage federal funding to support investments to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities. To address these challenges, states are proposing efforts to expand and train the perinatal workforce, deploy technology-enabled obstetric services, improve access and care coordination, and enhance prevention and early intervention across the perinatal continuum. This expert perspective highlights select state initiatives and activities that propose leveraging the RHTP to advance maternal health. 

On March 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a State Medicaid Director Letter regarding the implementation of six-month Medicaid renewals required under H.R.1. Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals eligible for Medicaid expansion coverage must renew their eligibility every six months, twice as frequently as under current law. This expert perspective summarizes the guidance which largely tracks the statutory requirements in H.R.1 and underlying regulatory renewal requirements.

State updates as of March 6, 2026.