July 2, 2026

CHRC to Assist RHTP Applicants

HCPF has awarded a contract to the Colorado Rural Health Center to provide training and technical assistance to organizations applying for Rural Health Transformation Project (RHTP) grant funding!

Whether you are preparing your first application or have previous grant experience, technical assistance is available to help strengthen your submission and prepare your organization for successful implementation.

Applicants can receive support with:

• Navigating the application process
• Addressing questions throughout application development
• Creating SMART goals
• Reviewing project workplans
• Preparing realistic project budgets

Technical assistance is available through one-on-one consultations, webinars, office hours, written guidance, and other resources designed to support applicants throughout the application process.

Organizations that receive an RHTP award will continue to have access to technical assistance during implementation, including support with programmatic and financial reporting requirements, compliance, workforce development, and program implementation.

If you are considering applying for RHTP funding, we encourage you to take advantage of these resources early in the application process.

How to request applicant TA

Interested applicants may seek training and technical assistance from the Colorado Rural Health Center by contacting the organization at CRHC_RHTP@coruralhealth.org.

New Resource: Fact Sheet on Advance Payments, Reimbursement Requirements, and Fiscal Rule Waiver Process

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) has released new guidance outlining how Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grant funds will be distributed and managed. Consistent with Colorado Fiscal Rule 3-1, reimbursement remains the standard payment method, meaning grantees will generally receive funding after eligible expenses have been incurred and documented. This approach helps ensure responsible stewardship of state and federal funds by verifying that expenditures are allowable, properly documented, and aligned with approved project activities. While advance payments are not the default, HCPF recognizes that some projects may face legitimate cash flow challenges and has established a process for applicants to request consideration for advance funding in limited circumstances.

The guidance also explains that requests for advance payments will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as organizational capacity, financial need, project risk, and the ability to safeguard public funds. Applicants seeking an advance payment should clearly demonstrate why reimbursement would create a barrier to project implementation and provide supporting documentation with their request. HCPF includes several examples to illustrate situations where advance payments may, or may not be appropriate, helping prospective grantees better understand the expectations before submitting an application. Organizations planning to apply for RHTP funding are encouraged to review the fact sheet and Advance Payment Request Form carefully to ensure their financial planning aligns with program requirements.

Revised Work Plan Template

The HCPF team has posted an updated version of the Work Plan Template for all potential applicants. The changes are limited to the appendix, but the team recommends downloading and utilizing the current version.

Upcoming Webinars, Meetings, and Office Hours

How to Fill Out the Budget and Scope of Work: 

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 2:30-4 p.m.

Join us for a 90-minute session on tips and recommendations for filling out the RHTP Budget and Scope of Work. Register here.

RHTP Advisory Committee Meeting:

• Monday, July 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Join here.

RHTP Office Hours:

RHTP Office Hours are intended to provide applicants with a focused opportunity to ask questions related to the RHTP RFA.

• Tuesday, July 7, 8 to 9 a.m. Join here.
• Tuesday, July 14, 12 to 1 p.m. Join here.
• Thursday, July 16, 8 to 9 a.m. Join here.

Additional Resources

• Colorado RHTP Website
• CO RHTP Program History
• RHTP Applicant FAQs
• CMS Rural Health Transformation Program
• HRSA Definition of Rural
• CMS Restrictions of Grant Funds
• Rural Health Transformation Program Bill
• CMS September 2025 RHTP Webinar

Where to Direct Questions

To ensure a timely response to your RHTP correspondence, email: hcpf_RHTP@state.co.us.

RHTP Newsletter

Sign up for the RHTP newsletter here. 

This publication is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $200,105,604.17, with 100% funded by CMS/HHS.

The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.