T.A.P.S.
Telehealth Adoption & Provider Support
T.A.P.S.
Telehealth Adoption & Provider Support
MSRHTP
more accessible, more convenient, and more connected
Improving care, especially for rural Mississippians
The Telehealth Adoption & Provider Support (TAPS) Initiative is Mississippi’s effort to expand access to care by bringing healthcare directly to patients—where they are.
TAPS focuses on:
Expanding virtual care across rural communities
Supporting providers in adopting and sustaining telehealth
Improving connectivity, equipment, and digital tools
Helping patients understand and use telehealth services
Who should be paying attention?
TAPS is designed for organizations that deliver care, support patients, or enable access to services.
If your organization is working to expand access to care through telehealth or virtual services, there may be opportunities for you to participate.
Rural hospitals and health systems
Clinics (RHCs, FQHCs, and primary care providers)
Community health centers
Telehealth and technology vendors
Schools and school districts
Public health and community-based organizations
What success looks like
Through TAPS, Mississippi is working toward:
- More patients accessing care without needing to travel
- Expanded access to specialty and behavioral health services
- Increased telehealth use across rural communities
- Providers offering telehealth sustainably—not at a loss
- Stronger connectivity and technology infrastructure
- Higher patient satisfaction and engagement
- Better follow-up care and chronic disease management
- Increased access to care for students and families
- Reduced missed school days and improved student health outcomes
What TAPS will fund and support
TAPS includes a set of coordinated programs designed to expand, sustain, and improve telehealth across Mississippi.
Telehealth Adoption & Sustainability
Mississippi will support providers in adopting and maintaining telehealth services, especially where reimbursement gaps exist.
Funding may support:
- Limited provider payments for services not covered by insurance
- Pilot programs for alternative or value-based payment models
- Billing and coding guidance for telehealth
- Technical assistance to integrate telehealth into care delivery
Telehealth Connectivity & Equipment
Reliable technology is essential to delivering care remotely.
Funding may support:
- Telehealth carts, cameras, and diagnostic tools
- Broadband and connectivity upgrades
- Installation of telehealth platforms
- Ongoing maintenance and technical support
Provider & Community Education
Telehealth only works if people know how to use it.
This program focuses on training providers and educating patients.
Funding may support:
- Provider training on telehealth workflows and compliance
- Patient outreach and education campaigns
- Multilingual materials and online resources
- Community workshops and demonstrations
- Integration of telehealth into healthcare education and training programs
School-Based Telehealth & Nursing
TAPS expands access by bringing care directly into schools.
Funding may support:
- Hiring and training school nurses and telehealth coordinators
- Telehealth equipment and secure connections in schools
- Contracts with off-site providers for virtual care
- Infrastructure upgrades for privacy and connectivity
- Family education and outreach
What’s Next?
Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) will be released soon.
These will outline:
- Who can apply
- Eligible activities
- Funding levels
- Application requirements
Important to Know Before Applying:
All TAPS funding must:
- Align with Mississippi’s approved Rural Health Transformation Plan
- Support expanded access and system-level improvements—not duplicative services
- Comply with federal funding rules and limitations
Funding is intended to support sustainable telehealth adoption and long-term access improvements, not short-term or stand-alone solutions.