Data Sharing Support Program

Purpose

The Data Sharing Support Program provides funding to Medi-Cal providers for infrastructure, operational solutions and technical assistance to build capacity to meet Medi-Cal requirements by sharing real-time health care data and connecting to a heath information exchange (HIE).

Data sharing is a key component of the Medi-Cal Capacity Grant Program's (MCGP) Access to Care focus area and contributes to addressing infrastructure and capacity gaps in the Medi-Cal delivery system.

Current Status

Applications are currently being accepted from Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.
If you are unsure if your proposal would be a good fit for the Data Sharing Support Program, email [email protected].

Program Goal

Address data infrastructure and capacity gaps in the Medi-Cal delivery system.

Background

The Alliance Data Management Strategy (DMS) was created in December 2022. The strategy is based on a health information exchange (HIE) centric model, which requires the HIEs to provide real-time bi-directional data to and from the Alliance and to and from providers. The DMS is in alignment with CalHHS Data Exchange Framework (DxF) requirements. For more information, refer to APL 23-013 on the Alliance’s All Plan Letters page.

Additional funding separate from this capacity-building grant opportunity is available to support Alliance providers in meeting Medi-Cal requirements. The Alliance’s Data Sharing Incentive (DSI) program offers up to $40,000 in financial assistance to the types of Alliance providers listed under “Eligible Applicants” below (except hospitals) for participating in active data sharing via HIE.

Project Requirements

Data Sharing Support grants can be used to support project costs for planning and implementation of infrastructure. This includes technical assistance that enhances an organization’s capacity to provide real-time health care data, participation in data sharing with an HIE and ability to meet Medi-Cal data sharing requirements in accordance with the DxF.

The types of project components that could be funded are:

• Engaging a consultant to complete a needs assessment, feasibility study, or carry out other planning and technical assistance required to implement technological data sharing solutions.
• Consulting services to assist providers with technical issues related to HIE onboarding and connectivity.
• Identifying and implementing a technical solution, including adopting a certified electronic health record (EHR), capable of supporting real-time data exchange.
• Enhancing and optimizing an existing EHR that supports real-time data exchange.
• Enhancing and optimizing an existing EHR that supports real-time data exchange.
• Creating and completing new operational and clinical workflows required for real-time data exchange and/or providing training for new workflows.
• Other activities that support DxF implementation.

The Alliance will not fund the following:

• Equipment already purchased or in place.
• Equipment reimbursed through the Alliance’s authorization process.
• Leased equipment.
• Software licensing, agreements, or subscription or maintenance fees beyond initial implementation.

Eligible Applicants

To be considered for Data Sharing Support Program funding, applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the Medi-Cal Capacity Grant Program (see Eligibility Guidelines) and the following program-specific requirements:

• Be one of the following Alliance contracted provider types that provides health care services to a significant volume of Medi-Cal members in the Alliance’s service areas (organizations with a higher Medi-Cal panel/membership size will be prioritized):
  • Hospitals.
  • Long-term care facilities.
  • Primary care providers.
  • Pediatric providers.
  • Skilled nursing facilities.
• Be able to secure additional financial commitment to support the proposed Data Sharing Support project from other sources such as donations, in-kind support, cash or documented loans or lines of credit and/or other state, local or grant funding. See the section below for details on the percentage of project funding required.

Funding Amount and Term

Amount

The Alliance will consider Data Sharing Support grant requests of up to 75% of total costs, not to exceed a total grant of $250,000. Applicants must demonstrate that the initial 25% of funding has been secured.

Term

All Medi-Cal Capacity Grant Program awards are one-time grants.

Project timelines should not exceed 18 months. Depending on the amount, grant awards may be paid in installments. Grant reports are required and will be due to the Alliance based on the length of the project, including but not limited to a final report.

Awards will depend on the total number of applications received and the amounts requested by each applicant. Preference will be given to applications that best demonstrate how the components of their project would support their ability to fulfill their Medi-Cal data sharing responsibilities.

Grant requests may not duplicate or supplant funding received from other sources, including CalHHS DxF grants.

Application

Visit our How to Apply page for deadlines, instructions and the online application form.

Applications require financial statements, including:

• Audited financial statements for the last two fiscal years.
• An organizational profit and loss statement and balance sheet for the last 12 months.

If audited financial statements are not available, applicant should provide a rationale for not performing an annual audit and upload their company or organization’s most recent tax return or Form 990.