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673293 - FY27 RFP PHTHOET27001 for Mobile Integrated Health
Funding Opportunity Details

Healthy Hometowns

Final Application Deadline: Sep 1, 2026 12:00 PM

  • Status Posted

    Posted Date Jul 14, 2026 3:46 PM

    Award Amount RangeNo Limit - No Limit

    Project Dates 10/31/2026 - 09/30/2031

    Award Announcement Date 10/16/2026

    Categorical Area

    Recurring Opportunity

Description

Description

  • It is the responsibility of the Applicant to review all Attachments listed below for additional details regarding this Funding Opportunity.

    The issuance of this Funding Opportunity in no way constitutes a commitment by IDPH to award a contract.

    Excerpts from the RFP:

    Purpose  

    The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # PHTHOET27001 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicants to initiate or expand Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) services within defined rural areas across Iowa. The purpose of developing Mobile Integrated Health projects is to initiate or expand treat‑in‑place care, telehealth-enabled clinical assessments, chronic disease management, post‑discharge follow-up, prenatal and postpartum home-based support, medication reconciliation, and other community-based clinical interventions for Rural Iowans. 

    This procurement will describe two options for advancing mobile integrated health projects in Iowa: 

    1. Initiate a new Mobile Integrated Health Program 

    1. Expand an existing Mobile Integrated Health Program to cover additional rural counties.  

    This procurement is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling approximately $209,040,063.71 over a five-year period with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.  

    Iowa’s year two award for this program is anticipated by October 31, 2026 and budget amounts could change at that time. All activities presented within this RFP, including access to funds, are subject to CMS approval of the Agency’s year 2 budget. 

    This work implements a portion of the EMS Community Care Mobile Initiative of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. 

    Schedule of Important Dates (All times and dates listed are local Iowa time.) 

    The following dates are set forth for informational purposes. The Agency reserves the right to change them. 

    EVENT 

    DATE 

    RFP Issued 

    July 14, 2026 

    Written Questions and Responses 

     

    Round 1 Questions Due: 

    Responses Posted By: 

    July 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM 

    August 3, 2026 

    Round 2/Final Questions Due: 

    Responses Posted By: 

    August 17, 2026, by 4:00 PM 

    August 24, 2026 

    Applications Due 

    September 1, 2026 by 12:00 PM Local Iowa Time 

    Post Notice of Intent to Award 

    Posted on or around October 16, 2026 

     
Attachments

Attachments

DescriptionFile NameTypeSizeUpload Date
A - PHTHOET27001 Mobile Integrated Health (MOI) RFPA - PHTHOET27001 Mobile Integrated HealthMOI RFP.pdfpdf460 KB07/13/2026 03:08 PM
B. Work Plan Formatting SpecificationsB. Work Plan Formatting Specifications.pdfpdf99 KB07/27/2026 12:22 PM
C. HHS Application Instructions Guidance New IGC. HHS Application Instructions_Guidance New IG.pdfpdf2 MB07/13/2026 03:10 PM
D- Mobile Integrated Health Project Draft Contract D- Draft Contract MIH Project.pdfpdf333 KB07/13/2026 03:11 PM
E - HHS District MapE - HHS District Map.pdfpdf669 KB07/13/2026 03:11 PM
F. Amendment 1 RFP PHTHOET27001 for Mobile Integrated Health 08-03-2026 F. Amendment 1 RFP PHTHOET27001 for Mobile Integrated Health 08-03-2026 1.pdfpdf126 KB08/03/2026 03:11 PM
Website Links

