Supporting Innovation, Quality, and Rural Hospital Sustainability

ICAHN administers and supports a variety of grant-funded initiatives designed to strengthen Illinois’ rural healthcare system. These programs provide funding, technical assistance, education, and collaborative opportunities to help hospitals improve quality, operational performance, workforce development, and community health outcomes.

Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Flex)

ICAHN manages the Illinois Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Flex Program) on behalf of the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Rural Health.

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Flex Program

Established through the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the Flex Program supports Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and rural healthcare systems through quality improvement, financial and operational enhancement, population health initiatives, and rural emergency medical services support.

The program helps rural hospitals strengthen performance, improve patient outcomes, and adapt to the changing healthcare environment — including value-based care and alternative payment models.

Flex Program Focus Areas

  • Quality Improvement

  • Financial and Operational Improvement

  • Population Health Improvement

  • CAH Designation Suppor

Through training, technical assistance, benchmarking, and collaborative initiatives, ICAHN works with member hospitals to build long-term sustainability and improve healthcare access for rural communities across Illinois.

Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP)

ICAHN has administered the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) in Illinois since 2004.

Funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, SHIP provides funding opportunities to eligible small rural hospitals to support investments in technology, training, operational improvement, and patient care initiatives.

SHIP funding is frequently used to support:

  • Quality and performance improvement initiatives

  • Hardware and software upgrades

  • Staff education and training

  • Patient safety initiatives

  • Value-based care readiness activities

Eligibility Requirements

Hospitals must:

  • Be a non-federal acute care hospital

  • Have 49 staffed beds or fewer

  • Be located in a rural area

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Additional Grant Initiatives

Illinois Asthma Quality Improvement Program

This initiative helps Critical Access Hospitals strengthen asthma prevention, education, and care management efforts through evidence-based clinical practices and quality improvement strategies.

The program supports provider education, patient self-management resources, decision support tools, and data-driven improvement activities aimed at reducing asthma-related complications and disparities.

Funding is provided through the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Disease Registry Strategies

ICAHN supports rural hospitals in developing disease registries focused on hypertension, high cholesterol, and chronic disease management.

These initiatives incorporate social drivers of health and support hospitals in identifying patient needs, improving care coordination, and connecting patients with community resources and services.

Funding is provided through the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC National Cardiovascular Health Program.

Illinois Tobacco Quitline Partnership

ICAHN partners with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Tobacco Quitline to help hospitals connect patients directly with tobacco cessation services.

Research consistently shows that provider engagement and direct referrals significantly increases the likelihood of successful smoking and tobacco cessation.

Women's Health – Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Professional Education

ICAHN partners with the Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Women's Health and Family Services to provide educational opportunities focused on breast and cervical cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and evidence-based care.

Programs are designed to support healthcare professionals working in Critical Access Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, and participating provider organizations across Illinois.

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