The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded Pennsylvania $193 million for the first year of its’ approved, five-year Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP). This plan was created to foster innovation and improve access to essential health services in rural communities. PA is home to the third largest rural population in the nation.
Community Health Workers (CHW) are an essential community-based workforce who improve whole person and family health, connect patients to resources, and helps bridge gaps in care and address social needs. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Service is actively moving forward to create pathways to fund this essential workforce and ensure policy reflects the added value of the CHW workforce.