As of this week, all 50 states have submitted applications to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Fund. The $50 billion of funding will be allocated to states over five years, with states receiving funding under a methodology that distributes half of the funds equally, and the other half based on CMS criteria. States must select at least three approved uses for the funds from CMS’ official list; these can include things like improving chronic disease management, advancing the adoption of technology in rural communities or targeting place-based health challenges like accessing opioid use disorder treatment. CMS will announce award decisions by December 31st.