This narrative strategically aligns the CMS RHTP program requirements, including specific terminology, scoring factors, timeline details, and structural elements from official webinar materials, with the demonstrated capabilities of the HealthSaaS/Akelex platform. The result is a compelling presentation of how our agentic workflow technology enables value-based care delivery and patient engagement to improve population health management.

Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program
https://www.cms.gov/priorities/rural-health-transformation-rht-program/overview

Notice of Funding Opportunity Webinar – SLIDES
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/rht-program-applicants-webinar-presentation.pdf

Rural Health Transformation(RHT) Program Overview Webinar - TRANSCRIPT

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/rht-program-applicants-webinar-transcript.pdf

The HealthSaaS - Akelex solution directly addresses the five strategic goals of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program established by Public Law 119-21, Section 71401.

Our Ontological - Agentic AI solution enables states to transform rural healthcare delivery through
sustainable, technology-driven solutions.

Core Philosophy: Prevention and therapeutic optimization deliver superior outcomes at lower costs, the foundation of Value-Based Care and critical to achieving the RHT Program’s goal of affordable, high-quality care through sustainable healthcare innovation.

The solution from HealthSaaS - Akelex transforms data into actionable intelligence, validates outcomes through rigorous Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes, and continually refines care delivery. This isn’t temporary relief; it’s catalytic funding creating transformative change with sustainable impact beyond the five-year program period.

Direct Alignment with All Five RHT Strategic Goals

1. Improve Rural American Health

Support health innovations and new access points to promote preventive health and address root causes of diseases.
Our platform promotes evidence-based, measurable interventions for prevention and chronic disease management through automated health monitoring, early intervention protocols, and AI-powered assessment of root causes before conditions deteriorate.

2. Sustainable Access

Help rural providers become long-term access points for care by improving efficiency and sustainability.

HealthSaaS - Akelex Solution: The force multiplier effect enables existing clinical staff to monitor 1,000+ patients simultaneously, dramatically improving efficiency and creating sustainable operational models that don’t depend on continued subsidies. This addresses the fundamental challenge: transforming care delivery to improve access, quality, and cost in a manner that extends beyond temporary funding.

3. Workforce Development

Attract and retain high-skilled healthcare workforce by strengthening recruitment and retention in rural
communities.

HealthSaaS - Akelex Solution: By amplifying clinical capacity through technology, HealthSaaS - Akelex make rural practice more sustainable and rewarding for clinicians. Nurses focus expertise on high-value interventions rather than routine data collection, improving job satisfaction and retention. This directly supports workforce initiatives with minimum 5-year service commitments.

4. Innovative Care

Spark growth of innovative care models to improve health outcomes, coordinate care, and promote flexible care
arrangements.

HealthSaaS - Akelex Solution: Our platform supports innovative models of care including value based arrangements and alternative payment models. The ORDS methodology provides the quantifiable evidence and systematic workflow metrics necessary to demonstrate outcomes in VBC arrangements - essential for long-term financial solvency.

5. Tech Innovation

Foster use of innovative technologies that promote efficient care delivery, data security, and access to digital health tools by rural facilities, providers, and patients.

HealthSaaS - Akelex Solution: Represents cutting-edge implementation of device telemetry monitoring, artificial intelligence, and consumer-facing technology solutions specifically designed for rural healthcare transformation.

Qualifying Uses of RHTP Funds (Minimum 3 Required)

States must use funding for at least 3 approved use of funds categories.

HealthSaaS - Akelex solutions directly enable multiple qualifying categories:

A. Prevention and Chronic Disease Management ✓

• Evidence-based interventions using ORDS methodology applied to peer-reviewed literature

• Measurable improvements in chronic disease management through continuous monitoring

• Early intervention preventing disease progression

B. Consumer-Facing Technology Solutions ✓

• Bluetooth-enabled devices for patient engagement

(BP monitors, pulse oximeters, glucometers, weight scales, Smart pillboxes, thermometers)

• Consumer-facing digital questionnaires combining with objective device data

• Technology-driven solutions accessible inpatients’ homes

C. Training and Technical Assistance ✓

• Comprehensive implementation support for technology-enabled solutions

• Training for remote monitoring, AI-driven care delivery

• Clinical workflow integration and ongoing technical assistance

D. IT Advances ✓

• Software solutions improving efficiency and patient outcomes

• Enhanced data security and interoperability

• Seamless integration with existing health IT infrastructure

E. Innovative Care Models ✓

• Support for value-based care arrangements and alternative payment models

• Documentation infrastructure required for innovative payment arrangements

• Coordination and data-driven decision-making capabilities

F. Fostering Collaboration ✓

• Our platform enables regional partnerships between rural facilities and referral centers

