Hospitals have long been the target of readmissions concerns and regulations. On March 15, 2012, the CMS Innovation Center jointly announced with HHS and CMS the Initiative to Reduce Avoidable Hospitalizations among Nursing Facility Residents (Initiative), which looks to “enhanced care & coordination providers” to reduce readmissions from nursing facilities. Specifically, CMS is soliciting applications from eligible organizations to test different, evidence-based interventions primarily focused on long-stay residents who reside in a nursing facility 100 days or more and will likely remain in that facility. The grant ensures that beneficiary freedom is maintained. Total funding for this Initiative is up to $128 million, with awards ranging from $5 million to $30 million each to cover a four-year cooperative agreement period of performance anticipated to start the summer of 2012.

Application Deadlines, Notices and Agreement

Interested applicants must submit a Notice of Intent to Apply and Application consistent with Solicitation [PDF] requirements for the Initiative. Successful applicants must enter into a cooperative agreement with CMS. Deadlines for the Initiative are as follows...