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 received a federal award of $157,394,963.86 through the Rural Health Transformation Program to advance major rural health improvements targeting underserved populations in Sussex and Kent Counties. Funds are temporarily restricted pending CMS approval of a revised budget; once lifted, Delaware will implement an ambitious transformation plan across policy, administration, and rural facility support. The cooperative agreement details reporting, compliance, and milestone requirements to sustain progress for up to five years. Key contacts: Ms. Katherine Hughes Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov; Mr. Steven Blessing steven.blessing@delaware.gov; Ms. Jennifer Herndon jennifer.herndon1@cms.hhs.gov; Katherine Sapra katherine.sapra@cms.hhs.gov Event schedule: - Federal Award Start Date - 12/29/2025 - ET - Budget Period 1 End Date - 10/30/2026 - ET - NCC Application Due (Budget Period 2) - 08/30/2026 - ET - GrantSolutions - Annual Progress Report #1 Due - 08/30/2026 - ET - GrantSolutions - Budget Period 1 Start - 2025-12-29 - Budget Period 1 End - 2026-10-30 - Budget Periods 2-5 Start - 2026-10-31 - Budget Periods 2-5 End - 2030-10-30

The document announces approximately $1.2 million awarded by HRSA to Delaware to enhance rural healthcare access, opioid response programs, and outreach. Four key sub-awards support behavioral health, overdose response, outreach services, and rural health office initiatives.

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

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services hosts several open public funding opportunities related to health services, including electronic visit verification, groundwater treatment, health programs, and tobacco cessation services. These opportunities have defined closing dates extending into late 2026, with structured submission timelines.

Delaware is establishing four new school-based health centers in rural Sussex County through the Rural Health Transformation Program. This increases access to care for students in under-resourced areas, supporting both physical and mental health and aiming to close historic gaps in rural health and educational outcomes. Nearly three-quarters of Delaware's existing centers are in New Castle County, so this expansion addresses geographic disparities. Event schedule: - Award Announcement - 07/29/2026 - New Castle, DE

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