Gov Armstrong Signals Jan. 21 as Tentative Special Session Date

Gov. Kelly Armstrong has notified legislative leaders that Jan. 21 is the tentative date for a special session of the 69th Legislative Assembly to consider anticipated federal funding tied to North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program.

The state submitted its funding application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Nov. 3. The proposal outlines how North Dakota would invest more than $500 million over five years to bolster rural health care by improving access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities. CMS is expected to issue award decisions by Dec. 31.

Because the Legislature must formally appropriate the federal dollars before they can be spent, Armstrong worked with legislative leaders to identify tentative dates for a special session. Once CMS announces its award, the governor will issue an executive order officially convening lawmakers.

“We have an incredible opportunity to strengthen and reshape rural health care in North Dakota through the Rural Health Transformation Program,” Armstrong said. “I appreciate the collaboration with legislative leadership and look forward to a special session laser-focused on the task at hand – appropriating these federal dollars in the most efficient and effective way possible to improve the well-being of our citizens.”

The Rural Health Transformation Program was established under the federal Working Families Tax Cut Act. It allows North Dakota to redesign rural health delivery and develop long-term, community-driven solutions.

The state’s application focuses on four strategic priorities: stabilizing and strengthening the rural health workforce; increasing preventive care and healthy eating; expanding access to high-quality care closer to home; and improving technology, data integration, and provider coordination.

North Dakota Health and Human Services gathered extensive stakeholder input during the application process, including a 30-day public survey with more than 1,200 responses and three listening sessions attended by over 300 residents.

Get our free mobile app

The federal law sets aside $50 billion over five years. Half will be distributed equally among states, while the remaining half will be awarded based on applications and measurable need in rural communities.