MD Advances Rural Health Investments Amid Medicaid Changes

Federal funding is creating opportunities to strengthen health care access and workforce capacity in Maryland’s rural communities.

A red barn next to a field of corn In a WYPR article, Maryland is moving quickly to invest more than $168 million in federal Rural Health Transformation funding aimed at expanding access to care, strengthening the rural health workforce, and improving healthy food access in communities across the state.

The funding, authorized through the federal reconciliation package known as HR 1 is intended to help states respond to significant federal changes to the Medicaid program. Maryland received the guaranteed $100 million available to each state, along with an additional $68 million through a competitive application process.

The accelerated federal timeline requires Maryland to obligate all first-year funding by the end of October 2026, with funds to be spent by September 2027.

The investments come as Maryland prepares for major federal Medicaid policy changes beginning in 2027, including new work requirements for many recipients and more frequent eligibility renewals. State agencies are working to streamline eligibility systems and improve coordination to help eligible residents maintain coverage while implementing the new federal requirements.

Read the full WYPR article.

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Building the Future of Rural Health in Maryland,” panelists will explore explore how Local Health Departments are turning federal Rural Health Transformation Program investments into action across Maryland’s 18 designated rural jurisdictions.

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” takes place August 12–15, 2026, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. For more information, visit the conference website.