Rural Hospital Innovation Grant (RHIG) Program

The RHIG Program, established by the Kansas Legislature through House Bill 2208 on May 6, 2021, is designed to strengthen and enhance healthcare services in eligible Kansas counties by providing transitional assistance to hospitals. Funded with $10,000,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, the program aims to help hospitals transition their current healthcare delivery models to ones more suitable for their communities. Eligible projects include transitioning to new provider types, service and delivery modifications, market studies, technological advancements such as telemedicine, and personnel acquisition. The program underscores a public-private partnership model requiring a $2 match from private stakeholders for every $1 of state funds. All RHIG funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, with the program set to expire on June 30, 2025. All counties in Kansas can apply except Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, or Wyandotte counties.