Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than 2.4 million members in New York State and a Centene Corporation company, has opened the application process for its 2024 rural health grant program.

The grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 each and are aimed at assisting healthcare providers and community-based organizations that support health and wellness in rural communities across New York State. The application is available at fideliscare.org/rural-grant. The deadline to apply is October 4, 2024.   

“Fidelis Care is pleased to offer these grants to providers and organizations that work to improve health outcomes in rural communities across New York State,” said Fidelis Care Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vincent Marchello. “The grants are designed to enhance programs and build partnerships that address barriers to care such as transportation, the availability of primary care providers and medical facilities, health literacy, social stigma, and other factors faced by rural communities.” 

Rural healthcare providers are essential in ensuring that the nearly 60 million Americans living in rural areas, including 1.5 million in New York State, receive adequate medical care. The U.S. Government Accountability Office shows that these communities often face significant barriers to healthcare access, including a shortage of providers, longer travel distances to medical facilities, and limited access to specialized services. Rural residents also often experience a lack of broadband internet, which hinders the use of telehealth services that have become crucial in expanding access to care. 

Recipients of the Fidelis Care rural health grants will be chosen based upon strength of proposal including impact, sustainability, organizational rating, social media verification, and regional location. Fidelis Care plans to announce the recipients of its 2024 rural health grant program awards in early November. 

For more information or to apply, visit fideliscare.org/rural-grant.