• American Heart Association collaboration strengthens quality improvement initiatives

• Data sharing and best practice dissemination across provider networks

Statutory “Rural Health Transformation Plan” Requirements

The RHT Program requires states to address eight mandatory elements (42 USC 1397ee(h)(2)(A)(i))

The HealthSaaS - Akelex solution directly supports:

1. Improving Access to Healthcare Services

Remote monitoring extends specialized clinical oversight without requiring physical infrastructure expansion or patient travel.

2. Improving Health Outcomes

ORDS methodology and AI-powered early intervention demonstrably reduce hospitalizations, improve medication adherence, and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

3. Technology Use for Prevention and Chronic Disease

Ontological-Agentic AI platform combining remote monitoring, artificial intelligence, and consumer-facing technology specifically designed for these applications.

4. Local and Regional Partnerships

American Heart Association collaboration provides third-party validation, research participation, and quality improvement infrastructure that strengthens state applications and ongoing performance measurement.

5. Data-Driven Solutions to Deliver Care Close to Home

Telemetry data and AI-powered assessments enable high-quality care delivery in residents’ homes and community settings without requiring facility-based visits.

6. Financial Solvency Strategies
Force multiplier effect and operational efficiency gains create sustainable cost structures extending beyond RHTP funding period. The platform demonstrates pathway to long-term viability rather than temporary relief.

HealthSaaS - Akelex Solution: ORDS Therapeutic Optimization Methodology
Unlike simple threshold-based notifications creating alert fatigue, our proprietary ORDS scoring methodology systematically evaluates care patterns against peer-reviewed literature:

• Optimal: Care aligns perfectly with evidence-based best practices

• Reasonable: Care follows acceptable clinical standards with minor enhancement opportunities

• Defensible: Care meets minimum standards but has identifiable gaps

• Suboptimal: Care patterns indicate significant optimization opportunities requiring intervention

Applied Across Six Clinical Categories:

1. Health status and vital trends

2. Wellness and preventive care

3. Prevention of disease progression

4. Engagement and adherence

5. Therapeutic optimization

6. Quality of life metrics

This evidence-based classification ensures care teams receive nuanced, literature-backed clinical insights, not generic alerts, while providing the quantifiable evidence necessary for CQI reporting, milestone tracking, and demonstrating transformative impact.

Measurable Outcomes and Performance Metrics

States must identify at least four quantifiable metrics for each initiative, including at least one demonstrating county or community-level impact.

HealthSaaS - Akelex Solution enables comprehensive outcome tracking:

Access Metrics:

• Reduction in specialist appointment wait times through remote monitoring

• Percentage of rural patients with access to specialized care oversight

• Geographic distribution of care access improvements by county

Quality and Health Outcomes:

• Rural hospital readmission rate reductions

• Chronic disease management metrics (HbA1c, blood pressure control, medication adherence)

• Emergency department utilization for preventable conditions

Financial Metrics:

• Operating cost reductions through prevention and early intervention

• Reduced acute care utilization and associated costs

• Return on investment calculations for technology-enabled care

Workforce Metrics:

• Clinical capacity enhancement (patients monitored per clinician)

• Clinician satisfaction and retention rates

• Recruitment success in technology-enhanced practice environments

Technology Use Metrics:

• Percentage of rural patients engaged with telehealth/remote monitoring

• Device utilization and data collection consistency

• AI-powered intervention accuracy and appropriateness

Program Implementation Metrics:

• Milestones achieved across implementation stages 0-5

• Number of facilities/providers participating

• Patient enrollment and engagement rates by county

American Heart Association Partnership: Third-Party Validation

Our collaboration with the American Heart Association strengthens state RHTP applications by providing:

• Independent outcomes validation meeting CMS requirements for third-party assessment

• Access to cutting-edge cardiovascular health management protocols

• Participation in groundbreaking outcomes research

• Thought leadership positioning in rural health innovation

• Credibility for state reporting and milestone documentation

De-identified Outcomes Analysis: The AHA conducts ongoing outcome validation measuring clinical notification accuracy, care team performance metrics, service enhancement opportunities, and population health trends; all data points valuable for annual RHTP reporting and demonstrating progress toward full score potential.

