Telehealth and Health Information Technology in Rural Healthcare – Funding & Opportunities

Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program Hardship Exception Application
CMS eligible hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) may be exempted from the Medicare Promoting Interoperability payment adjustment if they can show that compliance with the requirement for being a meaningful EHR user would result in a significant hardship. Eligible hospitals and CAHs may submit a hardship exception application each year for a maximum of 5 years.

Quality Payment Program Exceptions
The opportunity to apply for exceptions to meeting Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) program requirements. The 2 exceptions include extreme and uncontrollable circumstances and promoting interoperability hardship.

Leveraging Health Information Technology (Health IT) to Address Minority Health and Health Disparities (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Grants for research that examines how health information technology adoption impacts minority health and health disparity populations in access to care, quality of care, patient engagement, and health outcomes.

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDL and REDG)
Loans and grants to assist in the economic development of rural areas, including funds for healthcare facilities and equipment, telecommunications networks, and job creation projects.

Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Assessing Real-World Effectiveness and Implementation of Telehealth-Guided Provider-to-Provider Communication among Rural Communities
Notice of Special Interest for research that generates evidence on the real-world effectiveness of telehealth collaboration among healthcare providers for consultation, second opinions, and other purposes, referred to as provider-to-provider telehealth (PPT). PPT offers remote access to critical health expertise that might not exist locally in some rural communities.

Certified Professional by the American Heart Association - Telehealth (CPAHA) program
A certification program for healthcare professionals interested in demonstrating a commitment to telehealth.

Economic Development Assistance Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
Funding to support the implementation of regional economic development, including public works projects and job creation projects. Past projects have included funding for water and wastewater projects in hospitals and healthcare facilities and road infrastructure projects that would support the expansion of healthcare facilities. Rural, tribal, and other underserved communities are a program priority.

Rural Health Care Program – Healthcare Connect Fund
Provides assistance to healthcare providers for eligible expenses related to broadband connectivity at a flat discounted rate of 65%. Participants can apply as a member of a consortium or a stand-alone entity.

Rural Health Care Telecommunications (Telecom) Program
Assistance to healthcare providers for eligible expenses related to telecommunications and voice services for the use of telemedicine and telehealth.

Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees
Loans and loan guarantees for the construction, maintenance, improvement, and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas.