Earlier this week, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the opening of applications for the Nebraska Rural Health Workforce Incentive program, which provides financial incentives to support healthcare professionals relocating to or continuing to serve in rural Nebraska counties.
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) defines eligible counties as those other than Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy. Funds can be used to strengthen recruitment, retention, and the expansion of clinical services.
Full-time and part-time healthcare providers living in Nebraska and providing care in rural communities are eligible. Providers must agree to serve for five years at an eligible facility in a rural community. Providers must accept Medicaid and work in one of the following settings:
· Rural Health Clinics (RHC)
· Emergency Medical Service agencies
· Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities
· Critical Access Hospitals (CAH)
· Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in rural areas
· Indian Health Clinics in rural counties
· Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC)
· Prospective Payment System hospitals
· Private practice
· Mental/behavioral health clinics
· Schools
· Local health departments
· Dental clinics
Two award categories exist. Relocation/Expansion awards go to providers moving from urban to rural areas or to those expanding service locations to rural areas. Retention awards go to eligible providers already practicing in rural counties. Award amounts for both categories range from $7,500 and $75,000 per year for five years.
An upcoming virtual informational session on April 22, 2026 at 6 PM will be held at this link.
View a full list of eligible provider types here.
Questions about the program can be directed to the DHHS Office of Rural Health at 402-471-2337 or [email protected].
To learn more about Rural Health Transformation, go here.
