Public Input Process
On September 15, 2025, CMS released the Notice of Funding Opportunity outlining the rules and requirements governing the RHT Program and application process.
The West Virginia RHT Program application was built through a deep stakeholder engagement process, including broad public input, interviews, and Governor-led convenings:
- A statewide Request for Information (RFI) generated ~3,000 pages of insights from 250+ respondents, including providers, payers, tech companies, associations, academia, and citizens.
- The RFI was augmented with 50+ stakeholder discussions, including with rural healthcare providers and payers, medical schools, local governments, and associations.
- Representatives of the State Senate and House of Delegates reviewed a draft to provide comments, and the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability was briefed on the RHT application strategy.
- The Governor convened three roundtables with 30+ organizations represented to solicit input, co-hosting with the Departments of Health and Human Services.
- The Governor held a tele-townhall with over 17,000 citizens in rural areas to gather input.
- State agencies (including the Departments of Health, Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Commerce, and Transportation) provided leadership throughout the application development process.
- West Virginia submitted its RHT Program application on November 5, 2025.