Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) has joined Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) in sending a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz. The letter urges the fair distribution of funds from the Rural Health Transformation Fund, particularly in states led by Democratic governors.The Rural Transformation Fund, created under H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cut Act, is the largest federal investment to date aimed at supporting rural hospitals across the country.House Republicans are seeking to ensure that rural communities receive their promised resources from this fund. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats—including Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)—are pressing for a repeal of this fund as part of ongoing negotiations during a federal government shutdown.Other signatories on the letter include Reps. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), David Valadao (R-CA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and Gabe Evans (R-CO).In their message, the Members wrote: “As Republican Members of Congress from states with a Democrat Governor, we believe it is imperative that the program be implemented fairly so that funding is allocated specifically to rural healthcare providers, rather than diverted to urban centers that do not face the same challenges.” They continued: “During the approval process of state applications, we urge HHS and CMS to ensure funds are distributed to rural communities with the greatest need, making rural America healthy again regardless of political affiliation.”Julia Strange, Vice President of External Affairs at TMC Health in Southern Arizona, emphasized the importance of these resources: “Rural hospitals are the backbone of communities like Benson and Willcox, providing care that families simply cannot go without. But the financial challenges we face are real, and future shortfalls could threaten our viability,” she said. “The Rural Transformation Fund is critical to ensuring we not only survive, but also innovate and transform to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. These funds are a start to protecting access to vital healthcare services and supporting a stronger future for rural Arizona.”The Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute $10 billion per year over five years for states to improve health care access in rural areas nationwide.Half of this funding will be distributed equally among all approved states; the other half will be allocated based on factors such as each state’s rural population and proportion of rural health facilities.States must use these funds for at least three approved purposes—these include improving chronic disease management through evidence-based interventions; providing payments for health care services; investing in technology-driven solutions; training staff in new technologies; recruiting clinical talent committed long-term to rural areas; upgrading information technology infrastructure; adjusting local health care delivery systems; expanding substance use disorder treatment services; developing innovative models including value-based arrangements; or other uses promoting sustainable access as determined by CMS.Juan Ciscomani currently serves as U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 6th district after winning elections against Kirsten Engel in both 2022 and 2024 by narrow margins.
Juan Ciscomani is currently serving in the U.S. Congress, representing Arizona’s 6th district. He replaced previous U.S Congress member Ann Kirkpatrick in 2023.