HealthSaaS - Akelex solution creates sustainable solutions:

The Force Multiplier: Addressing Rural Workforce Shortages - Rural healthcare’s fundamental challenge is workforce scarcity.

Technology-Enhanced Model: 1,000s of patients monitored simultaneously through:

• Automated data collection from Bluetooth-enabled devices

• AI-powered assessments combining objective and subjective data

• Intelligent triage notifications stratified by severity

• Literature-backed clinical rationale for every recommendation

• Focused interventions where nurses receive prioritized alerts

Result: Technology-enhanced monitoring allows scarce clinical resources to focus expertise on high-value interventions while automated systems handle continuous monitoring, the operational efficiency and clinical effectiveness that sustainable rural healthcare demands.

Budget Period Alignment and Spending Timeline

With 5 budget periods (FY2026-FY2030) and 23 months to spend each period’s funding

HealthSaaS - Akelex offers:

• Immediate integration with existing clinical workflows in Budget Period 1

• Staged implementation across Stages 0-5 with clear milestones

• Scalable deployment from pilot programs to system-wide implementation

• Progressive achievement toward full score potential through documented milestones

Implementation Stages:

• Stage 0-1 (Months 1-6): Planning and initial deployment

• Stage 2 (Months 7-12): Implementation underway, plan refinement

• Stage 3 (Months 13-18): Halfway complete, continuous improvement

• Stage 4 (Months 19-24): Deliverables finalized, goals nearly achieved

• Stage 5 (By Month 36): Fully implemented, producing measurable outcomes for reporting

Program-Specific Funding Limitations Compliance

CarePath Health solutions fit within all RHTP funding restrictions:

• Capital expenditures: Platform requires minimal infrastructure (<20% cap)

• Provider payments: Not applicable—technology solution, not direct payments (<15% cap)

• EMR replacement: Integrates with existing systems, doesn’t require replacement (<5% cap)

• Administrative expenses: Efficient implementation minimizes administrative burden (<10% cap)

• Prohibited uses: No new construction, no duplication of billable services

Sustainability Beyond the Five-Year Program

RHT funding is intended as catalytic funding for transformative change with sustainable impact, not temporary relief creating funding gaps when the program expires.

The HealthSaaS - Akelex solution creates lasting transformation:

Permanent Infrastructure:

• Technology platform becomes embedded in operational capability

• Clinical workflows permanently enhanced

• Data infrastructure supports ongoing quality improvement

Reduced Ongoing Costs:

• Prevention and early intervention reduce expensive acute care utilization

• Operational efficiency gains compound over time

• Reduced burden on scarce clinical workforce

Enhanced Revenue Capture:

• Improved quality metrics enable value-based payment participation

• Documentation supports alternative payment models

• Demonstrates outcomes for ongoing state support

Transferable Model:

• Platform adapts to future payment models beyond fee-for-service

• Lessons learned integrate into ongoing state healthcare policy

• Proven approach scales to additional populations and conditions

Technical Score Factors Addressed

The HealthSaaS - Akelex solution aligns with multiple high-value technical score factors:

Initiative-Based Factors:

• B.1. Population Health Clinical Infrastructure (3.75%weight)

• B.2. Health and Lifestyle (3.75% weight)

• C.1. Rural Provider Strategic Partnerships (3.75%weight)

• E.1. Medicaid Provider Payment Incentives (3.75%weight)

• E.2. Individuals Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (3.75% weight)

• F.1. Remote Care Services (3.75% weight)

• F.2. Data Infrastructure (3.75% weight)

• F.3. Consumer-Facing Tech (3.75% weight)

Data-Driven Factors

• E.2. Dual Eligibles - Platform particularly effective for complex, high-need populations

• F.2. Data Infrastructure - Enhances state’s data collection and analysis capabilities

State Policy Action Factors:

• F.1. Remote Care Services - Supports state policy actions around telehealth and remote monitoring

Scoring Criteria Excellence

For each initiative-based factor, merit reviewers assess applications on five criteria (20 points each, 100 points maximum):

1. Strategy (20 points max)

Clear, evidence-based approach applying peer-reviewed literature through ORDS methodology to address specific rural health challenges identified in state needs assessment.