Website links

DescriptionLink
A. IowaGrants Registration and Login Instructions https://dom.iowa.gov/state-government/grant-management
B. General Terms and Contingent Terms https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/contract-terms
C. Iowa HHS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) | Health & Human Services https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/healthy-hometowns-iowas-rural-health-transformation-plan
D. CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program | CMS https://www.cms.gov/initiatives/rural-health-transformation-rht-program/overview
E. Evidence Based and Evidence Informed Telehealth Resources - Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Telehealth Best Practices guides Best practice guides | Telehealth.HHS.gov https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/best-practice-guides
F. Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) Library Telehealth 101: What libraries need to know | NNLM https://www.nnlm.gov/training/class-catalog/telehealth-101-what-libraries-need-know
G. Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) Library Telehealth 101 A Getting Started Guide https://libraries.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/Library-Telehealth-101-Getting-Started.pdf
Iowa HHS OnlyQuestions
Submitted DateQuestionAnswer
Jul 22, 2026 2:46 PMWhen the minimum service size is one county, does this mean servicing one entire county or a portion? For the multi-county bonus, does that mean services all or part of each county? The minimum service area for this RFP is one county, and applicants are expected to make Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) services available throughout the entire proposed county. This means the Contractor must be able to provide MIH services anywhere within that county when requested by local healthcare partners or when MIH services are initiated directly by the MIH program based on established workflows or identified patient need. For applicants proposing a multi‑county service area, the same expectation applies: MIH services must be available across all counties included in the proposal, and Contractors must be prepared to deliver MIH services in any part of each proposed county when activated by local healthcare partners or initiated by the MIH service according to its protocols.
Jul 22, 2026 2:57 PMCan multiple EMS agencies submit one application as a partnership to provide services and increase the geographic area?Yes. Multiple EMS agencies may submit a single, joint application as a partnership to expand geographic coverage or strengthen Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) service capacity. However, one EMS agency must be designated as the lead applicant, and only that agency will receive the award and be legally responsible for fulfilling all requirements of the RFP and resulting contract. Partner EMS agencies may participate through collaborative arrangements described in the application, including work performed under subcontracts, as long as their roles, responsibilities, and proposed service contributions are clearly explained. All proposed partnerships or subcontracted arrangements should be reflected within the application narrative so the Agency can fully understand the structure of the proposed MIH program.
Jul 24, 2026 3:15 PMJohnson County Ambulance is considering a regional MIH application in partnership with three surrounding rural counties. Grant-funded services would be limited exclusively to eligible rural areas, including the rural portion of Johnson County. May Johnson County serve as the lead applicant even though only part of the county is rural? Also, may the program be based at Johnson County Ambulance in Iowa City if all grant-funded services are delivered only in eligible rural areas?Yes. Johnson County Ambulance may serve as the lead applicant even if only part of Johnson County is rural, as long as the grant‑funded MIH services are delivered exclusively within eligible rural areas identified in the application. MIH service delivery must comply with the rural eligibility requirements outlined in the RFP and should be available throughout the rural portions of any county included in the proposed service area. The MIH program may be based at Johnson County Ambulance in Iowa City, provided that all grant‑funded MIH services are delivered solely in eligible rural areas and the applicant maintains the ability to respond in those areas when services are requested or initiated according to MIH workflows.
Jul 27, 2026 9:42 AMCan funding be used to purchase modules within ImageTrend to track home visits and patient information?The State is purchasing the Community Health module within ImageTrend for use by Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) contractors, and this module is designed specifically to support MIH documentation, home‑visit tracking, case management, and patient‑level data reporting. Because this functionality will be available statewide, additional module purchases are likely unnecessary for most applicants. If an applicant identifies a specific ImageTrend module not included in the Community Health module that is essential to their MIH service delivery and is directly tied to allowable, non‑reimbursable MIH activities described in the RFP, the cost may be allowable if it meets CMS Rural Health Transformation Program funding policies, falls within the approved budget categories, and is approved in advance by the Agency. However, some EMS agencies operate their own ImageTrend instance separate from the State system. The cost may be allowable if it meets CMS Rural Health Transformation Program funding requirements and fits within the approved budget categories and is approved in advance by the Agency. Applicants should carefully review the allowable‑costs section of the RFP to ensure any proposed software module is necessary, reasonable, and directly allocable to MIH program implementation.
