Request for Proposals: Telehealth Access

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Background

In 2019, Better Health Together (BHT) allocated $750,000 from our Integrated Managed Care (IMC) performance incentives to support telehealth strategies. While COVID-19 expedited the region's adoption of telehealth capacity, it also intensified our communities' mental and behavioral health needs. We have heard from our behavioral health partners that many positives came with the transition to telehealth. However, some patients lack the resources necessary to access these much-needed services.

Purpose

This RFP is intended to support projects that reduce barriers to patients accessing telehealth behavioral health services in response to COVID.

Funding

BHT has allocated $200,000 from Integrated Managed Care (IMC) telehealth funding and directed $100,000 of the funds from our Cambia grant to these projects, giving us a total of $300,000 to distribute for this RFP.

Individual awards of up to $20,000 per partner within the following categories:

  • $60,000 for rural partners

  • $140,000 for Spokane County partners

  • $100,000 for tribal partners

Goals

Projects should:

  • Increase access to behavioral health telehealth services by providing one-time funding for cell phones or tablets and wireless services.

  • Target impacted populations who lack access to telehealth services and behavioral healthcare.

Eligibility

BHT is inviting applications from contracted partners connected to or providing behavioral health services. Projects should not duplicate supports provided through the Foundational Community Supports (FCS) cell phone and tablet program.

Selection Criteria

An internal panel will review applications and prioritize allocations based on the following criteria:

  • Focus on BIPOC or other impacted populations

  • Number of people served

  • Funds directed to clients in need

Award Information

BHT will release 100% of the funds at contract signing.

Use of Funds

Awards may not be used to directly fund Medicaid-billable services or services covered in contracts between Medicaid managed care organizations and the clinical partner(s) involved in the project.

Expectations of Awardees

  • Awardees will attest that recipients are not duplicating any supports provided through the Foundational Community Supports (FCS) program.

  • Awardees will provide BHT with a report of the project's use of funds by December 2021.

How to Apply

Organizations should complete this form to submit their applications. Applications completed by April 16 will be eligible for the first round of funding. After April 16, the panel will review applications on a rolling basis until available funds are expended.

Timeline

April 1            RFP released
April 16          Proposals due for priority funding decisions
April 23          Notification of first funding decisions
May 5             Board approval of first contracts
May 10           Expected release of funds

Questions

For questions about this RFP, contact Zack Zappone at zack@betterhealthtogether.org.