Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance Appointments

Posted October 3, 2025

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced 14 appointments to the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance (KRHIA), a newly created alliance of stakeholders tasked with overseeing the application and implementation of Kansas’ Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). 

The passage of H.R. 1, which instituted significant funding and coverage cuts to Medicaid and further threatens the viability of rural hospitals, also included the $50 billion for the Rural Health Transformation Program. 

“The Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance will play an instrumental role in ensuring that Kansas communities receive the maximum support and funding for their rural hospitals and health care facilities that stand to lose so much from federal funding cuts,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The organizations selected for the alliance have demonstrated an understanding of the challenges rural communities face in accessing health care, and a commitment to solving those challenges. I look forward to working with them as we navigate this important process.”  

KRHIA will work with Kansas’ RHTP application development team as it advances through the application process and distribution of RHTP funding. The RHTP application must be submitted by November 5 and then the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will announce the funding awards by December 31. 

KRHIA appointees includes: 

  • Kansas Hospital Association
  • Community Care Network of Kansas
  • Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas
  • Kansas Association of Local Health Departments
  • Kansas Rural Health Association
  • Kansas Medical Society
  • Kansas Academy of Family Physicians
  • Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Kansas Health Institute
  • Kansas Department of Health and Environment
  • Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services
  • LeadingAge Kansas
  • Kansas Health Care Association
  • Kansas Grantmakers in Health  

KRHIA members will provide feedback on Kansas’ application and help develop key elements of the RHTP plan that will support the continued delivery of rural healthcare in Kansas.  

The goal for Kansas’ application is to support our rural health systems, communities, and patients in a holistic manner by improving access and outcomes through workforce development, education, systems change, and technology.  

To learn more about the Rural Health Transformation Program, please click here. 

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