Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey announced Alabama’s next steps in preparing to administer the Rural Health Transformation Program, created through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in July. The program is designed to empower states to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes through transforming healthcare delivery systems.
“Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, Alabama and states across the country have an opportunity to make meaningful improvements in our rural healthcare systems,” Governor Ivey said. “Alabama is a very rural state, and my goal is to ensure rural Alabamians have long-term and sustainable access to quality healthcare services. Thank you to President Trump and Congress for the vision to Make Rural America Healthy Again. I look forward to Alabama submitting a strong plan.”
After the bill was signed into law on Independence Day, the Governor’s Office began engaging providers, stakeholders, and interest groups to gather input on how Alabama could best administer the program. A state team was also established, with the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) tasked with assisting in the development of Alabama’s application for the program’s grant opportunity.
The state team includes Governor Ivey, SHPDA, the Department of Finance, and the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Following new guidance issued this week by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Governor Ivey appointed an advisory workgroup of healthcare leaders and elected officials to provide input.
The advisory group includes:
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Joseph Marchant, CEO, Bibb Medical Center
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Lother (Jim) Peace, President & CEO, Russell Medical Center
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Charles (Max) Rogers, IV, Obstetrics, North Baldwin Infirmary
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Susan Alverson, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Alabama Board of Pharmacy
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Scott Harris, State Health Officer
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Greg Nichols, Administrator, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital
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John Waits, CEO, Cahaba Medical Care
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Jeff Samz, CEO, Huntsville Hospital Health System
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Dawn Bulgarella, CEO, UAB Health System
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Natalie Fox, Interim CEO, USA Health
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Tuerk Schlesinger, CEO, AltaPointe Health
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Teresa Grimes, CEO, Washington County Hospital & Nursing Home
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Peggy Benson, Executive Officer, Alabama Board of Nursing Representative
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Clarence Ball, President and CEO, Ball Healthcare
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Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger
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State Senator Greg Albritton
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State Senator Bobby Singleton
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House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter
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State Representative Rex Reynolds
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State Representative Anthony Daniels
SHPDA Executive Director Emily Marsal said collaboration will be key: “We look forward to working with the Governor’s Office, state partners, and the Advisory Workgroup to make some transformational changes in the provision of services and care for the citizens in rural areas of our state. Governor Ivey’s leadership in this process has already been vital and I appreciate her providing a way for our health care partners to come to the table with valuable knowledge and information to work on this CMS funding opportunity.”
The advisory group will meet regularly and provide recommendations for the state’s submission. Alabama’s application deadline, along with other states, is set for November 5, 2025.
