Indiana

Eight regions in Indiana are seeking $120 million in grant funding to expand and improve rural healthcare. The announcement reflects increased activity and focus on rural health transformation in Indiana.

The announcement highlights Indiana's involvement in transforming rural health through regional collaboration, supported by grant funding. Specific details about awards, recipients, or budgets are not provided in this summary.

Eight regions in Indiana are preparing Letters of Intent to document stakeholder commitment and regional partnerships for upcoming GROW grant applications under the RHTP. These letters facilitate regional collaboration and ensure all counties are included ahead of the application deadline. Inclusion in these letters does not confer funding but signals partnership strength. Event schedule: - GROW grant application deadline - 07/01/2026

Indiana was awarded $206.9 million for Year 1 of the Rural Health Transformation Program, with a comprehensive plan to improve rural health outcomes through statewide and regional initiatives. Immediate priorities include care coordination, health information technology modernization, workforce expansion, maternal/infant health, and prevention of chronic disease. Over five years, the program will target sustainability, system integration, and measurable quality improvements, with major investments in regional grant programs engaging local stakeholders.

Blue & Co., LLC was recommended for contract negotiations to administer Indiana's Centralized Billing Office and Cost Report program under the Rural Health Transformation Program. The initial 4-year award is valued at $3,984,000, with up to 2 additional optional years. GenTech Associates will be subcontracted for 3% of the award value. Event schedule: - Award Recommendation Letter Date - 07/31/2026

Indiana's RHTP Initiative 8 sets aside $1.8 million for a 10-month pilot grant program to expand telehealth services in rural and partially rural counties. Applicants can propose a wide range of telehealth solutions targeting clinical, behavioral health, and chronic disease management, with high flexibility in outcome metrics. The state provides oversight and guidance but requires applicants to use their own HIPAA-compliant platforms. Key contacts: Emily Brown embrown@health.in.gov; growruralhealth@health.in.gov Event schedule: - Implementation Start - 10/01/2026 - ET - Pilot Completion Deadline - 07/31/2027 - ET

This slide deck outlines key requirements and submission processes for respondents to the Indiana RHTP ACO Feasibility Study RFP. It covers proposal components, evaluation criteria, deadlines, and compliance steps, including specific guidance for Indiana Veteran Owned Small Businesses. The scope includes external quality review of Medicaid managed care programs. Key contacts: Kristine Kruger Event schedule: - Pre-Proposal Meeting - 07/30/2026

This initiative uses a structured quality improvement model to increase lead screening rates among children in Indiana, focusing particularly on children at key age milestones. The program features provider incentives, training sessions, and data-driven feedback to continuously improve lead testing and reporting. Education resources and counseling are aimed at raising awareness among patients and caregivers. Event schedule: - Project Start - Project Closeout

Indiana RHTP's Initiative 11 aims to build a pipeline for behavioral health professionals by exposing high school students to these fields early, supporting current workforce through employer grants, and providing expanded training for paraprofessionals. Collaboration with related health academies and workshops equips both students and workers for rural behavioral health careers. Ongoing efforts include grant agreements and collaboration with other workforce initiatives.

Indiana's RHTP Initiative 3 targets improved patient outcomes through enhanced interoperability and technology. The program seeks to modernize the state's health information exchange, connect rural healthcare facilities, close data gaps, and support care coordination via EMR integration and EMS collaboration. Ongoing activities include provider readiness assessments and leveraging the state’s managed service provider process.

Indiana's Rural Health Transformation Program is organizing regional Letters of Intent to demonstrate collaboration among partners across eight regions. This process is a precursor to GROW grant applications, ensuring all counties are represented and stakeholders are committed to improving rural health. Inclusion in the letter signals support, not final funding or award status. Event schedule: - GROW Grant Application Deadline - 07/01/2026

Initiative 4 of Indiana's RHTP focuses on strengthening pediatric and obstetric emergency readiness in rural hospitals and EMS agencies. It includes statewide needs assessments, training, equipment, and technical assistance to address gaps in readiness and promote safer, coordinated emergency care for mothers and children. Major partners include the Indiana Department of Health, Department of Homeland Security, IEMSC, and IU School of Medicine.

Indiana was awarded nearly $207 million for the first year of RHTP, a program focusing on healthcare system innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure, and workforce investment. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and the Indiana Department of Health jointly lead the effort. Key strategic goals include supporting rural health innovations, improving provider sustainability, strengthening workforce recruitment and retention, implementing new care models, and leveraging technology. Event schedule: - Initial RHTP Grant Award - 12/29/2025

Indiana is launching a multi-year Rural Healthcare Academy initiative targeting rural high school students to address persistent workforce shortages. Academies will deliver summer programming in all RHTP regions, engage multiple partners, and track metrics such as enrollment, completion rate, and pipeline outcomes. The strategy supports the RHTP's workforce development goals and includes ongoing evaluation through FY31.

Reference: Eight Indiana Regions ASK 120 Million Grants Expand Improve Rural Healthcare Link: https://www.wlfi.com/2026/07/28/eight-indiana-regions-ask-120-million-grants-expand-improve-rural-healthcare/

Reference: Transforming Rural Health Through Regional Collaboration Grant Dollars Link: https://www.giant.fm/fulton-county/news/local-news/transforming-rural-health-through-regional-collaboration-grant-dollars/

The R&R Grant focuses on recruitment support, retention development, and capacity building for rural behavioral health providers in Indiana. It aims to promote sustainable and flexible strategies through coordinated outreach, institutional improvements, and organizational system enhancements. The program includes an optional applicant guidance webinar scheduled for May 15, 2026. Event schedule: - Application Start Date - 05/07/2026 - Application End Date - 06/05/2026 - Applicant Webinar - 05/15/2026 - 11:00 AM ET - Join Meeting