MHS Serves Workforce Support Program

The MHS Serves Workforce Support Program is an initiative launched by Managed Health Services in partnership with the Indiana Minority Health Coalition and Black Onyx Management. Established as part of the broader MHS Serves effort in 2023, the program is designed to address health inequities and the social drivers of health across Indiana. It operates with a focus on improving employment outcomes for Medicaid-eligible adults, recognizing that stable employment is closely tied to improved health outcomes and long-term wellbeing. The program also responds to upcoming federal Medicaid work reporting requirements, which will require eligible individuals to demonstrate engagement in employment or related activities to maintain coverage. The primary purpose of the Workforce Support Program is to strengthen both individual employment pathways and the systems that support them. The program funds nonprofit community-based organizations that are already delivering workforce development services and are seeking to expand or enhance those services. Funding is structured across two tiers. Tier 1 supports local organizations providing direct services such as job readiness training, credential attainment, and employment coaching. Tier 2 supports regional intermediaries that coordinate across multiple partners, focusing on system-level improvements such as employer engagement, shared referral systems, and regional workforce alignment. Funding can be used for a wide range of workforce-related activities, including participant recruitment, training, barrier reduction supports such as transportation and childcare, and improvements to organizational infrastructure and data systems. However, there are clear spending restrictions. Funds cannot be used for medical services, lobbying, construction, or food and beverage costs. Budget limitations include caps on indirect costs at 10 percent, salaries and benefits at 30 percent of direct costs, and participant stipends at 10 percent. All expenses must be clearly justified and directly tied to program objectives. Eligibility is limited to community-based nonprofit organizations incorporated in Indiana with 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must demonstrate experience delivering workforce or related human services programs, the ability to measure outcomes, and the capacity to manage compliance and reporting requirements. The program prioritizes organizations serving Medicaid members aged 19 to 64, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, individuals involved in the justice system, and people with disabilities or significant employment barriers. Government entities, individuals, and lobbying organizations are not eligible. The application process requires organizations to complete an online submission through the designated portal. Applicants must register, verify their email, and complete all required sections, including organizational information, project narrative, budget, and performance measures. Required components include detailed responses to application questions, a budget justification document, and identification of at least six performance measures aligned with program goals. Optional components include letters of support and an evaluation plan. Applications are reviewed through a multi-step process including eligibility screening, evaluation by an advisory council and leadership, and final selection by MHS senior leadership. Proposals are evaluated based on organizational experience, project design and impact, alignment with Medicaid work requirements, strength of partnerships, monitoring and evaluation plans, sustainability, and budget alignment. Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the barriers faced by their target populations and provide data-driven justifications for their proposed activities. Strong emphasis is placed on measurable outcomes and the ability to track progress through defined performance metrics reported quarterly. The program opened for applications on May 12, 2026, and closes on June 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to support a one-year funding period, during which recipients must submit quarterly progress reports and a final report summarizing outcomes and lessons learned. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the program’s official email contact. The program does not indicate a recurring cycle, and no formal notification timeline is specified, though applicants will be informed via email if selected.

Align proposal clearly with Medicaid work requirements; provide data-driven justification for target population needs; demonstrate measurable outcomes with SMART objectives; ensure strong budget justification tied to activities