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Texas ACOFP
State Chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
Texas ACOFP is the state chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
Proudly serving Osteopathic Family Physicians and advancing the philosophy, practice and science of osteopathic medicine since 1962
What We Offer
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Affordable Continuing Medical Education
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Leadership Opportunities
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Pathway to ACOFP Fellow
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Advocacy
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Networking
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Supporting Student and Resident Education and Professional Development
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Announces Rural Health Transformation Program
“This is not just a funding opportunity—it’s a turning point for rural health,” Dr. Oz added. “Together, we’re delivering the largest rural health investment in American history—and building a foundation for healthier communities for generations to come.”
To learn more about the Rural Health Transformation Program,
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that all 50 states submitted applications for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program—a landmark initiative created under the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation [Public Law 119-21] to strengthen health care across rural America.
The application period, open from September 15 through November 5, 2025, invited every state to design a plan for transforming its rural health care system. Each proposal must outline how states intend to expand access, enhance quality, and improve outcomes for patients through sustainable, state-driven innovation.
“When every state steps up to strengthen rural health, it shows the true character of our nation,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Rural families have been left behind—driving hours for care or going without it entirely. This program restores fairness and brings quality health care back to every American community.”
“Seeing all 50 states come forward to reimagine the future of rural health is an extraordinary moment,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This program moves us from a system that has too often failed rural America to one built on dignity, prevention, and sustainability. Every state with an approved application will receive funding so it can design what works best for its communities—and CMS will be there providing support every step of the way.”
The Rural Health Transformation Program is a catalytic investment designed to help states strengthen rural health infrastructure and build enduring systems of care. Guided by five strategic goals, the program aims to:
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Make rural America healthy again: Support rural health innovations and promote preventive care.
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Sustainable access: Ensure rural providers can become long-term access points for care by improving efficiency and sustainability.
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Workforce development: Build and retain a strong rural health care workforce.
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Innovative care: Test new models of care delivery to improve rural health outcomes and lower the cost of care.
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Tech innovation: Expand use of technologies that promote access and efficiency in rural settings.
All submitted applications will now undergo CMS review to ensure completeness and compliance with the requirements outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. States that meet these requirements and have approved applications will receive baseline funding—representing 50% of total available program funds—distributed equally among approved states.
Applications that meet baseline criteria will then undergo a rigorous, data-driven merit review for the remaining 50% of available program funds. This in-depth review—led by federal and non-federal rural health experts and overseen by senior federal review directors—will assess each state’s proposed initiatives and alignment with program goals to ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent merit review process across all states.
CMS will announce approved awardees by December 31, 2025, with funding distributed over five years beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. As states begin implementation, program officers from CMS’s Office of Rural Health Transformation will provide technical assistance and ongoing support to help states design, launch, and sustain initiatives that best serve their rural communities.
“This is not just a funding opportunity—it’s a turning point for rural health,” Dr. Oz added. “Together, we’re delivering the largest rural health investment in American history—and building a foundation for healthier communities for generations to come.”
To learn more about the Rural Health Transformation Program,
Carlton J. Lewis, DO
President - Texas ACOFP 2025 - 2026
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Meet Carlton J. Lewis, DO
Osteopathic medicine is one of the most wonderful professions anyone could undertake. I was raised in Lufkin, Texas and prior to medical school, I was a mechanic married to my high-school sweetheart while were still in high school.
By the time I began classes at UNT-HSC; Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, my wife and I had been married twelve years and had three kids. So never let anyone tell you it’s too late to do something new with your life.
After graduation, I completed my residency in South Bend, Indiana, and became Board-Certified in Family Medicine. Ultimately, I returned home to Lufkin and started my own practice. For fifteen years, I saw patients in-office and at the hospital. While in hospital medicine, volunteering was instilled into me as an important, necessary civic responsibility. I served on committees and as chief of staff.
During that time I saw the need for hospice and palliative medicine. I earned an FAQ and started an In-Patient hospice unit there in Lufkin and ran that for fifteen years.
One of my biggest takeaways has been the reward of being there for my patients and community every step of their journey. And volunteering paved that path.
As I close out this message, my challenge is that you too will seek out volunteer opportunities; in your communities, local hospitals, and civic and/or professional organizations.
Consider speaking at your local high school, or to medical students and residents or at one of our Texas ACOFP CME events. Volunteer for an outreach event or medical mission. Be a preceptor. Additionally, Texas ACOFP also has a place for you; committee work, joining our Board of Governors.
Thank you for your time, I look forward to serving this profession as your President.
Carlton Lewis, D.O., President, Texas ACOFP