Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards More Than $15 Million to Home and Community-Based Services Providers

BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced it is awarding $15.3 million in Provider Technology Grant awards to 63 organizations that offer home and community-based services (HCBS). The grants, which are administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, will be used to upgrade and modernize information technology (IT) hardware and software.

This grant is a response to the significant number of requests for investments in technologies that support provider and workforce sustainability during the HCBS 9817 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) planning process. 

The Provider Technology Grant funds may be used by grantees to improve missing or outdated technology and remove barriers to access towards the goal of improving interaction with members, streamlining operations, and enhancing clinical care and care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.

Applications from more than 350 HCBS providers were submitted with the goal of improving missing or outdated technology. After careful review of each application, the evaluation committee granted awards to 63 organizations. 

“Our home and community-based care providers play such an essential role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our loved ones, so it is important that we ensure they have upgraded and modernized technology to provide the best quality care for their patients,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are grateful to the providers who spoke out about the need for these investments and proud to deliver this funding to them.”   

“Home and community-based organizations serve some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, and we need to make sure they have what they need to deliver high-quality care,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help them address deferred maintenance of their technology and improve the delivery of care across the state.”

“Access to updated technology resources offers these organizations an opportunity to deliver care more effectively,” said Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “Home and community-based service providers who receive this grant will have the ability to upgrade their systems, which will help meet the ever-increasing needs of the communities that they serve.”

“Through the Provider Technology Grant, we are partnering with 63 organizations who provide essential home and community-based services to MassHealth members,” said Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Mike Levine. “This initiative underscores our commitment to bridging gaps, improving accessibility, and innovating care delivery which is key in building an equitable community.”

This investment underscores a commitment to improving technology and care delivery to the benefit of MassHealth members. This funding will enhance operational efficiency and support the sustainability of services, ultimately benefiting underserved populations across Massachusetts and advancing the goal of a more equitable health care system. 

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