Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 30, 2025

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov   

Michigan awarded more than $173 million in
federal funding to strengthen rural health
Funding comes from Rural Health Transformation Program

LANSING, Mich. – This week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was awarded $173,128,201 for FY 2026 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the Rural Health Transformation Program.

“Today’s investment will support access to health care for rural communities across Michigan as we deal with funding shortfalls caused by federal Medicaid cuts,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “This $173 million grant will help us connect more Michiganders to the care they need and provide essential wraparound supports. In Michigan, we have successfully worked together to protect quality, affordable health care, and we will continue finding ways to secure more federal funds, expand coverage and lower costs.”

The Rural Health Transformation Program is a $50 billion national commitment to improve the health and well-being of rural communities across the country. With this funding, states will implement comprehensive strategies to improve care delivery, support providers and advance new approaches to coordinating health care services across rural communities. Funding will be allocated over five years, with $10 billion available each year from 2026 through 2030.

“Michigan continues to support a resilient and innovative rural health system where every resident has access to high-quality care close to home,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. “Our approved proposal for these federal funds focuses on enhancing the long-term sustainability of rural providers while supporting their growth and continued service to their communities.”

Before submitting its application, MDHHS hosted an online survey and two listening sessions to gather input on how the funding could help increase and improve sustainability for rural providers.

Based on this feedback, MDHHS requested funding to:

• Support the development and strengthening of regional partnerships among rural hospitals, clinics and community organizations to improve care coordination, align service delivery, expand access points and promote financially sustainable care models.

• Recruit and retain rural health professionals, behavioral health providers and community health workers. Funds will also promote prevention and chronic disease management training and integrated behavioral health care access.

• Implement technology tools and advance rural interoperability, including establishing a rural technology catalyst fund to support expanding data exchange and increasing adoption of telehealth, remote patient monitoring and technology-driven care coordination tools.

• Establish digital referral networks that connect residents to local care, prevention and wellness resources needed to live healthy lives.

For more information about Michigan’s plan for the funding, visit the MDHHS Rural Health Transformation Program website. Additional information about the federal Rural Health Transformation Program is available at Rural Health Transformation Program | CMS.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 29, 2025

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov

MDHHS seeks proposals to improve health care
services for individuals with sickle cell disease

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a competitive Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) to improve clinical services for Michigan residents who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

The grant program is designed to assist providers in expanding or strengthening the services they offer to patients. Funding will prioritize projects that improve access to high-quality, integrated health care; increase the use of disease-modifying therapies; and enhance acute care services for individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

This opportunity is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, private and public entities and universities that are:

• An existing hematology or hematology/oncology clinic working under a Michigan hospital or medical school or an emergency department at a Michigan hospital.
• Enrolled as a Michigan Medicaid provider.
• Comply with Michigan Medicaid policies.
• Accept all Medicaid, MI Child, Healthy Michigan Plan and Children’s Special Health Care Services beneficiaries.

The maximum total award for the grant period, April 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2026, is $80,000 per applicant. A total of approximately $400,000 in funding is available, and MDHHS anticipates issuing up to five awards. Continuation awards are available for successful applicants.

Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27.

A pre-application conference will be held to discuss this funding opportunity and provide instructions on using the EGrAMS system at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6. It will last approximately 90 minutes and can be accessed at https://bit.ly/48TceCT.

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select the “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete GFO can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants section under the “Public Health Administration” link and selecting the “SKLCE-2026” grant program.