The Rural Digital Health Sandbox Program funds projects to test, validate and pilot innovative solutions designed to improve access to care, enhance quality and strengthen the rural health care delivery ecosystem.
In 2025, the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was authorized pursuant to Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). This federal initiative provides funding to states to support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) released a notice of funding opportunity for all states to propose uses of the funding to meet RHTP’s strategic goals. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ application included a proposal for a Rural Digital Health Sandbox Program, launched in partnership with MeHI. The program was approved by CMS and launched in July 2026.
Digital health companies with a U.S. presence may be eligible for grants up to $475,000 to fund their work with a sandbox. Funded projects will test and validate a digital health solution’s impact on healthcare access, quality and outcomes in rural communities. The first step in applying for a grant is to contact a sandbox to determine if they can support your company. To identify and be introduced to potential sandbox partners, sign up to meet with a member of MeHI’s team during Sandbox Office Hours here.
Awarded companies will participate in Mass Digital Health Connects, a virtual workshop program, and will be eligible for the Sandbox Mentorship Program.
Applications for the 2026 grant are due insert date.
- Download Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Application
- High-level Project Plan Template
- Project Budget Template
- Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Authorized Applicant’s Signature and Acceptance Form
This program is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
This information is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $162,005,238.13 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.