No. While we are emphasizing tribal engagement, the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is open to all 501(c)(3)s, public entities and tribal governments currently operating in the priority counties.
OHCA Announces Historic Rural PACE Expansion
Seeking Innovative Health Care Partners to Transform Oklahoma Elder Care
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) is launching a $33 million initiative to expand the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) into rural and tribal regions. Supported by the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, OHCA will establish six new PACE centers to serve Oklahoma’s most vulnerable elders.
The Vision: Why Now?
Oklahoma is facing a demographic shift. By 2034, adults aged 65+ will outnumber children in our state. In rural Oklahoma, where residents face a 40% higher rate of preventable hospitalizations, the need for sustainable, community-based care is urgent. This expansion ensures our elders can age with dignity in their own homes rather than in nursing facilities.
Provider Investment & Support Package
OHCA is lowering the barrier to entry by providing the capital and expertise needed for a successful launch:
| Support Category | Funding Amount | Key Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure Retrofit | ~$11M total | Renovating wings into day centers; upgrading kitchens and therapy bays. |
| Mobile Outreach | ~$2.7M total | Dedicated mobile clinics and transport to reach remote residents. |
| Provider Incentives | Up to $666,000 | One-time payments per clinic for staff recruitment and sustainability. |
| Technical Assistance | $3.1M total | Expert coaching on actuarial risk, compliance and the CMS application process. |
Eligibility & Site Requirements
We are seeking health care organizations, non-profits and tribal health entities ready to serve as PACE providers.
- Eligible entities: 501(c)(3) non-profits, public entities and tribal governments.
- Facility size: Applicants should have and be able to develop a facility of 15,000–25,000 sq. ft. *CMS compliance: All providers must meet federal CMS physical plant and care standards.
- Interdisciplinary Team (IDT): Must commit to a team of 11 mandated roles (physician, RN, social worker, etc.).
Target Counties
While reaching 60 rural counties is the goal, we are prioritizing six new sites within the following regions:
| Prospective PACE center location | Caddo, Carter, Craig, Garfield, Jackson, Kiowa, Le Flore, Noble, Pittsburg, Texas, Woodward |
| Prospective PACE catchment areas | Alfalfa, Atoka, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Bryan, Choctaw, Cimarron, Coal, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Haskell, Jefferson, Johnston, Kay, Kingfisher, Latimer, Logan, Love, Major, Marshall, McCurtain, Murray, Nowata, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Payne, Pushmataha, Roger Mills, Stephens, Tillman, Washington, Washita, Woods |
| Current PACE service area | Adair, Canadian, Cherokee, Cleveland, Creek, Delaware, Grady, Lincoln, Mayes, McClain, McIntosh, Muskogee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Rogers, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner |
| Newly added PACE service area as of Oct. 1, 2025 | Garvin, Hughes, Okfuskee, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Seminole |
Submit Your Letter of Interest (LOI)
PACE Letter of Intent
Note: If you are applying for multiple locations, you must submit a separate LOI for each specific PACE center.
| Date | Milestone | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 22, 2026 | Oklahoma PACE: Rural Growth Webinar | Oklahoma PACE: Rural Growth Webinar Registration |
| Jan 31, 2026 | Notice of intent due | Submit your intent to PACEInquiry@okhca.org |
| March 16, 2026 | Selection announcement | First-round providers revealed. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Resources & Contact
Last Modified on
Jan 12, 2026
