Idaho spent its full approximately $186 million first-year award through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid announced Wednesday.
The funding supported rural and tribal health care access and services across Idaho. The state spent the grant during the program’s second year; the federal initiative runs for five years.
Idaho officials awarded nearly 115 subgrants statewide. The funded programs covered health care workforce development, chronic disease prevention, cancer screening, rural hospital infrastructure, substance use disorder prevention, maternal and child health, and 911 emergency communications.
Idaho had until Oct. 30 to use the grant or risk having federal money reclaimed. The state received the award Dec. 30, 2025.
The funding came from $50 billion allocated nationwide through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Congress approved in July 2025. The agency has not yet decided the amounts available for the program’s second year.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare posted its first three grant opportunities in June.
Gov. Brad Little said rural families often face concerns about affordable and accessible health care. He said the funding placed resources in areas where they were needed.
Correction: This story was updated at 12:15 p.m. Oct. 28.