U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) recently joined four of her home-state Republican colleagues in voicing support of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program application.
“Rural communities are an essential part of the commonwealth, and ensuring access to high-quality health care close to home keeps families healthy and local economies strong,” Rep. Kiggans said on Dec. 19. “The Rural Health Transformation Program will strengthen providers, expand access, and deliver better outcomes for patients who too often face long drives and limited options for care — and I believe Virginia will benefit greatly from this program.”
The $50-billion Rural Health Transformation Program fund was created to support rural health institutions, with the goal of ensuring these providers remain long-term access points for care by improving efficiency and sustainability, according to the congresswoman.
In an Oct. 29 letter she and her colleagues sent to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, they urged CMS to consider and look favorably upon Virginia’s application into the program.
“These funds will provide an important step forward to bring more care and access to our constituents,” the Republicans wrote. “We are hopeful the application submitted will show the need for the funds to continue the progress being made to help rural Virginians.”
The Rural Health Transformation Program was created in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1, which Trump signed into law on July 4. The program aims to achieve five strategic goals: Make Rural America Healthy Again, Sustainable Access, Workforce Development, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation, according to the letter.
“We hope that you give this proposal by Virginia full consideration,” wrote Rep. Kiggans and her colleagues. “The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to helping individuals in rural communities receive the best possible care and working towards the stated goals of this Rural Health Transformation Program.”