Texas, HHS tout $50B rural health push

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a rural healthcare roundtable and press conference in Austin, Texas, on Aug. 28 to highlight new investments in rural health initiatives.

The event focused on the Rural Healthcare Transformation Program and Texas’ “Make Texas Healthy Again” package, according to a news release from the governor’s office. The state and federal government are partnering to expand care access and improve outcomes across rural regions, the leaders said.

The officials announced a commitment of $300 million in state funds and $100 million per year in federal support over five years for behavioral telehealth, AI innovation and rural laboratory upgrades.

Mr. Kennedy also pointed to a $50 billion national investment from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which he said will strengthen rural healthcare across the U.S.

Texas has more than 190 rural counties serving over 6 million residents. Mr. Abbott said supporting these communities remains a statewide priority.

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