The RHTP submission window has closed, and states have outlined their strategies for improving rural health. The focus now shifts to implementation. CMS will evaluate states over the next several years based on measurable progress, sustainable care models, and meaningful impact across rural communities.
This period is critical. States that demonstrate early success, reduce burden on rural clinics, and show real improvements in outcomes will be best positioned to receive the competitive portion of RHTP funding.
Welldoc can help. Our digital health platform aligns directly with the goals of RHTP and gives states, policy teams, and rural care organizations the tools and support needed to deliver measurable results.
The Next Phase: From Application to Execution
State Medicaid agencies, public health departments, rural clinics, and policy leaders now face a shared goal: strengthen access, modernize care delivery, and improve outcomes for rural residents. CMS will look for signs of:
- Early improvements in chronic disease outcomes
- Expanded access for residents in remote areas
- Reduced burden on rural clinics and care teams
- Effective use of modern digital health tools
- Sustainable models that support long-term results
- Strong data capture and reporting
States that show progress in the first year will build a stronger position in the competitive review.
How Welldoc Supports RHTP Implementation Across Stakeholders
CMS aligned RHTP around five strategic goals. Welldoc directly supports the goals that influence competitive scoring.
- Improve rural health outcomes
Welldoc gives residents daily digital coaching for cardiometabolic conditions, helping them stay engaged between visits and improving outcomes where traditional access is limited.
- Expand access and modernize care
The platform delivers personalized support to residents across rural and frontier areas, filling gaps when clinics are far away or understaffed.
- Strengthen rural workforces
Welldoc reduces burden by supporting patients between visits and streamlining digital workflows. Rural clinics can focus on high-risk patients without adding extra staff.
- Support data capture and reporting
Welldoc integrates with more than 400 devices and existing systems to strengthen data collection and support CMS reporting requirements.
- Advance sustainable, innovative models
States can scale digital programs across counties and regions without requiring major operational changes. Welldoc supports value-based goals and cost-effective care with proven savings of up to $3,252 per person annually¹ enabling states to deliver more care without increasing costs.
Demonstrated Success: Montana’s Rural Health Outcomes
Montana partnered with Welldoc to improve access and outcomes across rural and frontier communities. The program achieved meaningful results²:
- 47 mg/dL improvement in eAG among engaged users
- 10 mmHg average reduction in blood pressure
- 7 percent average weight reduction among participants who lost weight
These outcomes show what early progress can look like—and they strengthen Montana’s positioning for competitive funding. Check out Welldoc’s Montana Case Study for real-world results of digital tool deployment in a high-need rural county.
What States Can Do Right Now
To build competitive standing, states can:
- Begin tracking early improvements in glucose, blood pressure, and weight
- Deploy digital tools to high-need rural counties
- Reduce strain on rural clinics with scalable digital support
- Improve access for residents between visits
- Strengthen data infrastructure for CMS reporting
- Build cross-agency coordination among Medicaid, public health, and policy teams
Welldoc supports all these steps with a single platform.
Partner Now to Strengthen Your RHTP Position
The competitive portion of RHTP funding will reward states that demonstrate clear improvements and modern, scalable care models. Welldoc helps states take action now.
Explore how your state can support rural residents, strengthen care delivery, and show measurable progress in the next phase of RHTP.
*Welldoc® Rx is an FDA-cleared medical device, intended for use by healthcare providers and their adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. For full labeling information, visit welldoc.com/indications-for-use/. The other Welldoc App products are non-FDA-cleared and intended to promote general wellness and education/self-management of various chronic disease states.
References
1 IBM Watson Health. Estimating the economic value of a digital therapeutic in type 2 diabetes. Welldoc-sponsored report 2018. Published August 2018.
2 Welldoc Data on File. Results may vary based on Welldoc App adherence.
