The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the distribution of funds as part of a $50 billion national investment in rural health care. This initiative, included in the Working Families Tax Cut Act passed by Senate Republicans and signed into law last year, aims to modernize health care delivery and expand access to services in rural areas.
Oklahoma is set to receive $223,476,949 for 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation Program. This marks the first allocation for Oklahoma under the five-year program.
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), who serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, expressed support for the funding: “I grew up in rural Oklahoma and the rural health care system. Rural hospitals and health care providers are the backbone of this nation, and we must continue to support these entities to ensure that patients have access to high quality health care services,” said Senator Mullin. “Through the Working Families Tax Cut Act, Senate Republicans secured the largest federal investment in rural health care in American HISTORY. This initiative will significantly strengthen our system and boost rural clinics and hospitals across the state.”
Senator Mullin has longstanding ties to Oklahoma’s rural communities. He was raised on his family ranch in Westville, attended Stilwell High School, later graduated from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with a degree in applied science in construction technology, and maintains his primary residence on his family ranch (official website). Before entering politics, he expanded Mullin Plumbing into a major regional service company (official website).
Mullin’s work focuses on issues such as agriculture, energy policy, education, veterans’ affairs and tribal relations within Oklahoma (official website). He previously served ten years representing Oklahoma in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate (official website). He is also noted as an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation—the first tribal citizen from Oklahoma elected to the U.S. Senate in nearly two decades—and is affiliated with the Republican Party (official website).
The state’s plan includes building a lasting health ecosystem across rural regions. Further details can be found via resources from Governor Stitt’s Office.