Jul 27, 2026 9:44 AMIs there a limit on the number of new staff positions hired for MIH work? There is no specific limit on the number of new staff positions that may be hired for MIH work under this RFP. Applicants may propose the staffing structure necessary to meet all MIH requirements, including readiness, service availability, data reporting, and training expectations. All proposed positions must fit within the line‑item budget, comply with CMS Rural Health Transformation Program funding policies, and ensure that administrative costs do not exceed the 10% cap. Applicants should describe how the proposed staffing plan supports the MIH service model and can be sustained throughout the project period.
Jul 27, 2026 9:47 AMIf a paramedic, through an MIH program, draws blood from a patient in their home, that is assumed to be a non-reimbursable expense. But can we bill the patient for lab fees associated with testing the sample? Yes. When a paramedic draws blood as part of an MIH encounter, the blood draw itself is considered a non‑reimbursable MIH service and cannot be billed to the patient. However, if the resulting laboratory testing is a service that is normally reimbursable by a payer (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial insurance), then lab processing fees may be billed to the patient’s insurer or to the patient, consistent with standard billing practices. MIH grant funds may not be used to pay for lab fees that are otherwise reimbursable, and MIH funding may not supplant existing payment streams. If the lab work is not a reimbursable service under any payer, then MIH grant funds may be used to cover the lab processing costs as part of the non‑reimbursable MIH intervention, provided the expense meets all applicable CMS RHT Program funding restrictions.
Jul 27, 2026 9:48 AMDoes this RFP leave room to develop partnerships in funding years 2-5? Yes. The RFP allows applicants to describe partnerships that may evolve over time, and Contractors may develop new or expanded collaborations during funding Years 2–5 if those partnerships strengthen MIH service delivery and remain consistent with RFP requirements. Any future partnership activities must align with allowable costs, support the MIH scope of work, and be incorporated into annual work plans and budgets submitted to the Agency for approval. While new partnerships may be developed in later years, Contractors remain responsible for ensuring all activities and partner roles comply with the terms of the contract and CMS Rural Health Transformation Program funding policies.
Jul 27, 2026 9:51 AMCan we hire current employees for MIH program jobs? IE, can a paramedic transition from their current position taking 911 calls to an MIH position doing community paramedicine? Yes. Current employees may be hired or reassigned into MIH program positions. For example, a paramedic currently working in a 911 response role may transition into an MIH position providing community‑based services, as long as the position is included in the applicant’s proposed staffing plan and budget. All staffing changes must comply with CMS Rural Health Transformation Program funding policies, including ensuring that MIH funds do not supplant existing salaries for work already being performed. Applicants should describe how reassigned or newly hired staff will support MIH service delivery and meet all training, readiness, and program requirements outlined in the RFP.
Jul 27, 2026 9:53 AMAre there credentialing requirements for paramedics? IE, can an RN, under the State of Iowa RN exemption, be hired as a paramedic for the MIH program? Yes. EMS Clinicians must be credentialed according to Iowa EMS regulatory requirements; however, under Iowa’s RN Exception, a registered nurse may function at the paramedic level for the EMS service they are rostered with if that service is credentialed as a paramedic‑level service. This means an EMS service program may hire and credential an RN Exception to perform MIH duties that fall within the paramedic‑level scope of practice for that service. Accordingly, an RN functioning under the RN Exception and performing MIH work at the paramedic level qualifies as an EMS Clinician for the purposes of this RFP and would be eligible for Category E workforce incentive funds, including the associated 5‑year rural service commitment, if they receive an individual incentive as described in Section 2.3.8. Ultimately, the applicant is responsible for ensuring compliance with all credentiality and regulatory requirements.
