ACOs · Partnerships · 5 min read
Who should accountable care organizations (ACOs) partner with for RHTP success?
Because states apply and are accountable; sub-recipients (providers, plans, vendors) deliver, accountable care organizations (ACOs) succeed through partnerships: ACOs engage as delivery partners or sub-recipients, aligning RHTP-funded prevention with their existing value-based contracts. Strong proposals show a coordinated set of partners rather than a single organization acting alone.
Why partnerships win
RHTP rewards statewide, sustainable approaches. ACOs engage as delivery partners or sub-recipients, aligning RHTP-funded prevention with their existing value-based contracts. A proposal that names committed partners and a clear division of labor is more credible than a solo bid.
Who to bring to the table
For accountable care organizations (ACOs), the most valuable partners typically include the state agency holding the award, anchor providers, and the technology or service partners that deliver and measure the work.
Aligning incentives
Treating RHTP as grant revenue rather than as fuel for the risk model leaves savings on the table when the funding ends.
Frequently asked questions
- Can accountable care organizations (ACOs) apply alone?
- Rarely effectively. RHTP favors coordinated, statewide approaches, so partnerships materially improve competitiveness.
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.