Health Home for Individuals with Chronic Conditions

The Health Home for Individuals with Chronic Conditions grant, offered through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provides states with financial support to plan and implement State Plan Amendments (SPAs) under Section 1945 of the Social Security Act. This program aims to enhance care coordination for Medicaid beneficiaries with chronic health conditions, with the ultimate goal of delivering more integrated and person-centered care. The initiative is authorized by Section 2703 of the Affordable Care Act and aligns with CMS’s broader mission of improving health outcomes, patient experiences, and reducing costs. The funding is specifically designated to support states in their early planning stages for establishing or expanding a health home model. These models are designed to coordinate care across various services—including primary, acute, behavioral health, and long-term services—for individuals with multiple chronic conditions, or those at risk for a second condition. Examples of qualifying conditions include asthma, diabetes, substance use disorder (SUD), mental health disorders, and more. States may target specific chronic conditions or broader populations but must adhere to minimum federal eligibility requirements. Notably, the grant allows for flexibility in program design while emphasizing the need for inclusive coverage of categorically needy populations. A total of $15,000,000 is available under this funding opportunity, with each award capped at $500,000. States may use the funding for activities such as hiring personnel or consultants, conducting feasibility studies, training, outreach to stakeholders, and developing systems to support SPA implementation. The grant operates under a cost-sharing model, meaning states must contribute their regular Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). States may also use funds to determine the infeasibility of launching a health home SPA, with these costs still qualifying for reimbursement. However, states already operating SPAs targeting the same populations are ineligible for new grants. Applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines falling on January 4, April 1, July 1, and October 1 each year. The next closing date is October 1, 2025, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The period of performance for each awarded grant is up to 36 months, starting from the date of award, which is also issued on a rolling basis depending on the application date. There is no Letter of Intent required, and applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. All necessary forms, narratives, and supporting documents must be submitted according to the specified format and content guidelines to be considered for review. Evaluation of applications will focus on the applicant’s proposed planning activities, organizational capabilities, budgeting, and evaluation strategy. Each applicant must also complete a Business Assessment questionnaire, submit a current Cost Allocation Plan if relevant, and provide contact information for the Project Director and other key personnel. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award and be required to meet federal reporting requirements related to financial management, civil rights compliance, and program performance. Programmatic questions may be directed to Andrea Ormiston at HHPlanningGrants@cms.hhs.gov, and budget or administrative inquiries can be addressed to Gabriel W. Nah, Jr. at the same email address. CMS may choose not to fund every application and reserves the right to cancel the NOFO at any time depending on the availability of funds or policy priorities.