Media Inquiries

Baylee Watts
Media Director
Baylee.Watts@dss.mo.gov

Press Releases

CMS Approves $216 Million Year 1 Budget to Stabilize and Transform Rural Health Care in Missouri
04/07/26

The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) today announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved $216 million in Year 1 (through September 30, 2027) funding for the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), marking a major step forward in strengthening and stabilizing rural health care across the state. The funding launches full implementation of Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Care – Missouri’s statewide transformation strategy.

Missouri Department of Social Services Appoints Joseph Miller to Lead Landmark Rural Health Transformation Initiative
03/24/26

The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) today announced the appointment of Joseph (Joe) Miller as Director of the newly established Rural Health Transformation Office (RHTO) within the MO HealthNet Division (MHD). Miller will begin his role on March 30, 2026.

Missouri Department of Social Services and Feeding Missouri Announce Results of State Team Member Food Drive
02/18/26

The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), in partnership with Feeding Missouri, announced the results of a statewide team member food drive that helped provide critical food assistance to communities across the state during the holiday season.

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