Governor Patrick Morrisey called on the West Virginia Legislature on Mar. 10 to quickly pass legislation that would allow the state to use $199 million in federal funds for its Rural Health Transformation Program. Morrisey said delays could put important healthcare improvements at risk.
The governor said the program is a significant chance to improve healthcare in rural areas of West Virginia. “West Virginia has been given a historic opportunity to strengthen rural healthcare,” Morrisey said. “We already have the funding and we already have the plan. What we need now is legislative authorization so we can put these resources to work for the people of West Virginia.”
Morrisey spoke alongside healthcare professionals and leaders from across the state, highlighting that the program aims to expand telehealth services, support the rural healthcare workforce, update medical technology, and improve care coordination for chronic disease and behavioral health needs.
The $199 million in federal funding comes from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and must be used according to strict federal timelines and requirements. Currently, officials with the West Virginia Department of Health are using limited state funds to begin initial work while waiting for approval to access the full federal package. Secretary Arvin Singh has hired four staff members so far but said progress is slow without full funding.
“Every delay means providers waiting longer for the tools they need and communities waiting longer for the care they deserve,” Singh said.
Improving access to rural healthcare is seen as important for supporting economic growth in West Virginia. Since October 2025, about $10.75 billion in private-sector investment has been secured along with more than 9,600 projected jobs, including recent projects such as a $4 billion Intelligence Center in Bedington and a $250 million Hope Gas pipeline project in Mason County.
