Telehealth Infrastructure for Rural Access Program

The Telehealth Infrastructure for Rural Access Program is administered by the Louisiana Department of Health through its Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability. This funding opportunity is part of the broader Rural Health Transformation Program and is supported through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The initiative is designed to address systemic gaps in healthcare access across rural Louisiana by investing in telehealth infrastructure that enhances service delivery, expands access to care, and improves measurable health outcomes in underserved communities. The primary objective of this program is to support targeted, one-time investments in telehealth infrastructure that enable healthcare providers in rural areas to deliver services more effectively and efficiently. These investments are expected to expand access to a wide range of services including primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, maternal and prenatal health, chronic disease management, substance use disorder treatment, and emergency consultations. The program emphasizes measurable improvements in outcomes such as reduced wait times, increased telehealth utilization, improved care coordination, and enhanced patient engagement through remote monitoring and digital health tools. Funding under this opportunity ranges from 50000 to 500000 per award, depending on project scope. Funds may be used for infrastructure-related expenses such as broadband upgrades, telehealth carts, diagnostic equipment, patient kiosks, interoperability tools, cybersecurity enhancements, and software systems that support scheduling and care coordination. However, routine operational costs such as salaries and supplies are not eligible for direct funding, though they may be included as part of the required cost share. All funded projects must demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed investment and improved healthcare access or outcomes in rural populations. Eligibility is restricted to organizations that meet the Rural Health Transformation Program definition of rural, which may be determined based on geographic location, population served, or provider shortage designation. Applicants must also demonstrate financial or infrastructure-related need and provide a detailed assessment supporting their request. A mandatory cost share of at least 10 percent of total direct project costs is required, which may be met through cash or in-kind contributions. Applicants must also submit a sustainability plan outlining how the telehealth infrastructure will remain operational and financially viable after the grant period. The application process requires submission of organizational and programmatic information along with a detailed Statement of Work that includes a project plan, budget, performance metrics, and sustainability strategy. Applications are evaluated using a standardized scoring framework that assesses documented need, project feasibility, impact on access and outcomes, sustainability, and cost effectiveness. Additional consideration is given to projects that align with priority areas such as expanding access in underserved populations or enhancing telehealth capabilities. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes a Notice of Funding Opportunity issued on June 1, 2026, with a deadline for written questions on June 12, 2026, and application submissions due by July 10, 2026 for Year 1 funding. The evaluation period occurs shortly after the deadline, with notices of intent to contract issued in late July to early August. The period of performance for funded projects varies but is aligned with the broader program timeline extending through 2030, and recipients must maintain funded infrastructure for a minimum of five years. This funding opportunity is offered once per grant budget year, indicating a recurring structure, and is intended to support scalable, sustainable telehealth solutions that align with statewide healthcare transformation goals. Applicants are expected to demonstrate readiness, alignment with broader healthcare strategies, and the ability to track and report on performance metrics through quarterly and annual reporting requirements.

Focus on clearly demonstrating rural need and measurable outcomes; align project with priority funding areas; provide strong sustainability and revenue model; ensure detailed and realistic implementation plan