Rural Health Transformation Program Archives

North Dakota lawmakers poised to act next week on federal rural health spending

Bill to expand authority of pharmacists among policy proposals to be debated

January 14, 2026

KVRR Staff,

North Dakota Health and Human Services Interim Commissioner Pat Traynor speaks to lawmakers about incoming federal funding on Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota lawmakers took final steps this week to prepare for next week’s special session to authorize the spending of federal health care money. Congress last year created…

ND special session will include a State of the State address by Gov. Armstrong

January 14, 2026

TJ Nelson,

Kelly Armstrong speaks during the Aug. 21, 2025, Industrial Commission meeting. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Gov. Kelly Armstrong will deliver a State of the State address during a special session of the legislature. It’ll take place on January 21 at 10 a.m. and will be livestreamed on the Governor’s Office website. The special session is…

North Dakota awarded nearly $200 million as part of rural healthcare program

December 29, 2025

Alison Voorhees,

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota will get nearly $200 million as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program. It’s aimed at improving health care quality and access in rural areas. The Trump administration announced the awards for each state and they range from $145 million to $281 million in the first year. The program will award $50 billion over…

North Dakota submits proposal to ban candy, soda from food assistance

November 11, 2025

KVRR Staff,

Candy and sugary drinks are displayed at a gas station in Bismarck on Oct. 14, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota has submitted a request to the federal government to prohibit North Dakotans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from using their benefits to buy soft drinks, energy drinks or candy….

States, providers awaiting specifics on Medicaid changes from US Health and Human Services

September 2, 2025

KVRR Staff,

Sarah Aker, executive director of medical services for the Department of Health and Human Services, speaks during a meeting of the Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency on July 30, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)FARGO, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor/KVRR) — North Dakota health officials, health care providers, and the public are waiting for details on how the state…

Essentia Health, state leaders highlight federal funding opportunities for rural care

August 29, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Starting in 2026, Essentia rural health clinics may start to receive a portion of a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program for the next five years. The program is part of the Big Beautiful Bill Act, and states with rural constituencies were able to apply for a grant. Essentia Health leaders, along with several rural health…