Mississippi

Mississippi was awarded $205.9M through the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen rural healthcare by expanding access, improving workforce, modernizing infrastructure, and care coordination with a major contractual budget for future initiatives. Reporting restrictions on contractual funding were lifted upon submission of sufficient details. Specific subrecipient funding will be determined upon future selection and CMS review. Key contacts: Kristen Windham Kristen.Windham@govreeves.ms.gov; Anne Hall Brashier annehall.brashier@govreeves.ms.gov; Chris Clark christopher.clark@cms.hhs.gov; Jacqueline Higgins jacqueline.higgins1@cms.hhs.gov Event schedule: - Federal Award Date - 04/20/2026 - Budget Period Start - 12/29/2025 - Budget Period End - 10/30/2026 - Period of Performance End - 10/30/2030

The award supports workforce development via training and technical assistance to expand person-centered systems of care for Medicaid Home and Community Based Programs in Mississippi. The contract covers a two-year period and totals $559,902. Event schedule: - Contract Period Start - 02/03/2023 - Mississippi - Contract Period End - 02/02/2025 - Mississippi

Event schedule: - Applicant Questions Mississippi Telehealth Hub Connectivity, Equipment & Education Grant Program (TCE) Because RHTP funding is currently structured as a one-year award period, Mississippi strongly encourages applicants to propose phased or scalable projects that can achieve meaningful implementation milestones within the available funding timeframe. Applicants should ensure that Phase I activities are completed by , 2027, and clearly identify how the proposed scope can operate independently or support future expansion if additional funding becomes available. See RFA for more details. 1. Executive Summary Purpose: The purpose of Section 1 of the application is to provide the grant evaluation team with a concise overview of the project and reference key values that appear in Sections 2 – 5. 1.1 Project Snapshot Project Name: ____________________________________________________________ Requested Amount (note: funds must be expended by the subrecipient by July 31, 2027) : $___________________ Program Objective Alignment (check all that apply):  S trengthens rural healthcare by increasing virtual care access,  S upporting providers in adopting telehealth, and  Exploring innovative payment models Telehealth Education (Provider & Patient Outreach) 1.2 Short Executive Narrative (500-word limit) Summarize the snapshot above and present a clear high-level overview of why the project is needed and how it will advance the goals of the TCE Program. 8 - July 31 - 2. Project Description Complete Sections 2A – 2D. Use objective, applicant-reported values and upload supporting documentation where available. 2A. Need and Intended Outcomes 2A.1 Need Summary (350-word limit) Instructions: Provide a short need summary describing the specific need or needs to be addressed through the proposed investment. Please note projects may be subject to state regulations governing certification of need requirements. 2A.2 Quantified Need Indicators (provide at least 1) Instructions: Provide at least one quantified need indicator. Examples of quantified indicators: wait time, appointment backlog, capacity utilization, travel distance, equipment downtime, etc. Need indicator Baseline value Baseline time Why this indicates a care Upload Supporting (name) period gap (1 sentence) Documentation ☐ ☐ ☐ 2A.3 Intended Outcomes (provide at least 2) Instructions: Provide at least two intended outcomes. Outcome Baseline Target / expected Timeframe How measured (data Upload (measurable) change source) Supporting Documentation ☐ ☐ ☐ 2B. How the Investment Addresses the Need Instructions: List the major components of the investment and map each component to the need indicator(s) and intended outcomes(s) above. 9 - 2D. Challenges, Risks, and Barriers Instructions: Provide at least two challenges, obstacles, or risks that may affect achievement of the intended outcomes. Each risk must include an owner and mitigation steps. Risk category Risk description Mitigation Owner (role/title) When addressed (1 – 2 sentences) (1 – 2 sentences) (phase/date range) 3. Implementation Instructions: Provide a detailed workplan with tasks, milestones, procurement steps, approvals, and dates. Identify responsible parties. Include planned obligation timing. (Note: funds must be expended by the subrecipient by , 2027 ) 3A. Implementation Workplan and Timeline For each row, first select an activity: • Planning; • Procurement; • Configuration/Integration; • Launch; • Closeout. Applicants are expected to use each phase at least once. You may use each activity multiple times (multiple rows per activity are expected). Then list the milestone/task and deliverable for that activity (one milestone/task per row) and include Responsible Party (role/title) and the Start Date and End Date for each milestone/task. If the row involves procurement, complete Procurement Method and Procurement Step; otherwise enter N/A. 12 - July 31 - 4B. Non-Duplication of Funding (500-word limit) Explain how the proposed expenditures do not duplicate other existing funding sources. If any portion is supported by another source, identify the source and describe how costs are separated. 4C. Cost Estimate Basis and Assumptions (500-word limit) Describe the basis for estimates (quotes, internal estimates, prior purchases, market comparisons). Upload supporting documentation. 5. Evaluation Instructions: Provide measures and describe how you will collect, verify, track, and report data related to performance metrics for the proposed project. Identify the owner and cadence. Include at least one implementation and one outcome measure where appropriate. By submitting the application, the applicant certifies that they will provide monthly progress reports and any additional required reporting. 