#United States #Washington #Lumeris #Collaborative for Healthy Rural America #Rural Health Transformation

Transforming Rural Healthcare: The Launch of Collaborative for Healthy Rural America

On November 3, 2025, a significant advancement in rural healthcare took place with the announcement of the Collaborative for Healthy Rural America (CHRA). This coalition, spearheaded by Lumeris, along with key players such as Teladoc Health, Nuna, Deloitte, and Unite Us, aims to create a sustainable and interconnected health ecosystem for the millions residing in rural areas across the United States.

The creation of CHRA stems from the urgent need to address the gaps in healthcare services in rural communities. Today's rural healthcare landscape is daunting, as evidenced by reports from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, which indicates a looming shortage of over 87,000 primary care physicians within the next decade, particularly affecting underserved areas. The reality is stark: since 2005, approximately 190 rural hospitals have closed, with over 600 remaining at financial risk, leaving vast sections of the American population without consistent access to essential medical services.

The Vision of CHRA

CHRA seeks to rectify these challenges by establishing an AI-enabled interoperable operating platform that not only connects patients with healthcare professionals but also enhances the overall quality of care. This platform will serve as a transformative tool, enabling rural healthcare providers to achieve their dream of delivering top-tier healthcare effectively.

John Doerr, Chairman of Kleiner Perkins, accentuated the critical nature of this initiative, emphasizing that the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) provides a unique opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery in rural settings. “The formation of this collaborative gives states a tangible pathway towards achieving their healthcare goals through a state-of-the-art operating platform powered by AI and cutting-edge technologies,” Doerr stated.

Central to CHRA's mission is the concept of Primary Care as a Service (PCaaS). This innovative approach aims to create scalable solutions that enhance access to care, strengthen preventive services, and streamline chronic disease management while reducing administrative burdens on already stretched healthcare systems. CHRA intends to deliver localized benefits while capitalizing on the efficiencies of a national scale—creating a virtuous cycle of improved quality and reduced costs.

Unique Collaboration

Each founding partner has a distinctive role within the CHRA, elucidating the coalition's collective strength:

• - Lumeris will provide the Primary Care as a Service platform, harnessing its AI-driven Tom™ technology, which integrates advanced workflows and population-health insights to facilitate the effective functioning of primary care in rural settings.

• - Teladoc Health is set to enhance the virtual care landscape, offering a broad spectrum of services, from urgent care to chronic disease management, thereby ensuring 24/7 access for patients.

• - Nuna contributes with its AI-native app, a daily virtual coach that aids patients in adhering to provided care plans and alerts clinical teams for timely interventions.

• - Deloitte will focus on systems interoperability, ensuring data integration across various platforms to monitor and enhance program effectiveness.

• - Unite Us aims to weave together community support services with healthcare, building a comprehensive network that addresses both medical and behavioral health needs.

Guiding Principles and Future Outlook

The CHRA has established several guiding principles that reflect its commitment to serving rural Americans. These include:

• - Delivering comprehensive and scalable technology solutions tailored to rural healthcare needs.
• - Monitoring sustainability metrics such as improved patient satisfaction, financial reinforcement of healthcare providers, and reduced hospitalizations.
• - Ensuring enhanced access to healthcare within six months and expanding capabilities within 18 months.

As the coalition embarks on its challenging yet vital mission, Mike Long, CEO of Lumeris and a founding member of CHRA, expressed confidence in the potential of this private-sector-led initiative. He reiterated that their efforts are fundamentally supported by the government's investments aimed at fostering a sustainable healthcare ecosystem for future generations.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Collaborative for Healthy Rural America represents a pivotal step towards enhancing healthcare delivery in rural areas. By leveraging modern technologies and unifying the strengths of industry leaders, CHRA is determined to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare to every American, regardless of their geographical location. As this coalition progresses, it will create a blueprint for transforming the rural health landscape, empowering communities, and improving lives across the nation.