Pennsylvania Legislative Funding for Rural Health Sustainability and Payment Reform

Award Date: May 9, 2025

Geographic Scope:

• Pennsylvania (primary focus)
• National applicability

Eligible Applicants:

• Rural Health Redesign Center Organization (RHRC) - direct recipient
• Partner organizations with aligned missions focused on rural healthcare access and quality
• Healthcare providers
• Payers/insurers
• Government agencies
• Partner organizations in sustainability efforts

Focus Areas:

• Next-generation rural health sustainability concepts
• Payment reform and alternative payment models
• Global budgeting frameworks
• Population health outcomes improvement
• Public-private partnership infrastructure development
• Pennsylvania Rural Health Model advancement
• Implementation strategies with national applicability
• Rural hospital sustainability improvement

Specific Initiatives:

• Development of next-generation strategies through broad stakeholder engagement
• Collaboration with healthcare providers, payers, government officials, and partner organizations
• Design of alternative payment solutions
• Development of implementation strategies with national applicability
• Public-private partnership infrastructure creation

Background:
The RHRC has successfully led the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model, a first-of-its-kind demonstration program using global budgeting frameworks to improve population health outcomes. This funding builds on those successes to develop solutions applicable nationally. Rural hospitals continue to struggle financially, with many operating with significant deficits.

Supporting Legislators:

• Senator Michele Brooks (R-50) - key supporter
• Pennsylvania Senate

Contact Information:

• Email: support@rhrco.org
• Website: https://rhrco.org

Application Process

Rural healthcare organizations and partners interested in collaboration with this initiative should:

1. Contact RHRC: Email support@rhrco.org
2. Express Interest in Partnership: The RHRC is actively seeking partner organizations with aligned missions
3. Discuss Sustainability Goals: Collaborate on ensuring access to high-quality and affordable healthcare in rural communities
4. Explore Partnership Opportunities: Work with RHRC on alternative payment solutions and rural healthcare sustainability

Additional Information:
Detailed application procedures and specific requirements are not outlined in the available content. Organizations should contact the RHRC directly to learn about partnership and collaboration opportunities.