North Dakota opens funding opportunity to expand non-emergency medical transportation in rural communities

Access to healthcare doesn't begin when a patient walks through the clinic door—it begins with being able to get there. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is investing in transportation solutions that help rural residents reach the care they need through a new funding opportunity.

Applications are now open for the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Acquisition funding opportunity through the North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The funding will help eligible rural healthcare organizations purchase accessible transportation vehicles that make it easier for rural residents, including Medicaid members, to get to medical appointments and other essential healthcare services.

"You can't benefit from healthcare if you can't get there," said HHS Commissioner Pat Traynor. "For many North Dakotans, transportation is one of the biggest barriers to getting the care they need. These investments will help communities remove that barrier, making it easier for people to reach appointments, stay connected to care and achieve better health outcomes."

“The Trump Administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program is helping states like North Dakota turn bold plans into action with innovative, locally driven solutions to improve rural Americans’ access to high-quality care,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “As states move forward with implementation, this historic investment is empowering rural communities to strengthen their health systems, put patients first, and bring better care closer to home.”

Approximately $2 million in federal funding is available through this competitive opportunity. North Dakota HHS anticipates awarding approximately four grants of about $500,000 each to eligible rural healthcare organizations.

Reliable transportation is often the first step in accessing preventive care, managing chronic conditions and receiving specialty services. By helping patients get to appointments consistently, communities can improve health outcomes, strengthen care coordination and reduce avoidable emergency department visits. The funding opportunity aligns with Initiative 3: Bring High-Quality Healthcare Closer to Home, one of four strategic initiatives within the North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program.

Funding may be used to purchase new accessible transportation vehicles that safely transport patients with mobility needs. Vehicles may include accessible vans, larger passenger vehicles equipped for wheelchair users and other transportation solutions that help rural residents reach healthcare services.

Applicants will be asked to demonstrate the transportation needs within their communities and explain how the proposed vehicle will improve access to healthcare for the people they serve.

The funding opportunity is intended to expand access to care for rural North Dakotans by helping communities overcome transportation barriers and better connect residents with the healthcare services they need.

Eligible applicants include rural hospitals, clinics, federally qualified health centers, non-federally operated Indian Health Service facilities and tribally operated 638 health facilities that are enrolled Medicaid providers in good standing. Applicants must serve rural North Dakota residents, including Medicaid members. Rural tribal residents may also be served. For purposes of the Rural Health Transformation Program, entities located within the cities of Bismarck, Fargo, West Fargo and Grand Forks are considered urban and are not eligible.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. CT on Aug. 19, 2026. Funding agreements will run through Aug. 31, 2027, with all awarded funds required to be expended during the project period.

Additional information, application materials and future funding opportunities are available on the North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program website at hhs.nd.gov/rural-health-transformation.

The Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a financial assistance award totaling $198,936,969.55, with 100% funded by CMS. The contents are those of North Dakota Health and Human Services and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. government.

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