Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is soliciting proposals to develop a statewide Hub‑and‑Spoke network that expands access to maternal and perinatal health services in rural Iowa. Applicants may pursue one of three options: (1) act as a Statewide Hub (Level III/IV hospital) providing tele‑consultation and support to all rural sites; (2) upgrade a Level I hospital to Level II status, establishing a new hub for high‑risk cases; or (3) form a network of 3‑5 Level I/II hospitals (spokes) that collaborate with a designated hub for referrals and shared services. The program is funded by CMS Rural Health Transformation dollars (≈ $209 M total) with option‑specific award ceilings, and requires a detailed work plan, legal agreements, and compliance with federal reporting (FFATA, insurance, etc.). Key points:
• Three mutually exclusive options with distinct eligibility (Level III/IV for Option 1, Level I for Option 2, Level I/II for Option 3).
• Must submit a mandatory Letter of Intent by Aug 10, 2026 and a full application by Sep 1, 2026.
• Project term runs Oct 31, 2026 – Sep 30, 2031 (five years) with monthly/quarterly reporting.
• Prohibited costs include major construction, lobbying, and supplanting existing funding; administrative costs capped at 10 % of award.