2. Workplan and Monitoring (20 points max)

Detailed implementation timeline across Stages 0-5, clear milestones, comprehensive performance tracking through AHA partnership providing third-party validation.

3. Outcomes (20 points max)

Specific, measurable outcomes across access, quality, financial, workforce, and technology metrics with baseline data and county-level granularity.

4.Projected Impact (20 points max)

Quantifiable improvements in rural health access, outcomes, and provider sustainability with documented ROI and force multiplier effects.

5. Sustainability (20 points max)

Permanent infrastructure gains reduce ongoing costs, enhanced revenue opportunities, and integration into state policy beyond five-year program period.

Application Support Services

The HealthSaaS - Akelex solution provides comprehensive support for states developing RHTP applications:

Pre-Application Consultation:

• Needs assessment alignment with state rural health landscape

• Initiative design addressing statutory requirements

• Budget narrative development using $200M hypothetical amount

• Technical score factor mapping and optimization

Application Development:

• Project narrative support addressing all seven required sections

• Metrics and evaluation plan design with baseline data

• Stakeholder engagement framework development

• Governor endorsement letter support materials

Implementation Planning:

• Detailed timeline development across federal FY26-FY31

• Milestone definition for Stages 0-5

• Subaward and subcontract planning

• Performance tracking and reporting infrastructure

Post-Award Partnership:

• Annual reporting support demonstrating milestone achievement

• Progress documentation toward full score potential

• Workplan updates for non-competing continuation applications

• Technical assistance throughout five-year program period

Cooperative Agreement Partnership

The RHT Program operates as a cooperative agreement requiring substantial collaboration between CMS and states.

HealthSaaS - Akelex approach aligns with this partnership model:

• Regular stakeholder coordination including state health agencies, Medicaid agencies, offices of rural health

• Formal engagement framework with documented processes

• Annual progress reporting demonstrating milestone achievement

• Adaptive management adjusting approach based on outcomes data

• Transparent communication with CMS program office throughout implementation

Key Milestones and Deadlines

• September 30, 2025: Letter of Intent deadline (optional but encouraged)

• November 5, 2025, 11:59 PM ET: Application submission deadline via Grants.gov

(ONE-TIME OPPORTUNITY)

• December 31, 2025: Expected award announcements

• January 2026: Distribution of Budget Period 1 funds

• Annual rescoring: Workload funding recalculated based on progress each year

Why HealthSaaS, Akelex for Your State’s RHTP Application

Proven Technology addressing multiple strategic goals, uses of funds, and technical score factors
Comprehensive Metrics enabling county-level outcome reporting and milestone tracking

· Third-Party Validation through American Heart Association partnership providing independent assessment

· Sustainable Model creating permanent infrastructure and operational efficiency beyond temporary funding

· Implementation Expertise supporting states from application development through five-year program completion

· Transformative Impact documented through evidence-based ORDS methodology and continuous quality improvement

The HealthSaaS - Akelex Solution: Transformation Promise

"Individuals with complex health challenges and require sophisticated, evidence based therapeutic optimization that coordinates multiple conditions, prevents dangerous interactions, and ensures every clinical decision is supported by peer-reviewed medical science"

When implemented community-wide, this proactive approach transforms rural healthcare environments from reactive crisis management preventive wellness communities

This is the sustainable rural health transformation that the Rural Health Transformation Program envisions, not temporary relief, but catalytic investment creating lasting change

Conclusion: Strategic Partnership for RHTP Success

The HealthSaaS - Akelex solution represents the intersection of the RHT Program's five strategic goals, eight statutory requirements, multiple qualifying uses of funds, and high-value technical score factors. Our platform doesn't just help states access RHTP funding. We help deliver the transformative outcomes that:

• Justify continued state investment beyond the five-year program

• Position organizations for success in post-RHTP value-based care landscape

• Document measurable impact for annual CMS reporting and score increases

• Create sustainable operational models extending beyond temporary funding

• Make rural America healthy again through technology-driven innovation

For states developing RHTP applications, the HealthSaaS - Akelex solution offers the comprehensive solution that turns the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program opportunity into lasting rural healthcare transformation.

Contact HealthSaaS – Akelex to discuss strengthening your state’s Rural Health Transformation Program application and creating sustainable rural healthcare delivery in your communities.

Contact Information

Frank Ille

frank_ille@healthsaas.net