Delaware

Delaware announced the launch of a statewide initiative to upgrade its health information technology infrastructure. The program aims to provide real-time insurance verification and prior authorization capabilities for providers, with a focus on improving access and reducing administrative burden in rural areas. This announcement introduces technical enhancements relevant to Medicaid and rural hospital transformation.

Delaware is expanding access to health information exchange platforms under RHTP, enabling providers and payers to collaborate more effectively. The initiative is intended to improve care coordination and benefit rural hospitals and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Delaware has received a $157 million federal award for its Rural Health Transformation Program, focusing on 15 targeted projects to expand access, address chronic disease, build workforce capacity, and modernize health systems in rural communities. The program includes innovative initiatives such as a new medical school, Hope Centers for the homeless, value-based care transformation, and infrastructure investment for telehealth. These efforts aim to reduce disparities and improve outcomes across rural areas, particularly Sussex County. Key contacts: dhssinfo@delaware.gov

This RFP solicits proposals to develop and implement evidence- and practice-based interventions to improve health equity among Delawareans with or at risk for diabetes, in alignment with Delaware’s chronic disease prevention strategies. Applicants must propose comprehensive approaches addressing prevention and management of diabetes, guided by data showing high prevalence, racial disparities, and comorbidities such as obesity and disability. Funding ties to RHTP transformation objectives and CDC strategies for equity in diabetes and chronic disease. Key contacts: Maurica Sampson Maurica.sampson@delaware.gov; Eddie Mui DHSS_DMS_dmsprocure@delaware.gov; Maurica Sampson Maurica.sampson@delaware.gov; Shebra Hall Shebra.hall@delaware.gov Event schedule: - Public Notice - 02/09/2026 - ET - Deadline for Questions - 03/02/2026 - 4:30 PM ET - Response to Questions Posted - 03/16/2026 - ET - Deadline for Receipt of Proposals - 03/30/2026 - 1:00 PM ET - https://dhss.bonfirehub.com/ - Estimated Notification of Award - 05/29/2026 - ET - Estimated Project Begin Date - 08/01/2026 - ET - Contract Notice Contact - Division of Public Health, 417 Federal Street Dover, DE 19901

The State of Delaware has issued an open solicitation for the Rural Library-Based Health Access program, aiming to leverage libraries to improve health access in rural areas. Applications are due in April 2026, and contact details are provided for further information. Key contacts: Ricky Williamson ricky.williamson@delaware.gov Event schedule: - Solicitation Ad Date - 02/12/2026 - Deadline for Bid Responses - 04/17/2026 - 1:00 PM ET

This document provides a standardized template to guide applicants in preparing a workplan for the Delaware Rural Health Transformation Program Support Services RFP. It outlines required elements such as objectives, monitoring approach, targets, and responsible parties to ensure structured responses. No award or budget information is included.

This House Joint Resolution directs a state-led study on creating a healthcare apprenticeship degree program with paid clinical placements to tackle rural workforce shortages. The initiative aims to leverage and align with the Rural Health Transformation Program award and future competitive DHSS subawards. The study's report and recommendations are due to state leadership by May 1, 2027. Event schedule: - Report Due Date - 05/01/2027 - Governor's Office, Delaware General Assembly

The Delaware RHTP unites 15 integrated initiatives focused on access, workforce, technology modernization, and population health, directly serving 400,000 rural residents across Sussex and Kent Counties. Major investments include renovation of state-owned buildings for Hope Centers, workforce expansion, telehealth infrastructure, and community hub services. The total program cost is $786,970,081.95, with a 9.1% indirect rate to ensure statewide administrative and compliance oversight. Key contacts: Delaware Division of Libraries; Delaware Health Care Commission; Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC) Program Manager Event schedule: - CMS Rural Health Transformation Summit - 03/18/2026 - ET - Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD - Initiative Period of Performance Start - 2025-12-29 - Initiative Period of Performance End - 2026-10-30 - Period of Performance Start - 2025-12-29 - America/New_York - Delaware - Period of Performance End - 2026-10-30 - America/New_York - Delaware - Rural Medical Residency Recruitment Program Period of Performance - 2025-12-29 - Eastern Time - Delaware - Rural Medical Residency Recruitment Program End Date - 2026-10-30 - Eastern Time - Delaware - Training Programs for Clinical Support Roles in Rural Areas Period of Performance - 2025-12-29 - Eastern Time - Delaware

House Bill 305 proposes a three-year diabetes wellness pilot program within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, funded by the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The pilot aims to improve diabetes management by shifting from reactive sick care to proactive well care, leveraging technology and incentives. Outcomes will be tracked via data analysis to determine the pilot's effectiveness and inform potential renewal or expansion. Event schedule: - Introduced in House - 03/05/2026 - Assigned to Senate Health & Social Services - 06/16/2026

Reference: Delaware Expands Payer and Provider HIE Access Under Rhtp Link: https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/delaware-expands-payer-and-provider-hie-access-under-rhtp

Key contacts: Rick Williamson Ricky.Williamson@delaware.gov; Katherine Hughes Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov Event schedule: - Notice to State of Delaware under the contract - Rick Williamson, Management Analyst III, Ricky.Williamson@delaware.gov - Monthly Usage Report due - monthly by 15th - Eastern Time - Submit electronically to Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov - Quarterly Subcontracting 2nd Tier Report due - quarterly by 15th after quarter end - Eastern Time - Submit electronically to osd@delaware.gov

Key contacts: Kaitlyn Arthur kaitlyn.arthur@delaware.gov Event schedule: - Initial Contract Term End Date - 2027-09-30 - America/New_York - Maximum Possible Contract End Date (with extensions) - 2031-09-30 - America/New_York