Funding for Healthcare Provision, Especially in Rural Areas

The program targets Hessian districts, independent cities, municipalities, and various healthcare stakeholders based in Hesse. The goal is to secure and further develop needs-based and economical healthcare, especially in rural areas.

The program supports a wide range of measures to strengthen the healthcare system. This includes financing staff positions for health strategies at the municipal level, as well as various projects to improve care structures, from analyses to the establishment of new practices and health centers.

Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant. The amount of the grant varies depending on the funding module and project, with fixed amounts for staff positions and percentage shares for investments and measures to improve care structures, supplemented by possible increases for specific criteria.

Applicants must meet certain professional and formal requirements, particularly regarding staff qualifications and the spatial design of health centers. Compliance with public procurement law and de minimis regulations must be observed depending on the grant amount and type.

The application process differs depending on the funding module: while applications for healthcare structures can be submitted continuously, there are fixed submission dates for the municipal health strategy. Applications must be submitted in writing using provided forms, and selection is based on specific criteria if funds are limited.

The program is based on the “Guideline for the Promotion of Healthcare Provision, Especially in Rural Areas” of May 25, 2021. It is also subject to the Hessian Administrative Procedure Act, the State Budget Code, and the Hessian Subsidy Act, as well as the EU De minimis Regulation for specific funding modules.