Alabama’s Plans for Rural Health Transformation
Governor Kay Ivey announced steps on Wednesday aimed at preparing for the management of rural health transformation programs. A significant health law supported by President Trump in July, which Congress passed, includes provisions for these initiatives. This program is intended to enhance healthcare access, quality, and overall outcomes in rural communities across the U.S.
Governor Ivey expressed her gratitude for the law, emphasizing that it offers Alabama and other states the chance to make substantial advancements in their rural health systems. “Alabama is quite rural, and my aim is to ensure long-term access to quality health services for our rural population,” she stated. She also acknowledged President Trump and Congress for their vision to revitalize rural health in America, expressing her eagerness for Alabama to present a strong plan.
After the signing of the law on Independence Day, the governor’s office began reaching out to providers and stakeholders to strategize how Alabama can effectively manage the program for lasting improvements to rural healthcare outcomes. Additionally, a state team was formed, with the State Health Plan Development Agency (SHPDA) appointed to assist in developing applications for grant opportunities related to the rural health transformation program.
The Alabama state team includes Governor Ivey, representatives from SHPDA, the Department of Treasury, and the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Following guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Ivey published official directives and assigned someone to the working group for additional guidance.
The advisory group currently comprises several notable individuals, including:
- Joseph Merchant, CEO of BIBB Medical Center
- Lother (Jim) Peace, President and CEO of Russell Medical Center
- Charles (Max) Rogers, IV, North Baldwin Clinic
- Susan Alberson, Director of the Alabama Pharmacy Commission
- Scott Harris, State Health Officer
- Greg Nichols, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital Administrator
- John Waits, CEO of CAHABA MEDICAL CARE
- Jeff Sams, CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System
- Dawn Bulgarella, CEO of UAB Health System
- Natalie Fox, interim CEO of US Health
- Tuerk Schlesinger, CEO of Altapointe Health
- Teresa Grimes, CEO of Washington County Hospital and Nursing Homes
- Peggy Benson, Executive Officer of the Alabama Board of Nursing
- Clarence Ball, President and CEO of Ball Healthcare
- Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gugger
- State Senator Greg Albritton
- Senator Bobby Singleton
- House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter
- State Representative Rex Reynolds
- State Representative Anthony Daniels
The group is committed to collaborating with the governor’s office and various partners to implement transformative changes in healthcare services for citizens in rural areas. “Governor Ivey’s leadership is crucial to this process, and we appreciate the wealth of knowledge that our healthcare partners bring to address this funding opportunity,” they remarked.
The advisory group convenes regularly to provide input on state submissions, with all states expected to file their applications by November 5, 2025.
