State health leaders are calling on lawmakers to authorize the use of federal funding aimed at strengthening rural health care across West Virginia.
The West Virginia Department of Health said nearly $500 million was allocated to the state in late 2025 through the Rural Health Transformation Program, established under the One Big Beautiful Bill funding package. The funds are scheduled to be distributed incrementally through 2030.
For fiscal year 2026, West Virginia has been awarded nearly $200 million to expand technology infrastructure, enhance telehealth services, improve behavioral health coordination and strengthen workforce recruitment efforts.
Health officials issued a statement Monday urging the West Virginia Legislature to provide the necessary authorization to move forward, warning that delays could stall implementation and potentially jeopardize future funding.
Program guidelines are tied to specific timelines and performance benchmarks approved by the federal government, and changes to the framework require federal approval.
Secretary of Health Arvin Singh emphasized the importance of timely execution, stating that West Virginia worked extensively to secure the federal award and must meet established milestones to protect the funding.
Officials added that neighboring states are also competing to modernize health systems and attract vendors and workforce talent, increasing the urgency to act.