Grant Opportunity to Improve Access at Your Practice for People with Disabilities
Date: 04/10/24
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Sunshine Health is excited to announce the availability of grant funds for Sunshine Health and Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Health Plan participating providers to remove physical and programmatic disability access barriers at your practice.
Equal access to quality healthcare and services that are accessible for our members with disabilities and their companions is a priority for Sunshine Health; and we recognize that some of our partnering providers may not always have the financial resources to make their practices more accessible (such as purchasing an accessible exam table or scale, renovating your bathrooms or supplying materials in braille).
We invite our providers to apply for a grant from the National Barrier Removal Fund (BRF), which is jointly administered by Sunshine Health, Centene Corporation and the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
In addition to receiving funding to remove disability access barriers, grant recipients will also receive tailored training and technical assistance from Sunshine Health, NCIL and local Centers for Independent Living (CILs). In exchange, grant recipients must implement the disability access modification(s) they received funding for, and provide a photo and impact statement after modification(s) are made.
For more information about how to apply, please read the FAQ below and the Request for Proposal (PDF). Applications will be accepted starting Monday, April 15, 2024.
All applications are due by Friday, June 14, 2024 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT is the Provider Accessibility Initiative (PAI)?
The goal of the PAI is to increase the number of Sunshine Health and CMS Health Plan providers that meet minimum federal and state disability access standards by:
- Improving the accuracy, completeness and transparency of provider self-reported disability access data in all products and all markets nationwide by integrating “minimum accessibility” standards into the provider application, credentialing and directory processes; and
- Giving participating providers in three pilot states competitive access to grant dollars through a Barrier Removal Fund (BRF). Providers that apply and are chosen for BRF awards receive an on-site disability accessibility review completed by a local Center for Independent Living (CIL) and funding to remediate priority disability access barriers.
WHO is responsible for administering the BRF?
- Sunshine Health is proud to partner with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) on the administration of the BRF. NCIL is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities.
- NCIL provides technical assistance to Sunshine Health and helps coordinate a local BRF Committee that selects BRF awardees. NCIL also coordinates with local Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to conduct the on-site accessibility reviews of BRF applicants, provide training and distribute grant funds to BRF awardees to remediate priority disability access barriers identified by the local BRF Committee.
WHY are the PAI and BRF important?
- It's the right thing to do. Studies show that Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities receive less preventive care due to inaccessible exam rooms and/or diagnostic equipment;[i]
- Federal laws and regulations require that Managed Care Organization (MCO) providers have disability access and that MCO provider directories include a complete and accurate description of provider disability access.[ii]
How do I submit a BRF application?
Fill out the online application at ncil.org/floridabrf.
Who is eligible to submit an application for Barrier Removal Funds?
Participating providers that meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- See Sunshine Health or CMS Health Plan members at a physical location; and
- Are accepting new Sunshine Health and CMS Health Plan members; and
- Are in the Sunshine Health and CMS Health Plan provider directory.
Non-participating providers with single case agreements or other contracts, and providers (par and non-par) located in hospitals, segregated environments, and institutional settings are not eligible.
When can the BRF application be submitted?
Starting Monday, April 15, 2024.
What is the deadline to submit the BRF application? Can it be extended for any reason?
June 14, 2024 at 5 p.m. Eastern. Sunshine Health reserves the right to extend the deadline.
Will there be another BRF application in the future?
We do not have information regarding future applications surrounding accessibility improvements at this time.
What if I miss the deadline for submitting my application?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept additional applications beyond the deadline.
Can I change my BRF application response after I have submitted it?
Changes or edits can be made through the final submission date of June 14, 2024 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
How will I know if my application was received?
You will receive a confirmation email when you submit your application. You may also contact Jenny Sichel at NCIL at jenny@ncil.org or call 1-201-563-2342 or toll-free at 1-844-778-7961.
How will I know if I am chosen to be awarded funds?
You will receive an email from Jenny Sichel at NCIL at jenny@ncil.org.You will also be informed if your application was not selected for funding.
If I have a question about the BRF application, who should I contact?
Contact Jenny Sichel at NCIL at jenny@ncil.org or call 1-201-563-2342 or toll-free at 1-844-778-7961.
How much will this award fund per submission?
Award amounts will vary based on the specific number of BRF grants awarded and amount of each grant will depend on the total number of applications received, the impact applications will have on Sunshine Health disability access network adequacy, and the number of Sunshine Health and/or CMS Health Plan members with disabilities impacted. There is no funding cap, however most grants to date have been in the range of $500-$20,000.
Are there costs for which my organization is responsible?
Sunshine Health will cover the cost of the accessibility site review, technical assistance, and approved modification(s). Any additional costs are the responsibility of the awardee.
Can I include multiple pieces of equipment or modifications?
Yes, include all items for which you are seeking funding.
I have multiple sites; do I need to submit a BRF application for each site?
Yes, please submit separate applications for each site where you serve members.
How soon can I expect award funding to arrive?
This is a reimbursement grant, so grantees will complete purchases and improvements and invoice NCIL for actual costs incurred, up to the approved amount. If grantees cannot afford to pay for the work ahead of time, we will consider requests to pay vendors or contractors directly.
Will you grant dollars outside of my state, given that you have a national presence?
BRF dollars granted by the Sunshine Health BRF Committee are for participating providers in Florida only.
What happens if I choose to term with Sunshine Health?
You must remain in the network (and in good standing) for one year following grant funding or full re-payment [or return of equipment] will be required. If you leave the network after 18 months, you will repay 50%. After two years, fully-funded, no repayment will be due.
What if the accessibility improvements cannot be completed by the timeline listed in the application due to reasons I cannot control (i.e., the part is on backorder, or the contractor is not able to start the work within the timeline)?
Contact Jenny Sichel at NCIL at jenny@ncil.org or call 1-201-563-2342 or toll-free at 1-844-778-7961 to further discuss your concerns.
What happens if the accessibility improvement costs change after the contractor begins work?
The initial decisions are final. The provider is responsible for any additional costs.
My question isn’t listed. Who can I contact?
Contact Jenny Sichel at NCIL at jenny@ncil.org or call 1-201-563-2342 or toll-free at 1-844-778-7961.
[i] https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/OMH/Downloads/Issue-Brief-Physical-AccessibilityBrief.pdf
[ii]The 2016 Medicaid/CHIP Managed Care Final Rule states that: 1. MCO providers must provide physical access, accommodations, and accessible equipment for consumers with physical or mental disabilities by July 1, 2018 (42 CFR Section 438.206(c)(3)); 2. Provider directories must indicate the following for all physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, behavioral health providers, and LTSS providers: linguistic capabilities, completion of cultural competence training, and whether the provider’s offices, exam rooms, and equipment accommodate individuals with physical disabilities by July 1, 2017 (42 CFR Section 438.10(1)); and 3. State network adequacy standards must consider the ability of MCO network providers to ensure physical access, reasonable accommodations, culturally competent communications, and accessible equipment for Medicaid enrollees with physical or mental disabilities by July 1, 2018 (42 CFR Section 438.68(c)(1)).
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