Managed Care Organizations · Partnerships · 5 min read
Who should managed care organizations (MCOs) partner with for RHTP success?
Because states apply and are accountable; sub-recipients (providers, plans, vendors) deliver, managed care organizations (MCOs) succeed through partnerships: MCOs coordinate with state Medicaid and RHTP agencies, often co-funding or operationalizing programs for shared members. Strong proposals show a coordinated set of partners rather than a single organization acting alone.
Why partnerships win
RHTP rewards statewide, sustainable approaches. MCOs coordinate with state Medicaid and RHTP agencies, often co-funding or operationalizing programs for shared members. 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 managed care organizations (MCOs), 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
Misalignment between RHTP-funded services and the plan's value-based incentives can create duplicate or stranded programs.
Frequently asked questions
- Can managed care organizations (MCOs) 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.