Illinois Awarded $193 Million To Expand Rural Health Care Access

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has been awarded $193,418,216 per year for five years through the federal Rural Healthcare Transformation Program to expand access to health care in rural areas beginning in fiscal year 2026. State officials say the funding will support rural health systems, technology based care, emergency services, and workforce development across 85 counties that include rural census tracts. About 1.9 million people, or 15 percent of Illinois residents, live in rural parts of the state. Officials note the funding will not fully offset expected federal Medicaid cuts, which are projected to reduce rural health care funding nationally by $137 billion. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services developed the state plan using federal guidelines and input from state agencies, providers, hospitals, colleges, and community partners, with a focus on improving access, addressing workforce shortages, and strengthening regional health care delivery for rural residents.