SANTA FE, N.M. — Rural health care providers and organizations across New Mexico have been given additional time to apply for a share of $47 million in funding aimed at expanding access to health care services and strengthening rural health systems.
State officials announced that the application deadline for the Rural Health Innovation Fund has been extended to 5 p.m. MDT on Aug. 3, 2026. The extension also applies to required organizational reference questionnaires.
The fund is part of New Mexico’s broader Rural Health Transformation Program and is designed to support projects that improve access to care, enhance health care technology, and strengthen long-term health care delivery in rural communities.
Eligible projects may include:
- New or expanded health care services
- Technology and equipment upgrades
- Regional health care partnerships
- Care coordination and patient navigation programs
- Other locally developed solutions addressing rural health needs
The program is open to a range of applicants, including health care providers, tribal entities, community organizations, local governments, academic institutions, vendors, and regional partnerships involved in delivering health services.
Applicants are required to outline the need for their proposed project, expected outcomes, implementation plans, and how the project will continue benefiting communities after the grant funding ends.
The Rural Health Innovation Fund is administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority with funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Officials say the program is intended to support long-term improvements in rural health care access, workforce development, and service delivery throughout the state.
Additional information and application materials are available through the New Mexico Rural Health Transformation Program website.
