Transforming Rural Healthcare: Peaks Medical & Urgent Care Selected as One of Five National Innovation Sites

Peaks Medical & Urgent Care was recently selected as one of only five sites nationwide to help innovate and shape the future of rural healthcare under the RHT Program. This designation builds on our ongoing work through RHPTP, where we have been actively implementing strategies to improve efficiency, adopt new care models, and strengthen sustainability for our rural community.

What Is the Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project (RHPTP)?

The RHPTP is a federal program designed to prepare small rural hospitals and rural health clinics—like Peaks Medical & Urgent Care—for participation in value-based care and advanced healthcare delivery models. RHPTP provides:

• Technical assistance

• Financial sustainability planning

• Quality improvement strategies

• Infrastructure assessments

• Support in transitioning toward population health and value-based reimbursement

Being part of RHPTP positioned Peaks to adopt innovative systems, expand our service capabilities, and strengthen care coordination—making us well-prepared for the next phase under the RHT Program.

What Is the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program?

Authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21), the RHT Program invests $50 billion over five years to reshape the rural healthcare delivery ecosystem nationwide. The program empowers states to improve access, care quality, technology adoption, and long-term sustainability.

Funding Overview

• $10 billion available each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030

• 50% distributed equally among approved states

• 50% allocated based on rural population, hospital needs, and state-specific factors

A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is expected by mid-September.

RHT Program Strategic Goals

1. Make Rural America Healthy Again

Improve prevention, chronic disease management, behavioral health, and prenatal care.

2. Sustainable Access

Strengthen rural providers by improving efficiency, sharing resources, and enhancing primary and specialty access.

3. Workforce Development

Recruit and retain a skilled workforce, expand community health worker roles, and support providers working at the top of their license.

4. Innovative Care

Advance value-based care models, coordinated care, and flexible care options that reduce costs and improve outcomes.

5. Technology & Digital Innovation

Invest in remote care, AI, robotics, data sharing, cybersecurity, and emerging digital health capabilities.