The Wisconsin Department of Health Services applied for $1 billion as part of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program.
DHS has worked with more than 200 partners since August to finish the application.
The program helps rural communities access equitable, efficient and sustainable health systems.
“Ensuring Wisconsinites have access to affordable health care is a top priority for me and my administration, and this work is more important than ever,” Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. “We look forward to being able to invest this funding to help expand access to quality, affordable health care — especially in our rural areas — while strengthening our workforce and supporting our local and state economies.
The $1 billion investment will focus on three major initiatives:
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Strengthen the rural health care workforce via grants: $337 million;
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Drive rural technology and innovation, such as telehealth: $329 million; and
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Transform rural care through partnerships: $279 million.Â
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“This opportunity builds upon our efforts to provide Wisconsin with the support we need to improve access to care for people who live in rural parts of the state,” DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson said. “One-third of Wisconsinites live in rural Wisconsin and often lack access to care due to limited provider availability, outdated technologies and disconnected systems, which can result in fragmented care.
“This funding will allow us to strengthen the infrastructure to improve health outcomes for those who live in rural Wisconsin.”
DHS will know whether the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has awarded the funding by Dec. 31.
