The ACR is urging Alaska and Montana to take decisive action to address critical gaps in rheumatology care by leveraging new federal funding opportunities. In a recent statement, the ACR highlighted the potential impact of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)—a $50 billion initiative created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), signed into law on July 4, 2025.
This program offers states the chance to submit community-informed plans to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to receive funding aimed at transforming rural healthcare. Half of the funds will be distributed evenly among participating states, while the other half will be awarded competitively based on innovation, impact and sustainability.
A Critical Opportunity for Rheumatology
As Alaska and Montana prepare their applications, the ACR is advocating for these states to prioritize investments in rheumatology workforce development. This includes:
- Expanding pediatric and adult rheumatology workforce capacity;
- Building robust training and recruitment pipelines; and
- Supporting community-based interventions for early diagnosis and long-term disease management.
The urgency is clear: The U.S. is facing a severe shortage of rheumatology professionals. By 2030, demand is projected to outpace supply by more than 4,700 physicians. Pediatric care is especially strained—eight states, including Alaska, currently have no pediatric rheumatologists at all.
“Rural communities in Alaska and Montana face some of the steepest barriers to timely rheumatologic care in the country,” says Beth Jonas, MD, chair of ACR’s Workforce Solutions Committee. “This unprecedented federal investment gives both states a chance to build a stronger, more sustainable rheumatology workforce and bring high-quality care closer to the people who need it most—especially in remote and underserved areas.”
Next Steps
The ACR encourages stakeholders in Alaska and Montana to collaborate with community leaders, healthcare providers and policymakers to ensure their CMS applications reflect the urgent need for rheumatology care expansion. This is a pivotal moment to reshape rural healthcare and improve outcomes for patients living with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
