Rural Health Care Workforce Incentive and Sustainability Model

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through its Office of Economic Assistance, has issued the RHTP-3.3 Request for Applications (RFA) to strengthen the rural health care workforce across Nebraska. Supported by federal funding under the Nebraska Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), this initiative is specifically designed to build the capacity of SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) Third-Party Partners. The goal is to establish or expand sustainable career pathways in the health care sector within rural, frontier, tribal, and other high-need communities throughout the state. This funding opportunity is part of Initiative 3.3, known as the Rural Health Care Workforce Incentive and Sustainability Model. SNAP E&T is a workforce development initiative aimed at helping SNAP recipients gain employable skills, access supportive services, and transition into meaningful, self-sufficient employment. Under this grant, DHHS seeks to enable organizations to build necessary infrastructure and transition toward sustainability through the SNAP E&T 50/50 reimbursement model. Applicants must identify and coordinate with potentially SNAP-eligible individuals, ensure eligibility verification through DHHS, and focus services exclusively on healthcare-related employment pathways. The initiative emphasizes partnerships with employers, credentialing, and career advancement opportunities for underserved populations in Nebraska. Funding under RHTP-3.3 totals $2 million, with a maximum award of up to $200,000 per applicant. These funds must be used strictly for SNAP E&T approved components and related administrative functions. Eligible expenditures include program oversight, participant support in healthcare pathways, case management, financial reporting, and coordination with DHHS. The grant explicitly prohibits the use of funds for general operations unrelated to SNAP E&T, medical service delivery, or lobbying, among other unallowable costs. All expenditures must align with Nebraska’s SNAP E&T State Plan and comply with federal cost principles. Subrecipients may not profit from this funding, and all awards operate on a cost-reimbursement basis. Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal entities, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities. Fiscal agents representing consortia of smaller organizations may request higher funding levels. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to offer USDA-approved SNAP E&T components, financial capacity for the transition to the 50/50 reimbursement model, and strong employer engagement within the healthcare sector. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines on April 1, May 1, and June 1, 2026. The application must be submitted electronically via email and must include a completed Form 1 with a work plan and budget. DHHS will begin reviewing applications in April and will continue monthly until June 1 or until available funds are exhausted. Awards will be made based on eligibility, compliance with RFA criteria, and merit-based evaluation by DHHS. The performance period for selected grantees will run from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. The program’s evaluation criteria include alignment with the purpose of expanding healthcare workforce pathways, targeting eligible SNAP E&T participants in rural Nebraska, and delivering measurable employment outcomes. Reporting requirements include monthly and annual reports covering financial expenditures, participant outcomes, and service metrics. A virtual Q&A session will be held on March 16, 2026. Program inquiries and application submissions should be directed to [email protected]. This grant is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS/HHS), and totals over $218 million under a broader financial assistance award.

Ensure timely coordination with DHHS and align fully with SNAP E&T operational and reporting standards; sustainability is key for transition to 50/50.