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For Immediate Release
December 30, 2025
Contact: Department of Health Services 608-266-1683
Wisconsin Receives $203 Million in Federal Funding to Support Health Care Innovation and Partnerships in Rural Wisconsin
Investment in workforce, technology, and care coordination
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has received a first-year award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for $203,670,005 as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program. In November, DHS applied for $1 billion in funding ($200 million annually) from CMS. DHS will use the funding to create a stronger and more accessible health care system in rural communities throughout Wisconsin. With over one-third of Wisconsinites living in rural Wisconsin, these communities face unique challenges when it comes to accessing health care. Out of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, 40 are federally designated as mental health professional shortage areas, 37 as primary care shortage areas, and 34 as dental care shortage areas. CMS has not yet announced award amounts for the subsequent four years of the program.
“Especially as Republicans refuse to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, which will cause health care coverage costs to soar by thousands or tens of thousands of dollars a year for working families and seniors in Wisconsin, my administration's work to expand access to affordable health care has never been more important,” said Gov. Tony Evers. "By securing these new investments for Wisconsin, we will be able to continue building upon our efforts to help Wisconsinites in rural areas and communities get the care they need and closer to home. We are investing in a future where the right providers – empowered by the right technology and supported by the right networks – can help us to build healthier communities, a stronger workforce, and a thriving economy.”
View the entire news release.
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