In a major move for healthcare in the region, the North Dakota Legislature has officially backed the state’s application to secure federal health-care dollars through the Rural Health Transformation Program — a development that could mean enhanced medical access, workforce support and facility upgrades for communities including Bismarck.
The federal government launched this $50 billion program designed to help rural states shore up health-care access, infrastructure and workforce training.
According to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, North Dakota is expected to receive roughly $100 million annually (about $500 million over five years) if the application succeeds.
The Legislature’s interim Rural Health Transformation Committee is charged with drafting and endorsing policy changes that strengthen the application and improve the state’s eligibility and score.
For locals in Bismarck, that means the potential for improved services closer to home, better emergency-response times, expanded tele‐health and new training opportunities for local health-care workers.
Bismarck residents could benefit if some funds are allocated locally toward mobile clinics, mental-health services, or community-based care.
The push includes funding for recruitment and retention of rural clinicians — an opportunity for Bismarck’s health-care employers and professionals.
While the funds won’t cover new building purchases, eligible investments include technology upgrades, workforce training, prevention programs and clinics.
North Dakota must submit its detailed plan by November 5, 2025.
To maximize funding, the committee is advancing bills requiring schools to administer fitness tests, doctors to get nutrition education, and pharmacists to expand services.
“We’re starting from behind,” said Sarah Aker, executive director of medical services for ND’s HHS, referring to the state’s score in the federal criteria.
As Bismarck watches this application process play out, the key takeaway is opportunity: this federal fund could bring real change in healthcare delivery, workforce stability and service access locally. The clock is ticking: with the November deadline looming, the decisions made now will shape how and where the money is spent.
Stay tuned — for Bismarck residents, this isn’t just state policy; it’s about your clinic hours, your access to providers, and your family’s care.
