JACKSON, Wyo. — The state of Wyoming has submitted its application for federal grant money that is earmarked to strengthen rural health care access.
Gov. Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) sent a press release on Wednesday saying the state is applying to be part of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The governor and WDH detailed the priorities included in the state’s plan — identified through a statewide online survey and 11 local town hall meetings.
“Our application reflects a clear vision for Wyoming’s health care future,” Gordon said in the statement. “Just as we have done with other transitory federal programs, we recognize this money is not forever and it is taxpayer money. So the investments we make must stand the test of time and not further burden our grandchildren. Rural states like Wyoming need the tools to build solutions that work here at home. These funds will help us transform care for Wyoming families and keep critical services local, where they belong.”
The top five health challenges determined by rural Wyoming communities will help shape how the state plans to prioritize the funding. According to the statement, the priorities include: improving financial viability of small, rural hospitals to provide basic services; expanding affordable health insurance options; recruiting and retaining primary care physicians in order to improve access; training and recruiting more nurses and nursing assistants to improve staffing at hospitals and long-term care facilities; and strengthening obstetric/gynecological, labor/delivery and related services so babies can be delivered safely.
In order to address those priorities, WDH determined the following four key initiatives:
- Improve access to basic medical care. The state’s rural hospitals and EMS systems will work to focus on the basics and improve sustainability for rural communities. “One of Wyoming’s main goals is to improve access to maternity care so mothers can deliver babies safely and closer to home.”
- Build up health workforce. The state’s proposal will expand educational opportunities for nurses, paramedics and others, which will define a clear career pathway for people in entry-level jobs.
- Improve people’s health. Wyoming hopes to curb diabetes and cardiovascular disease by improving diets and promoting physical activity.
- Use technology to improve chronic disease management. The state hopes to improve how medical care is delivered to rural residents by supplying health providers with the right tools and incentives.
“This application reflects Wyoming’s dedication to building a sustainable and innovative rural health system that addresses our communities’ needs,” WDH Director Stefan Johansson said via press release.
RHTP plans to distribute $10 billion annually for five years. Half of the funds will be equally distributed to states with approved applications, with the other half being allocated by CMS based on a variety of factors.
