ATLANTA – The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is calling on Alaska and Montana to seize the opportunity to address critical gaps in rheumatology care by accessing funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), signed into law on July 4, 2025.
The RHTP allocates $50 billion over five years to states that submit comprehensive, community-informed plans to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Half of the funds will be distributed evenly among participating states, while the remainder will be awarded competitively based on innovation, impact, and sustainability.
As both states prepare their applications to the CMS, the ACR urges them to use the funds to strengthen pediatric and adult rheumatology workforce capacity, expand training and recruitment pipelines, and support community-based interventions that improve early diagnosis and long-term disease management.
The U.S. faces a severe shortage of rheumatology professionals, making it difficult for millions of Americans, especially those in rural communities, to access timely care. By 2030, demand for rheumatology care is expected to outpace supply by more than 4,700 physicians. The situation is even more critical in pediatrics: 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,” said Beth Jonas, 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.”
For more information on the ACR’s workforce policies that include expanding access to innovative care models and support evidence-based interventions that address the unique needs of rural and tribal communities visit Rheumatology Workforce.
Media Contact
Teri Arnold
tarnold@rheumatology.org
757-272-7002 (cell)
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About the American College of Rheumatology
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is an international medical society representing over 10,500 rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals with a mission to empower rheumatology professionals to excel in their specialty. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatologists are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.