Congressman Andy Biggs of Arizona’s 5th District has called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve Arizona’s application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. In a letter sent to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, Biggs emphasized the need for expanded healthcare access in rural areas and invited Dr. Oz to visit these communities in person.
Arizona faces significant healthcare challenges due to its large geography, with more than 500,000 residents living over half an hour from a hospital. Many depend on Critical Access Hospitals instead of full-service facilities.
The Rural Health Transformation Program was established through legislation under President Trump aimed at strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure. Arizona is seeking funding from this program to improve local care models and expand services in underserved regions.
Other signatories of the letter include Congressmen Eli Crane, Paul Gosar, and Juan Ciscomani.
“Arizona’s rural communities are the backbone of our state,” said Congressman Biggs. “Many residents live more than thirty minutes from the nearest hospital, and for some, it can take close to an hour just to reach a critical care facility. That distance can determine whether or not a patient receives timely care.
“President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill made important investments to strengthen local communities and improve access to essential services, including healthcare. Arizona is uniquely positioned to lead the way in advancing these reforms and setting a standard for rural healthcare innovation.
“I’m inviting Dr. Oz to visit our great state and witness firsthand the challenges faced by Arizona’s rural communities. Arizona is ready to lead in this effort, and I urge CMS to afford our state the opportunity to do so.”
Congressman Eli Crane stated: “Rural Arizona matters, and I’m proud to join my colleagues to advocate for these critical needs. We all passed the working families tax cut, which included a historic investment in rural hospitals.”
Congressman Paul Gosar added: “Access to quality healthcare remains one of the most pressing challenges facing rural America. The Working Families Tax Cut, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump, helps address the provider shortages, limited facilities, and resource gaps that rural communities in Arizona face. Arizona’s healthcare providers continue to lead with innovative solutions—demonstrating why sustained federal partnership and investment are vital to ensuring quality care for all Arizonans.”
Andy Biggs has represented Arizona’s 5th District since 2017 after serving in the state senate from 2013-2017. He was born in Tucson in 1958 and lives in Gilbert. He holds degrees from Brigham Young University (BA) and University of Arizona (JD).
