CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey called on the West Virginia Legislature to move quickly on legislation to authorize the deployment of $199 million in federal funding to launch the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program, warning that delays could jeopardize critical healthcare improvements.
“West Virginia has been given a historic opportunity to strengthen rural healthcare,” said Governor Morrisey. “We already have the funding and we already have the plan. What we need now is legislative authorization so we can put these resources to work for the people of West Virginia.”
Speaking in front of healthcare professionals and leaders from across West Virginia, the Governor emphasized the urgency of moving forward with the program, which is designed to expand telehealth services, strengthen the rural healthcare workforce, modernize medical technology, and improve care coordination for chronic disease and behavioral health.
The federal funding, awarded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), must be deployed under strict federal timelines and performance requirements.
Currently, the leaders with the West Virginia Department of Health are proceeding cautiously, relying on limited state general revenue to begin the groundwork while awaiting approval to use the federal funds. Secretary Singh has been able to hire four staff members to begin building the program team, but officials say progress remains limited without access to the full funding package.
“Every delay means providers waiting longer for the tools they need and communities waiting longer for the care they deserve,” said Department of Health Secretary Arvin Singh.
Improving rural healthcare access is critical to sustaining the state’s growing economic momentum. Since October 2025, West Virginia has secured approximately $10.75 billion in private-sector investment and more than 9,600 projected jobs, including last week’s $4 billion Intelligence Center project in Bedington and the $250 million Hope Gas pipeline project in Mason County.
When combined with major public initiatives such as the BEAD broadband expansion program and the Rural Health Transformation Program, the state stands to receive $12.25 billion in total public and private investment tied to more than 10,600 projected jobs.
