Safety-Net Providers · Eligibility · 4 min read
Are safety-net providers and FQHCs eligible for RHTP funding?
safety-net providers and FQHCs are not direct CMS grantees, states hold the cooperative agreement. But safety-net providers and FQHCs are eligible to participate as sub-recipients or partners through state solicitations, which is how the funding actually reaches them.
The eligibility reality
States apply and are accountable; sub-recipients (providers, plans, vendors) deliver So the question for safety-net providers and FQHCs is not "can we apply to CMS" but "how do we qualify for our state's mechanism."
FQHCs and safety-net clinics participate as sub-recipients, frequently in partnership with hospitals and behavioral health agencies.
How to qualify
Align your program (such as chronic-disease and prevention programs for underserved patients) to the state's plan and the evidence-based prevention and chronic-disease management, and additional uses that promote sustainable access categories, and be ready to show uniform data system (UDS) clinical measures.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a federal application for providers?
- No. Providers and partners work through their state's process, not directly with CMS.
- Does rural location matter for eligibility?
- Yes. RHTP targets rural access, so programs serving rural populations are the focus of state solicitations.
Figures reflect the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program NOFO and the December 2025 award announcement. RHTP Tracker is an independent resource by Moodr Health and is not affiliated with CMS.