Jul 27, 2026 9:54 AMCan we bill provider telehealth hours if EMS personnel are at a patient's home helping them under the MIH program? Yes. Provider telehealth hours may be billed to the patient’s insurer if the telehealth service itself is a normally reimbursable clinical service and is not covered or paid for by MIH grant funds. The presence of EMS personnel in the home as part of an MIH encounter does not interfere with the provider’s ability to bill for a separately billable telehealth visit, as long as the provider is delivering a service that meets all payer requirements for telehealth reimbursement. However, MIH grant funds cannot be used to pay for any portion of a provider telehealth service that is billable, and EMS personnel may not bill for the telehealth service itself. MIH funds may only support the EMS component of the encounter when the EMS activity is a non‑reimbursable MIH service, consistent with CMS Rural Health Transformation Program cost restrictions.
Jul 27, 2026 9:55 AMCan funding be used for "Provider Champion" hours? IE, a provider is the Medical Director of the MIH program and provides assistance when needed. Yes. Funding may be used to support “Provider Champion” hours if the Provider Champion (such as a Medical Director or supervising clinician) is performing non‑reimbursable MIH program activities, including program oversight, clinician consultation, protocol development, readiness support, quality assurance, or participation in MIH‑related planning or training. These hours must be clearly tied to MIH program implementation and must not include any services that are normally billable or reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial insurance. All Provider Champion activities supported by MIH funds must comply with CMS Rural Health Transformation Program cost restrictions and must be included in the applicant’s proposed staffing plan and line‑item budget. Additionally, none of the funds provided through this Contract shall be used to pay the salary of an individual, through a grant or other extramural mechanism, at a rate in excess of Executive Level II. This salary cap applies to direct salaries. Contractors may pay salaries at a rate higher than the Executive Level II if the amount beyond the HHS salary cap is paid with non- HHS funds. Since the Executive Level II rate and HHS Appropriations Act citation changes each year, HHS refers to the most recent information posted on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website at 2025 Executive Level II Pay Scale (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025). In 2025, at the start of the grant, this amount was $225,700.
Jul 27, 2026 9:56 AMCan funding be used for iPads, for telehealth-specific purposes only? Yes. Funding may be used to purchase iPads or similar tablet devices for telehealth‑specific purposes that directly support MIH services. Devices must be tied to MIH program implementation—such as enabling telehealth encounters, documenting MIH visits, accessing care protocols, or coordinating with supervising clinicians. All equipment and supplies purchases must comply with CMS Rural Health Transformation Program cost restrictions and must be included in the applicant’s proposed line‑item budget.
Jul 27, 2026 10:40 AMThe RFP references “EMS Clinician” throughout but does not define the term with a specific credential list. Please clarify whether a registered nurse operating under Iowa’s RN-Exempt rule qualifies as an “EMS Clinician” eligible for workforce incentive funds and subject to the associated 5-year rural service commitment under 2.3.8.Yes. A registered nurse functioning under Iowa’s RN Exception qualifies as an “EMS Clinician” for purposes of this RFP when they are formally credentialed by an Iowa EMS service under that exception. An RN credentialed through the RN Exception and performing MIH duties in that role is eligible to receive Category E workforce incentive funds, and if they do so, they would be subject to the 5‑year rural service commitment described in Section 2.3.8.
Jul 27, 2026 10:40 AMSection 2.3.8.3 states that no EMS Clinician receiving support shall be subject to a non-compete agreement. Please clarify whether this prohibition extends to medical directors of MIH programs, or whether it applies only to EMS Clinicians receiving recruitment/retention incentive funds as defined in 2.3.8.The prohibition in Section 2.3.8.3 applies to EMS Clinicians or any other provider who receive recruitment or retention incentive funds or have salaries or other wage supports paid through grant funds. EMS Clinicians—including paramedics and RNs functioning at the paramedic level under the RN Exception for the paramedic‑level EMS service they are rostered with—may not be subject to non‑compete agreements if they receive funding via salary support or other wage support through this grant. This prohibition does extend to Medical Directors or Provider Champions if a portion of their salaries are paid through grant funds or if they recieve recruitment or retention incentive funds.
Jul 27, 2026 10:42 AMSection 2.3.11 requires a MIH Workforce Training Plan covering competencies, continuing education, clinical protocols, and ongoing/annual training. Please clarify whether training components may be satisfied through online and/or out-of-state training options, or whether the Agency expects in-person and/or Iowa-based delivery to meet the “evidence-based standards” requirement in 2.3.11.7.Applicants should ensure that all proposed training supports MIH readiness, clinical quality, and compliance with the requirements of this RFP and the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program. As long as training is evidence‑based, relevant, and clearly tied to MIH workforce needs, the method of delivery is flexible and permissible under this RFP.