5.1 Measures Table Measure Type Data Baseline (or Target / Responsible Collection (Implementation/ Source how baseline expected Owner frequency Outcome) will be change (role/title) established) 15 - Because RHTP funding is currently structured as a one-year award period, Mississippi strongly encourages applicants to propose phased or scalable projects that can achieve meaningful implementation milestones within the available funding timeframe. Applicants should ensure that Phase I activities are completed by , 2027, and clearly identify how the proposed scope can operate independently or support future expansion if additional funding becomes available. Activity Milestone Deliverable Responsible Procurement Procurement Start End / Task Party Method Step Date Date (role/title) (if (if applicable) applicable) Example Procure Executed Procurement $ Formal ad 09/2026 10/2026 Procurement software contract officer and bid evaluation contract execution 3A.2 Planned Obligation For each procured component, identify the obligation method and planned obligation timing (date or days post-award). Applicants are not expected to have executed contracts at application time; this is a planning field. DO NOT NAME SPECIFIC VENDOR NAMES IN THIS APPLICATION. Procured Obligation Method (Contract / Purchase Planned Obligation Timing Component Order / Direct Cost / Other) (date or days post-award) Example: Clinical Purchase Order Within 90 days post award Equipment 3B. Project Management and Readiness Instructions: Assign owners for each management area. If a dedicated project manager will be used (internal or contracted), identify them. If external vendors/partners are involved, describe their roles and note ‘ Vendor TBD ’ . DO NOT NAME SPECIFIC VENDOR NAMES IN THIS APPLICATION. Management Area Owner (name or role/title) Scope Schedule Budget Approvals / decision authority Reporting 13 - July 31 - 4B. Non-Duplication of Funding (500-word limit) Explain how the proposed expenditures do not duplicate other existing funding sources. If any portion is supported by another source, identify the source and describe how costs are separated. 4C. Cost Estimate Basis and Assumptions (500-word limit) Describe the basis for estimates (quotes, internal estimates, prior purchases, market comparisons). Upload supporting documentation. 5. Evaluation Instructions: Provide measures and describe how you will collect, verify, track, and report data related to performance metrics for the proposed project. Identify the owner and cadence. Include at least one implementation and one outcome measure where appropriate. By submitting the application, the applicant certifies that they will provide monthly progress reports and any additional required reporting. 5.1 Measures Table Measure Type Data Baseline (or Target / Responsible Collection (Implementation/ Source how baseline expected Owner frequency Outcome) will be change (role/title) established) 15 - 3C. Sustainability Plan Instructions: Address each category below. If a category does not apply, enter N/A. Topic Addressed? Plan (1 – 2 sentences) How will you ensure Required completion by , 2027? Maintenance (includes factors ☐ Yes ☐ No such as cost to maintain the investment long term and any replacement costs) Staffing ☐ Yes ☐ No Operations (includes overall ☐ Yes ☐ No operations as well as patient satisfaction and experience) Reimbursement / revenue ☐ Yes ☐ No strategy ☐ N/A Partnerships (if applicable) ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A Sustainability owner (role/title): _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Budget Narrative Instructions: Complete sections 4A – 4C. This section is required for completeness/responsiveness. Please provide reasonable estimates related to the budget for your proposed project. Use brief narrative and cite assumptions. Please highlight the amounts that be will applied to indirect and/or administrative costs. 4A. Alignment to Project Scope and Activities (500-word limit) Explain how each major budget category supports the proposed project scope, implementation of tasks, and intended outcomes. Please highlight the amounts that be will applied to indirect and/or administrative costs. 14 - July 31 - 4B. Non-Duplication of Funding (500-word limit) Explain how the proposed expenditures do not duplicate other existing funding sources. If any portion is supported by another source, identify the source and describe how costs are separated. 4C. Cost Estimate Basis and Assumptions (500-word limit) Describe the basis for estimates (quotes, internal estimates, prior purchases, market comparisons). Upload supporting documentation. 5. Evaluation Instructions: Provide measures and describe how you will collect, verify, track, and report data related to performance metrics for the proposed project. Identify the owner and cadence. Include at least one implementation and one outcome measure where appropriate. By submitting the application, the applicant certifies that they will provide monthly progress reports and any additional required reporting. 5.1 Measures Table Measure Type Data Baseline (or Target / Responsible Collection (Implementation/ Source how baseline expected Owner frequency Outcome) will be change (role/title) established) 15

The TAPS initiative in Mississippi focuses on expanding virtual care and telehealth services across rural areas, enabling access to specialty care, improving infrastructure, and providing training and education. Key program elements include support for provider adoption and sustainability, technology upgrades, education for providers and patients, and expanded telehealth access in schools. Notices of Funding Opportunities have been released to guide eligible organizations through the application process. Key contacts: Info@MississippiRHTP.com

