The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Department of Administration (DOA) will host a live Zoom webinar on March 11 from 10 a.m. to noon for vendors interested in upcoming Requests for Proposals (RFPs) related to the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The session aims to promote transparency and efficiency in the funding process.
During the event, state officials will present details about five main RHTP initiatives and outline expected procurement opportunities. A Question-and-Answer segment will follow.
“We stand ready to put these transformative dollars to work to modernize our health care infrastructure and support the dedicated professionals serving our communities,” DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton said. “Success depends on strong local partnerships, and we look forward to collaborating with Montana’s providers and community leaders to ensure the unique needs of every corner of our state are met in a sustainable manner.”
A link for joining the webinar is available on the DPHHS RHTP website. Additionally, a centralized webpage has been set up with resources such as a vendor checklist, instructional videos, and a Frequently Asked Questions document to help vendors understand registration steps.
In December 2025, Governor Greg Gianforte and Director Brereton announced that Montana received $233 million from the Trump administration through an award by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This funding supports efforts to stabilize and update rural health care delivery throughout Montana. The funds are part of a five-year federal grant program under which Montana could receive up to $1.2 billion.
Montana’s application earned it the fourth-highest funding among all states. In January 2026, DPHHS submitted a revised budget focusing on scalable programs with significant impact as required by CMS. Final approval for this first-year budget was granted by CMS on February 19, 2026.
With approval secured, funds will be distributed through competitive bidding at bids.mt.gov. Other opportunities include grants for providers and community organizations as well as inter-agency agreements with entities like the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Funding opportunities will be updated at ruralhealth.mt.gov.
Community input is shaping RHTP implementation. On January 22, over 600 Montanans attended an advisory committee meeting at Montana State University in Bozeman focused on project goals and gathering public feedback.
DPHHS delivers evidence-based programs across communities statewide—from mountains to plains—working toward healthier living conditions through partnerships with local, tribal, and community organizations according to its official website. The department also manages specialized facilities such as Montana State Hospital and veterans’ homes while aiming to enhance health, safety, well-being, and independence for residents through integrated services overseen by its executive team.
For more information about future funding opportunities or questions regarding RHTP, visit ruralhealth.mt.gov or email HHSRuralHealthTransformation@mt.gov.
The Rural Health Transformation Program is funded entirely by CMS/HHS through an award totaling $233,509,358.76. The content does not necessarily represent official views or endorsements by CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.
