TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Aging Services Commission today issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Dementia-Related Behavioral Supports in Rural Nursing Facilities Pilot, a new initiative funded by the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
Up to six Medicaid-certified nursing facilities (one from each of the six Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) District Office areas) will receive funding to better support Medicaid recipients aged 60 and older with dementia who exhibit complex behaviors. Participating facilities may receive up to $200,000 each to provide specialized training, technical assistance, subject-matter expert consultation, and enhanced person-centered care services. The funding model provides $175 per eligible resident per Medicaid day for up to 90 days, with extensions considered on a case-by-case basis.
“By investing in training and person-centered supports for rural nursing facility staff, we can improve residents’ quality of life while helping facilities build lasting capacity to manage dementia-related behaviors,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “This pilot directly responds to the needs we have heard from rural providers and aligns with our commitment to transforming rural health care through the RHTP.”
This initiative is part of Kansas’s broader efforts under the RHTP, a major federal initiative designed to strengthen rural health systems, expand access to care, build a sustainable workforce, and improve outcomes for residents in underserved areas. Kansas developed a comprehensive state plan and is now implementing targeted strategies to address specific challenges facing rural communities. One such challenge is supporting older adults with dementia in nursing facilities, where staff often face complex behavioral needs and have limited access to specialized training and consultation.
“This pilot project reflects the kind of innovation and collaboration the RHTP is designed to advance,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “KDHE is proud to partner with KDADS and rural nursing facilities in our shared commitment to advancing high-quality, person-centered dementia care for older Kansans.”
Eligible applicants are Medicaid-certified nursing facilities in rural Kansas counties. Facilities in Johnson, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Miami, Linn, Douglas, Shawnee, Jefferson, Osage, Jackson, Wabaunsee, Riley, Geary, Pottawatomie, Sedgwick, Butler, Harvey, and Sumner counties are ineligible. Nursing Facilities for Mental Health (NFMH) are also ineligible.
This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $221,898,007.82, with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
A pre-application presentation that explains the full process is available, and the complete RFA packet—including required forms and the Statement of Work—can be found at https://www.kdads.ks.gov/partners-providers/funding-opportunities.
Key Dates
- Pre-application Presentation: August 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. — Microsoft Teams meeting link
- Written Questions Due: August 7, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
- Written Answers Posted: August 12, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
- Applications Due: August 21, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
- Awards Announced: September 7, 2026 (subject to change)
- Grant term: September 7, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Completed applications must be submitted via email to KDADS.AgingCommission@ks.gov by August 21. For questions or to request the RFA, contact KDADS.AgingCommission@ks.gov.