The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) is excited to announce a new Increasing Access to Primary Care in Rural Communities Learning Network (Rural Primary Care Learning Network) launching in February 2026. This new learning network will provide a forum for state officials to share promising state approaches for strengthening primary care systems, with a focus on the unique challenges facing rural communities.
Building on many of the strategies outlined in NASHP’s Implementing High-Quality Primary Care: A Policy Menu for States report, the Rural Primary Care Learning Network will facilitate state-to-state learning and conversations around how to strengthen primary care systems and reduce barriers to accessing primary care services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Discussions will include how to navigate challenges and opportunities in the current fiscal and policy environment, such as implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), or H.R. 1, as well as how to leverage new resources and momentum for primary care under the CMS Rural Health Transformation program.
Other key strategies and topics will include:
- Expanding, strengthening, and retaining the rural primary care workforce
- Strengthening rural primary care infrastructure, including Community Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, local networks, and other primary care providers
- Aligning funding and reimbursement strategies to increase access to whole person care
- Investing in technology, data, and other infrastructure to increase access to care
- Reducing administrative and regulatory burdens while preserving program integrity
NASHP’s Rural Primary Care Learning Network is open to all state officials interested in primary care and rural health, including officials from state health and human service agencies, Medicaid programs, state primary care offices, offices of rural health, Medicaid agencies, and state officials engaged in state primary care strategy and policy.
Experts from the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and Milbank Memorial Fund will also provide insights and support for the network.
To learn more or to be added to the network list, please fill out this interest form.