Arielle Zients
Rural health care correspondent for KFF Health News based in South Dakota, reporting on rural hospitals, Medicaid, and health policy.
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Feb 19, 2026 • 19min
Congress set aside $50 billion to transform rural health care. Will it work?
Arielle Zients, KFF Health News rural health correspondent based in South Dakota, breaks down the new $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. She explains how funds are allocated, what projects like telehealth and community paramedics might get supported, and why Medicaid cuts still threaten rural hospitals. The conversation also covers workforce incentives, hospital closures, and impacts on tribal and rural communities.
Feb 19, 2026 • 19min
Congress set aside $50 billion to transform rural health care. Will it work?
Arielle Zients, KFF Health News rural health correspondent based in South Dakota, covers rural hospitals, Medicaid, and health policy. She explains the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program and its funding formula. Short-term Medicaid cuts versus long-term transformation, impacts on maternity and emergency care, telehealth and experimental tech, and local workforce and service solutions are discussed.
