Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) plans to award about $87 million in Rural Texas Strong grants to 129 rural healthcare providers across the state. Abbott said the funding will help recruit and retain healthcare professionals, replace aging medical equipment and strengthen facilities.
The grants are part of an estimated $1.4 billion in federal funding over five years for rural healthcare in Texas. The $87.2 million is a portion of a $281.3 million first-year award HHSC received from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The Rural Texas Strong plan has six initiatives. Federal funding depends on meeting all applicable program requirements.
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said the investments will help Texas improve health outcomes and strengthen its rural health workforce. HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said the awards will help rural communities respond to changing needs and sustain healthcare services.
HHSC said it will announce its intent to award funding weekly as applications are reviewed. Funding will be available after contracts are finalized. A list of all recipients has been published.