Texas has received the largest share of first-year federal rural health funding through the new Rural Health Transformation Program, part of a $50 billion national initiative to support rural communities over five years. As reported by the Texas Tribune, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has awarded more than $281.3 million to Texas for 2026, the highest allocation awarded to any state in the initial rollout.

This is approximately $81 million more than Texas requested, reflecting both the state’s large rural population and the scope of its proposed plan to address longstanding access and workforce challenges. State leaders indicate the funding will support rural hospitals and clinics, workforce development, expanded access to care and modernization of health care infrastructure and technology.

This unprecedented investment comes at a critical time for rural Texas communities facing growing health care needs.

For more information, head over to the Texas Tribune to read the full article.

We thank the TAPA members who provided public testimony and helped advocate for this effort. We will remain actively engaged to ensure PAs are meaningfully included in state-level planning and implementation as this initiative moves forward.

On November 6, in accordance with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) enacted in July, the U.S. Department of Education concluded its negotiated rulemaking session, where federal negotiators agreed to a definition of “professional program” that excludes PA students from eligibility for higher federal student loan borrowing. PA school is more expensive than the proposed cap, meaning that without access to sufficient federal loans, many students won’t have the means to complete their education.

The proposed cap under the new rule is $20,500 per year (standard graduate loan limit) and $100,000 aggregate total max. The U.S. DOE also cut Grad PLUS loans which typically supplement PA school costs after other financial aid has been calculated. If finalized as currently written, this rule would take effect by July 2026, impacting future PA students’ ability to access the loans they need as soon as the next academic cycle.

**Note: Once the proposed rule opens for public comment, we will have a limited window to submit formal feedback and activate grassroots participation.

AAPA and TAPA are actively monitoring the situation as it develops and exploring all possible avenues available to ensure PA programs are recognized as professional degrees, and that future PAs can access the education they need to serve their communities.  

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)—authorized under H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—allocates $50 billion over five years to help states modernize and strengthen rural healthcare systems. Funding is awarded based on both state participation and policy readiness; it includes licensure compacts, workforce innovation and scope-of-practice reforms.

On October 13, TAPA President Sonali Weerasinghe went to Austin to provide public testimony to the Health and Human Services department regarding the importance of PAs in rural communities and to ask that HHS allocate funds towards PA programs and PA preceptorship in rural communities, as well as add financial incentives for practicing PAs in rural areas. Two additional TAPA members (PA Miggy Scott and PA Jessica Miller) provided personal and virtual testimony regarding their roles as telehealth PAs in West Texas and underscoring the role of PAs in these areas.

Texas formally submitted its RHTP application on Nov. 6, 2025, under the title:
"Rural Texas Strong: Supporting Health & Wellness." (Read: Governor Abbott’s Announcement)

Stay engaged through TAPA updates and consider how your organization can align with RHTP priorities in telehealth, workforce development and community health improvement.

TAPA will keep you updated on any news and developments.

Questions? Please contact us via email at tapa@tapa.org or by phone at 512-518-0120.