North Dakota lawmakers are preparing to return to Bismarck in early 2026 for a special legislative session that will formally approve a $500 million federal health-care fund. The money is intended to bolster rural hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and healthcare workforce efforts — including those in Grand Forks and surrounding communities.
The funding process is being managed by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (ND DHHS) and a 33-member legislative advisory committee. The state must submit its application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by November 5. Once CMS approves the plan, lawmakers will have limited authority to change spending allocations during the session.
Impact on Grand Forks Area
✅ Local hospitals may receive stabilization funding and support for staffing shortages.
✅ Rural clinics and pharmacies may see expanded service authority and reimbursement flexibility.
✅ Patients could benefit from improved access to telehealth, behavioral health, and emergency care.
✅ Health workers could see recruitment bonuses, loan incentives, or expanded training programs.
A Critical Moment for Rural Healthcare
This $500 million decision will define the future of healthcare in North Dakota for years to come. While lawmakers won’t be able to shift major allocations, community leaders and healthcare providers in Grand Forks still have a window to advocate, influence implementation, and ensure the funding meets real local needs.
If approved in January, this could be one of the largest rural healthcare investments in North Dakota history.