CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Gov. Patrick Morrisey has announced approximately $4.2 million in new funding aimed at improving access to healthcare transportation in rural communities across West Virginia.
The funding will be made available through two opportunities under the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program and its Rural Health Link initiative. The programs will focus on reducing transportation barriers and improving coordination between healthcare and transportation providers.
“Too many West Virginians have difficulty getting the healthcare they need simply because of where they live or because they don’t have reliable transportation,” said Governor Morrisey.
“By breaking down those barriers, we can improve health outcomes, help more West Virginians get healthy and back to work, and make sure people are connected with the right care when they need it.”
The funding is divided between Emergency Medical Services Collaboratives and Public Transportation Collaboratives.
The EMS program will support county and multi-county efforts to develop alternative transportation options for patients who do not necessarily need to be taken to an emergency room.
Under the proposed models, EMS providers could connect patients with other appropriate services, including primary care clinics, urgent care centers, behavioral health providers and Federally Qualified Health Centers.
“The Trump Administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program is based on one simple idea: your access to quality health care shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
“Funding new approaches to rural medical transportation is an important step toward achieving that vision for rural West Virginians, and I look forward to seeing RHTP dollars support equally transformative innovations for rural communities nationwide.”
The Public Transportation Collaboratives program will focus on creating regional networks to coordinate non-emergency medical transportation across multiple counties. State officials say the effort is intended to make transportation more reliable and help rural residents reach medical appointments and other healthcare services.
“Transportation and care coordination are often among the biggest barriers to better health outcomes,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh. “These opportunities are intended to encourage practical, community-driven solutions that improve access to care, strengthen coordination among providers and partners, and support a more connected rural health system.”
The funding is intended for system improvements rather than routine operating expenses. Eligible uses include creating partnerships, improving transportation infrastructure, coordinating workflows, integrating data and improving performance measurement.
Eligible organizations can find the active solicitations through the state’s procurement and grants management system, wvOASIS. Additional information is expected to be provided during an upcoming AFA release webinar.
