WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) today called on Governor Tony Evers to immediately submit Wisconsin’s application for the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program before the November 5 deadline, warning that failure to do so will cost Wisconsin $50 million in federal funding designated for rural communities.
In a letter sent to the governor, Van Orden emphasized the urgency of meeting the federal submission deadline and ensuring that the state’s application aligns with both Congressional intent and the parameters outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
“Governor Evers must act now,” said Van Orden. “If his administration fails to submit an application that meets the intent of Congress and CMS, Wisconsin will immediately lose $50 million meant to strengthen healthcare in our rural communities. That would be an unacceptable failure of leadership.”
The Rural Health Transformation Program, created under President Donald J. Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts law (H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21), invests $50 billion nationwide over five years to help rural hospitals and clinics expand access to care, improve patient outcomes, and build a sustainable healthcare workforce.
Van Orden also spoke with CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, who confirmed that the Trump Administration and Congress are aligned on ensuring these funds go directly to the most rural areas—not urban centers like Milwaukee or Madison.
“Rural Wisconsinites deserve the same quality of care as those in our cities,” Van Orden continued. “This program is a historic opportunity to deliver real resources to rural hospitals, clinics, and providers. The Evers Administration has one day left to decide whether to fight for rural Wisconsin or let this opportunity slip away.”
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