Overview
The Provider Technology Grant is a new $12 million program from EOHHS to help organizations, municipal government agencies, or contractors that provide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to upgrade and modernize their IT hardware and software, and implement innovative technologies that will contribute to future sustainability.
Grants of up to $500,000 each are available to help providers:
- Upgrade hardware and software to improve their delivery and track quality of compliance with HCBS person-centered planning.
- Improve interaction with members through enhanced communication and information sharing between providers, patients, and state and local agencies.
- Streamline operations and improve processes by ensuring technologies are up-to-date.
- Improve clinical care and care coordination by leveraging hardware and software to support the delivery of care.
- Create opportunities for innovation by removing barriers created by a lack of technology or outdated technology.
- Advance health equity and improve outcomes from service delivery.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be Massachusetts organizations with experience providing HCBS. That includes community-based organizations, municipal government agencies, or organizations who collaborate with or are funded by any of the following state agencies to provide HCBS:
- Executive Office of Elder Affairs
- Department of Children and Families
- Department of Developmental Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Public Health
- Department of Youth Services
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
- MassHealth
- Office of Race Equity and Inclusion
- Office for Refugees and Immigrants
- Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Department of Transition Assistance
- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Priorities for Funding
EOHHS will prioritize the following when awarding grants:
- Providers serving people experiencing homelessness or who were formerly homeless
- Providers who have deferred maintenance on their IT due to barriers in purchasing or updating
- Technologies to support culturally, linguistically, or ethnically diverse and gender-inclusive care
- Technologies that will help organizations deliver higher quality services
Eligible Activities
Applicants can use grant funds for activities or equipment that improve interaction with members, streamline operations, and enhance clinical care and care coordination. All purchases or activities must support the provider’s ability to expand, enhance, or innovate HBCS at the organizational level.
The following table provides descriptions and examples for each type of eligible expense.
|
Eligible Expenses |
Description |
Examples |
|
New or Enhanced Electronic Systems |
Systems used to record and manage client care, and/or bill for care provided. Can be an installed or cloud-based system.
|
|
|
Telehealth Systems |
Systems used by providers to communicate with or monitor the health of clients |
|
|
Applications or Subscriptions |
Systems used by providers to enhance communication and accessibility |
|
|
Devices or Equipment |
Electronic devices used by providers or clients to interact with electronic and telehealth systems |
|
|
Technical Support/Assistance |
Assistance with new digital software, hardware, or electronic systems |
|
|
Capital Expenditures |
Funds for subcontractor to implement physical changes to an organization’s space to accommodate new or upgraded technology |
|
Grant funds can be used to supplement, but not supplant, existing Medicaid HCBS or any other state-funded initiatives.
Ineligible Expenses
Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Ongoing costs of the grant program after it ends on March 30, 2025
- Loan repayment, retention bonuses, referral bonuses, or recruitment bonuses
- Temporary wage increases
- Audio books
- Internet, hot spot, or utility payments
- Capital expenses not related to technology improvement or implementation
- Any pet related technology fees, including robotic or electronic comfort pets
- Devices for the permanent use of individuals served by the provider’s organization
- Television streaming services
In addition to the above restrictions, grant funds must not overlap with any Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) waiver extension proposals.
Expenses that occurred before the contract start date or after the contract end date will not be reimbursed.
EOHHS may reject, in whole or in part, any applications that include ineligible expenses.
Helpful Resources
Questions
For questions about the grant program, please email MAHCBSGrants@pcgus.com. You must submit any questions before the deadline, which is September 29, 2023.
Questions will not be answered individually. An updated FAQ was posted on the EOHHS website on 9/26/23.
You cannot make any changes to your grant application after it is submitted.