Mississippi's plan aims to ensure every rural resident has reliable access to quality health care by 2031. Initiatives include expanded telehealth, new workforce incentive programs, health IT upgrades, regional care integration, and capital projects addressing care gaps. The plan targets chronic and maternal health disparities, rural hospital stability, and sustainability beyond federal funding. Event schedule: - Rural Health Stakeholder Forum - 08/28/2025 - Mississippi (venue unspecified)

This summary aggregates FY26 proposed RHTP transformation plans for multiple states, as submitted to CMS. All states propose major rural health investments including digital and telehealth infrastructure, workforce pipeline expansion, integrated care models, and targeted initiatives for maternal health, chronic disease, and behavioral health. Each state is assigned a proposed RHTP funding amount, but recipient sub-awards are not named in this CMS summary.

Mississippi Medicaid's Hospital Access Program QIPP will allocate $832M for hospital quality incentives in FY2025, including a $43.5M value-based payment carve-out. Key priorities include improvement in maternal, mental, and metabolic health, as well as expansion of value-based payments. Hospitals meeting quality improvement thresholds will receive additional VBP funding after final review.

This Methodology Supplement outlines the Mississippi QIPP PPC approach to incentivizing quality improvement in Medicaid inpatient care. Statewide PPC performance for fiscal years 2019–2020 showed a weighted actual-to-expected ratio of 1.10, prompting targeted corrective action plans for underperforming hospitals. Incentives and penalties are based on hospital attainment and improvement of PPC performance, with a focus on reducing costly complications such as septicemia.

Mississippi Division of Medicaid has been awarded $205 million for the first year of a five-year Rural Health Transformation Program. The program supports six major initiatives, including statewide rural health assessment, network and workforce development, health technology modernization, telehealth, and infrastructure building. This is part of a larger $50 billion federal investment aimed at supporting sustainable rural healthcare statewide. Key contacts: Jennifer Wentworth Event schedule: - , 2026 - May 6 - Agenda - •Program Launch: SFY , 2024 - July 1 - •Objective: Incentivize high value care - , 2023, through June 30, 2024 (based on paid date) - July 1 - •Interim payments reconciled in May 2027 to actual encounters - for rating period, , 2025 - June 30, 2026 (based on service - July 1 - date) - Contract end: , 2025 - June 30 - United Healthcare 1-800-557-9933

Mississippi QIPP will direct $50 million for value-based payments to hospitals, incentivizing quality and outcome improvements for Medicaid beneficiaries—including rural facilities. Payments are tied to performance in reducing potentially preventable hospital returns (PPHR), inpatient complications (PPC), and ambulatory complications (AM-PPC), with rigorous reporting and corrective action plan requirements. Notable emphasis on maternal health with the new MOMS initiative launching in SFY 2026.

WEI focuses on recruiting new providers, training the next generation of healthcare workers, and supporting retention across a full care team including EMS, behavioral health, dental, and support roles. The program funds workforce recruitment and retention, residency program expansion, preceptor support, high school career pathways, and an 'earn while you learn' program. Funding requires alignment with Mississippi's Rural Health Transformation Plan and includes a minimum five-year service commitment.

Multiple Mississippi hospitals are attesting to collaborate and participate in a statewide Health Information Network for Medicaid data reporting. The HIN initiative is intended to improve admission, discharge, and transfer data exchange for Medicaid beneficiaries, as a requirement in the SFY 2022 plan. The document serves to certify hospitals' capability and intent to support statewide HIN implementation.

Mississippi Medicaid has implemented major payment and quality programs including hospital and physician access initiatives, ambulance reimbursement reforms, and health information exchange requirements. The state is executing a multi-year, data-driven quality strategy focusing on value-based care, improved population health, and robust stakeholder engagement. New technology systems and provider quality incentives are central to the transformation program.

Mississippi's RHTP was approved by CMS for FY2026, forming the basis for local healthcare transformation. First hospital funding opportunities expected June 15, 2026. Public reporting and procurements to follow transparency laws. Event schedule: - First hospital funding opportunity release - 06/15/2026 - MS RHTP website

CRIS brings together EMS, hospitals, public health agencies, and community organizations within Regional Healthcare Districts using shared data and aligned protocols. The program focuses on improving EMS response, reducing unnecessary hospital transports, expanding rural access, and supporting coordinated care through pilots and investments such as EMS Treat in Place, nurse navigation, AI decision support, and social service connections. Key contacts: Info@MississippiRHTP.com

CMS approved Mississippi's state directed payment proposal, authorizing up to $1.51 billion for percentage increases and performance improvement payments to rural and other hospitals for inpatient, outpatient, and rural emergency services. This award is incorporated in Medicaid managed care capitation rates for fiscal year 2025-2026. No recipient sub-award details are provided; this is a total federal-state allocation.