February 11, 2000

HRSA Announces Grants to Coordinate Services for the Uninsured

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Feb. 4 published a notice of funding for a $25 million grant program to assist communities and consortia of health care providers in developing the infrastructure necessary to develop fully or strengthen integrated health systems that coordinate services for the uninsured. Proposed by President Clinton as part of his FY 2000 budget, the "Community Access Program" was enacted into law late last year as part the FY 2000 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill signed into law on Nov. 29, 1999 [P.L. 106-113]. Supported and advanced by the AAMC and other health provider organizations, the Community Access Program is designed to "increase the capacity and effectiveness of the nation's health care safety net" in caring for the uninsured.

The $25 million grant program will fund up to 20 communities to further their development of integrated delivery systems for the uninsured. Grants will likely fund infrastructure developments, such as patient tracking, utilization management and shared registration systems. Grants will likely vary in size, based on the scope of the project and the size of the service area, with a typical grant not to exceed $1 million. Initial funding will be available for one year. Future and/or continued funding is contingent upon authorization of programmatic funding by Congress. In his FY 2001 budget the president has proposed a total of $125 million for continued funding of this program. HRSA is seeking to fund a variety of program models in communities that have an established track record for building partnerships and that have completed the basic planning necessary to implement an integrated health care system. Project funding decisions will be based on evidence of community need, collaboration among safety net providers, provision of comprehensive services, coordination with public insurance programs, community involvement and sustainability.

To encourage the development of various types of system integration models, the program will seek a variety of applicants representing all types of communities. Applications may be submitted by public, private, and non-profit entities that demonstrate a commitment to and experience with providing a continuum of care to uninsured individuals. Competing applications for the same patient population will not be considered for funding; therefore, applicants from the same community should seek to work together on grant proposals. Application kits (i.e., application instructions, necessary forms, and application review criteria) will be available through the HRSA Grants Application Center (GAC) beginning Feb. 10.

For additional grant information about the Community Access Program, contact the Community Access Program Office, Health Resources and Services Administration, Parklawn Building Suite 9A-30, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: 301-443-0536/ Fax: 301-443-0238.

Information: Robert Dickler, AAMC Division of Health Care Affairs, 202-828-0964, or Lynne L. Davis, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0526.