Mississippi Unveils 2031 Plan to Strengthen Rural Health Care

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) — Governor Tate Reeves announced that Mississippi has officially submitted its Rural Health Transformation Program Plan to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The plan aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes for rural Mississippians, expand the medical workforce, and ensure long-term sustainability of rural health systems.

By 2031, the goal is for every rural resident in Mississippi to have reliable, high-quality healthcare, both in-person and through telehealth services.

“The Rural Health Transformation Program is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a lasting impact on the health of our rural communities,” Reeves said. “Our plan addresses these challenges head-on with accountability, transparency, and results-driven oversight.”

Program Oversight

The Office of the Governor will oversee the program’s implementation, coordinating with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)—home to the State Office of Rural Health—and the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.

Six Key Initiatives

The comprehensive plan includes six major initiatives designed to transform healthcare access and delivery across the state:

Statewide Rural Health Assessment – A third-party organization will conduct a detailed, 10-year assessment of Mississippi’s current and future rural healthcare needs.
Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems Initiative – Builds a connected, data-driven network linking emergency, clinical, and community-based services statewide.
Workforce Expansion Initiative – Strengthens the rural healthcare workforce through targeted programs focused on recruitment, retention, training, and career pathway development.
Health Technology Advancement and Modernization Initiative – Modernizes healthcare infrastructure by enhancing digital systems that enable coordinated and secure care delivery.
Telehealth Adoption and Provider Support Initiative – Expands virtual care access, assists providers in adopting telehealth technologies, and tests innovative payment models to improve efficiency.
Building Rural Infrastructure for Delivery, Growth, and Efficiency Initiative – Focuses on improving facilities, expanding specialized care, and launching pilot programs to enhance care coordination and patient outcomes.

Reeves said the program is designed not only to bridge existing healthcare gaps but also to create a sustainable model for rural healthcare that can serve as a blueprint for other states.

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