New York State Rural Health Transformation Program - Rural Community Health Integration

Background

The New York State Department of Health announces the availability of funds for the Rural Health Transformation Program to support Rural Community Health Integration. This initiative aims to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural areas by establishing coordinated health partnerships. The program is funded by a $212 million award from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure development in rural communities. The funding guidance allocates $76,190,022 for Budget Period 1, with contracts beginning on September 1, 2026, and ending on June 30, 2027.

Work Details

The contract involves developing collaborative plans to create integrated health networks that enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas. Key activities include: - Engaging the community - Assessing community needs through County Community Health Needs Assessments - Conducting feasibility studies - Developing governance structures - Building integrated partnerships - Designing clinical workflow improvements - Modeling financial sustainability - Developing technology integration plans - Coordinating care - Improving population health - Sustaining workforce development. Eligible applicants must include a Lead Applicant, Partner Organization(s), and at least one General Hospital or Rural Emergency Hospital. The Lead Applicant must be a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization or municipal hospital with a history of regulatory compliance.

Period of Performance

The contract will be performed from September 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Place of Performance

The geographic area for performance includes counties defined as rural in New York's Rural Health Transformation Program application.

Bidder Requirements

Lead Applicants must meet specific qualifications: they must be registered not-for-profit organizations or municipal hospitals with at least three years of regulatory compliance history. They must also be located in eligible rural counties as listed in Attachment 1 of the application guidance.