PIERRE – The State of South Dakota is seeking input for concepts to be included in the state’s Rural Health Transformation plan.

The State is seeking RFIs (requests for information) that are innovative and have a long-lasting impact on rural communities, rural providers, and the health of rural South Dakotans.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a $50 billion fund called the Rural Health Transformation Program. All states are eligible to apply. While the exact funding amount South Dakota will receive isn’t known, it is anticipated each state that applies may receive a minimum of $100 million dollars each year for a five-year period beginning in federal fiscal year 2026 through 2030.

The Governor’s Office will submit the Rural Health Transformation Plan application on behalf of the state. The funding awarded is expected to be distributed to rural providers and communities through contracts or grants. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be releasing application details soon with applications due in November 2025. CMS funding decisions are due to states Dec. 31, 2025.

Any public input received will be used to help inform the application. The comment period, which ends Sept. 22, is not a request for proposals for funding of specific projects. The State will also be seeking input through other avenues prior to finishing the application to CMS.
For more information or to fill out a response, visit https://dss.sd.gov/keyresources/hearings.aspx or go to the DSS website at dss.sd.gov and click on the banner at the top of the page.

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The South Dakota Department of Social Services is dedicated to strengthening families to foster health, wellbeing, and independence. For more information, please visit dss.sd.gov.