Jul 27, 2026 11:13 AMThere is mention of Image Trend for data collection. Are we required to document in Image Trend or can we also utilize our EMR (Altera)?Yes. The RFP requires MIH encounters to be documented in ImageTrend, as this system supports statewide reporting, MIH data standardization, and Rural Health Transformation Program requirements. However, Iowa does allow the use of a third‑party EMR, such as Altera, as long as the EMR can successfully upload all required MIH data into ImageTrend using the state‑approved third‑party upload process. Applicants choosing to use their own EMR must ensure their system supports complete and accurate transfer of all required MIH data elements—including individual encounter details and beneficiary‑level reporting—into ImageTrend. The Agency does not restrict the use of an EMR, but all MIH data must ultimately flow into the State's instance of ImageTrend through the approved mechanism.
Jul 27, 2026 11:14 AM•Iowa does not have state paramedicine certification, can you use national certification for education & competency?Iowa does not have a separate state paramedicine credential beyond the established EMS provider levels, and national paramedicine certification may be used for education and competency development as part of an applicant’s MIH Workforce Training Plan. However, national certification does not substitute for Iowa EMS credentialing, and any MIH activities performed at the paramedic level must be carried out by individuals who hold a valid Iowa paramedic certification. National certifications, courses, or specialty training programs may be used to demonstrate MIH‑related competencies if they meet the evidence‑based standards described in Section 2.3.11.7. Applicants should ensure that any training proposed aligns with Iowa’s scope‑of‑practice requirements and the MIH competencies outlined in the RFP.
Jul 27, 2026 11:14 AMFor CMO oversight, are there specific guidelines for this to fall under Emergency services, or can it fall under primary care?Yes. CMO (clinical/medical oversight) for MIH programs may fall under Emergency Services, Primary Care or other, depending on the structure of the applicant’s program. The RFP does not prescribe a specific clinical discipline for oversight. What matters is that the designated oversight provider meets all applicable Iowa licensure and scope‑of‑practice requirements and is able to support MIH protocols, clinical quality, and evidence‑based standards. Applicants should describe their proposed oversight model and demonstrate how it effectively supports MIH service delivery.
Jul 27, 2026 12:34 PMAttachment B (“Work Plan Formatting Specifications”) is titled for RFP COMPADM26002 (Health Hub Technical Assistance) and lists layout headings for that program. Can the Agency confirm the correct work-plan formatting and required headings for RFP PHTHOET27001 (MIH), or provide a MIH-specific Attachment B?This has been corrected.
Jul 27, 2026 12:34 PMFor an applicant expanding an existing MIH program into additional counties through partnerships with those counties' EMS services and critical access hospitals, can the Agency confirm the eligible-applicant requirements are met by the lead applicant's Iowa Authorized EMS Services status, and clarify how partner EMS agencies should be reflected (subcontractor vs. referral partner)?The eligible‑applicant requirement is satisfied by the lead applicant’s status as an Iowa Authorized EMS Service, even if the MIH program is expanded into additional counties through partnerships with other EMS agencies and critical access hospitals. The lead applicant must meet all eligibility requirements and will be the entity legally responsible for fulfilling the contract. Partner EMS agencies may be reflected in the application either as subcontractors—if they will perform defined MIH services under the lead applicant’s contract—or as referral partners, if their role is limited to patient identification, coordination, or other non‑contracted collaboration. Applicants should clearly describe the role of each partner so the Agency can understand how the proposed multi‑county MIH service model will operate.
Jul 27, 2026 2:01 PMAre we eligible to apply if we DO NOT provide EMS services?Yes. Applicants that do not provide EMS services are eligible to apply as long as the lead applicant meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the RFP. The RFP requires that the lead applicant be an Iowa Authorized EMS Service, but partner organizations—including hospitals, public health agencies, clinics, and other healthcare entities—may participate in the proposed MIH program through collaboration or subcontracted roles. If an organization that does not provide EMS services wishes to apply, they must do so in partnership with an Iowa Authorized EMS Service, which must be designated as the lead applicant and will be the entity legally responsible for fulfilling all RFP and contract requirements.