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The H.R. 1 Provision States Can’t Afford to Sleep On
With the recent passage of H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” state governments are entering a new era of healthcare delivery. The legislation is pushing agencies to rethink their operations, with a focus on creating more efficient and resilient systems.
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a substantial and time-sensitive opportunity. This $50 billion fund is designed to support and modernize rural healthcare, which can mean leveraging technology to improve care access and coordination for their populations. But, applications are due by the end of 2025, so the pressure is on to identify proven, data-driven models that can deliver lasting results.
Developing robust, statewide coordinated care infrastructures is one successful approach gaining traction. This model moves beyond siloed services, instead creating a unified digital network that connects healthcare providers, government agencies, and community-based organizations in real-time.
States like Nebraska, Virginia, and North Carolina offer blueprints for success.
In North Carolina, the ability to coordinate both health and human services through a single infrastructure has yielded remarkable (and validated) outcomes. By connecting individuals with resources to address barriers such as food and housing insecurity, the state has seen significant cost savings. A peer-reviewed study found the coordinated care model saves an estimated $1,020 per patient annually.
This infrastructure, powered by the Unite Us platform, has also enabled an exceptionally low claims denial rate across its network, reaching under 2%—far below the healthcare industry average, which helps ensure community-based organizations are reimbursed for their vital services.
"This isn't just about streamlining referrals; it's about rewriting the story for rural communities. When you connect a family to stable housing or nutritious food, you're saving future healthcare dollars and opportunity for their economic success,” said Taylor Justice, president of Unite Us. “The added beauty of a coordinated care network is that it provides a transparent, auditable trail of impact, proving that the funding is not just being spent, but is producing outcomes—including saved lives."
As the fastest-moving component of the bill’s healthcare provisions, the RHTP presents an immediate challenge and opportunity. Technology solutions that provide a turnkey approach for managing referrals, tracking outcomes, and streamlining payments give states a way to rapidly assemble applications that meet federal requirements.
As state leaders prepare their applications for the RHTP, Unite Us stands ready with the proven digital infrastructure to build these powerful, coordinated care networks with everything from eligibility verification and closed-loop referrals to integrated analytics and streamlined payments management.
To ensure your state is ready to maximize this funding opportunity, contact our team of experts to start building your plan by visiting uniteus.com/contact/.
This content is made possible by our sponsor Unite Us; it is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Route Fifty's editorial staff.
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