The javascript used on this site for creative design effects is not supported by your browser. Please note that this will not affect access to the content on this web site.
Skip Navigation
H H S Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Information Technology and Quality
Improvement

A-Z Index  |  Questions?  |  Order Publications  |  HRSA Mobile

What is the FLEX Program?

The Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Flex Program) was established through the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and then later revised through the Balanced Budget Refinement Act (BBRA), the Benefits Improvement and Protection Act (BIPA), and the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA). This program aims to improve access to preventive and emergency health care services for rural populations. Providing federal grant funding to 45 eligible States (excluding Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Rhode Island), the Flex Program requires states to develop a CMS approved state rural health plan and conduct planning for improving rural health networks. The Flex Program also puts significant effort into designating Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in each state and aiding hospitals in determining if conversion to CAH status is the right choice based on eligibility criteria and financial returns.

Resources:

Developed by the Health Resources and Services Administration as a resource for health centers and other safety net and ambulatory care providers who are seeking to implement health IT.
About
Health Information Technology Toolboxes help health centers, safety net providers, and ambulatory care providers with electronic and online resources and technical assistance to improve patient care.  More>
Stay Informed

Register for the HealthIT and Quality Improvement eNewsletter

Comments?
E-mail the HealthIT e-mail box: healthit@hrsa.gov