Delaware Rural Health Overhaul

Governor Matt Meyer announced Delaware’s application for up to $1 billion from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, part of a $50 billion national effort. The plan assembles 15 projects aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in Kent and Sussex counties, home to nearly 40% of Delaware’s population. Core goals: expand access, lower costs, and strengthen the healthcare workforce.

Awards will be distributed by year-end, with half divided evenly among approved states and half based on proposal quality.

Strategic Priorities

1. Expand Access to Care

Mobile clinics and health pods to deliver primary and preventive care directly to rural sites such as schools and libraries. Telehealth Catalyst Fund to accelerate wearable health tech and remote monitoring. School-based health centers expansion for children’s physical and mental health. Library-based telehealth hubs in nine rural towns for digital access and local care.

2. Build a Sustainable Workforce

Establish Delaware’s first four-year medical school, ending its status as one of three states without one. Create a rural residency recruitment program and training incentives for students who commit to rural practice. Develop training programs for nurses, dental hygienists, and allied health workers. Implement a workforce data initiative to monitor shortages and target resources.

3. Innovate Care Delivery

Two Hope Center–style facilities in Kent and Sussex Counties will integrate healthcare, housing, and employment services. Food is Medicine initiative will link nutrition and clinical care. Diabetes Wellness Pilot will combine care management and continuous glucose monitoring. Support for value-based care transition among rural providers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

4. Modernize Health Infrastructure

Develop a statewide health IT system to automate insurance verification and prior authorizations, advancing this summer’s Pre-Authorization Reform Act.

Stakeholder Support

Endorsements came from the Delaware Healthcare Commission, Delaware Healthcare Association, Beebe Healthcare, and Delaware Health and Social Services, emphasizing the program’s potential to reshape rural health delivery, workforce development, and community resilience.

Expectations

• Stronger student-to-practice pipeline retaining Delaware-trained physicians.
• Increased local access to preventive and urgent care.
• Reduced emergency department burden and healthcare costs.
• Tech-enabled, data-informed health system aligned with national reform goals.