Rural Hospital Peer Group Funding Opportunity

Summary

the rural peer group as identified in Ohio Administrative Code 5160-2-05, excluding hospitals participating in approved or pending non-statewide state directed payment programs per 42 CFR 438.6 or Am. Sub. HB 96 of the 136th Ohio General Assembly. Funds must support sustainability, clinical integration, and transition activities, with emphases on network participation and hospital resilience. Allowable uses include IT upgrades, workforce, quality improvement, behavioral health, network and infrastructure activities (excluding new construction). Applicants must submit a Letter of Interest and a Categorized Budget Sheet. Participation in or review of the pre-application workshop is required. Deadlines, eligibility list (Attachment A), and forms are on the official program page.

Eligibility

Hospitals must be classified in the rural peer group as defined in Ohio Administrative Code 5160-2-05 and must not be participating in any approved or pending non-statewide state directed payment program as outlined in 42 CFR 438.6 or Amended Substitute House Bill 96, 136th Ohio General Assembly. For the full list of eligible hospitals, see Attachment A in the solicitation.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants are required to participate in or review the pre-application information session on 06/29/2026 (Microsoft TEAMS). A Letter of Interest is due by 3:00 PM on 07/07/2026, and a categorized budget sheet is due by 3:00 PM on 08/19/2026. Inquiries must be submitted by email to procurement@odh.ohio.gov during the inquiry period (06/15/2026–06/26/2026 by 3:00 PM). Allowable activities include clinical and network integration, IT upgrades, workforce and quality initiatives, behavioral health, and infrastructure excluding new construction and other prohibited costs.

Required attachments