Investing in Hawaii's Rural Healthcare Workforce

GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

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What is the HOME RUN Investment Program?
The Hawaiʻi Outreach for Medical Education in Rural Under-resourced Neighborhoods (HOME RUN) Investment Program is intended to support a comprehensive rural healthcare workforce strategy focused on provider recruitment, provider retention, workforce development, mentorship, and healthcare access in rural Hawaii.

The program is designed to strengthen Hawaii's healthcare workforce, improve access to care, and support long-term workforce sustainability in rural communities.

How is the program supported?
The HOME RUN Investment Program is supported through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a part of a financial award totaling $188,892,439.75 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor the endorsement, by CS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Who administers the program?
The HOME RUN Investment Program is administered by the Hilo (Benioff) Medical Center Foundation, which serves as the Hawaii Island Area Health Education Center (AHEC), in partnership with the Hawaii Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and other statewide workforce partners.

 

Who reviews applications?
Applications are reviewed through a structured evaluation process using established eligibility requirements and scoring criteria. Funding recommendations are made by the HOME RUN Investment Committee.

 

What does the HOME RUN Investment Program Offer?
The HOME RUN Investment program offers rural workforce incentives as a cash payment paid directly to the applicant ranging between $20,000 and $200,000 depending on the workforce category applied for and are offered in exchange for a commitment to work five years in rural Hawaii.

What are the different workforce categories and award ranges in the HOME RUN Investment Program?
Under the HOME RUN Investment Program, the following workforce categories and investment ranges are currently in effect: Allied Health Professions/Upskilling (Up to $50,000), Provider Retention (Up to $75,000), Provider Recruitment (Up to $100,000), Rural Practice Leadership (Up to $200,000).

Are award amounts the same for every applicant?
No. Award amounts may vary based on workforce category, workforce needs, program priorities, available funding, and the anticipated impact on healthcare access in rural Hawaii.

Do I have to pay tax on the award?
Yes, it will be reported as income on your state and federal income taxes.

 

What is considered "rural Hawaii"?

For purposes of the HOME RUN Investment Program, qualifying rural service areas include the County of Hawaii, Maui County, Kauai County, and designated rural areas of Oahu: Only the following Zip Codes on Oahu qualify: Waianae 96792, Wahiawa 96786, Waimanalo 96795, Hauula 96717, Laie 96762, Kahuku 96731, Haleiwa 96712, and Waialua 96791.
A current map of eligible service areas is available: click here

ELIGIBILITY

 

Who may apply?
U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, COFA residents from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau are eligible to apply.

Applicants must:

• Be licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized to provide clinical healthcare services in Hawaii; • Provide direct patient care services;

• Practice or commit to practice in a qualifying rural area of Hawaii;

• Meet all program eligibility requirements; and

• Agree to fulfill the required service commitment.

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What professions are eligible?
The program is intended for clinical healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care services. Eligible professions may include physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, behavioral health providers, dentists, pharmacists, therapists, and other licensed or certified healthcare professionals.
Additional professions may be considered based on workforce needs and program priorities.

Is telehealth or remote work acceptable if the organization is located in and serves outer-island rural residents, but the provider lives in Honolulu?
No, remote service is currently not approved.

What if a provider lives in rural Hawaii but not all patients are rural?
Qualifying service must be rural. Whether a specific percentage threshold applies is still to be determined.

APPLICATION PROCESS

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When can I apply?
Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.

How often are applications reviewed?
Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed on a quarterly basis. Additional review cycles may be conducted based on funding availability and program needs.

What documents are required?
Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form;

• Current professional license or certification documentation;

• Government-issued identification (Government ID, Passport or Birth Certificate);

• Practice site certification; and

• Any additional documentation requested by the program.

 

How are applications evaluated?
Applications are evaluated using a standardized scoring rubric designed to assess:

• Workforce need;

• Access-to-care impact;

• Recruitment and retention potential;

• Workforce development activities;

• Service to underserved populations;

• Specialty and geographic priorities; and

• Program sustainability.

Can I apply if I am already participating in another loan repayment or incentive program?
Yes, participation in other workforce programs does not automatically disqualify an applicant. However, existing service obligations and program requirements will be considered during eligibility review.

 

Can I apply before I start my job in rural Hawaii?
Yes. Applicants who have accepted a position or signed an employment agreement at a qualifying rural practice site may apply.

Can I apply if I am starting a new qualifying practice in rural Hawaii?
Yes. Applicants who are establishing a qualifying practice in a rural area of Hawaii may be eligible. Subject to verification and additional practice details.

Can independent practice employees apply?
Yes. Eligible healthcare professionals employed by independent practices, healthcare systems, community health centers, and other qualifying organizations may apply.

Can practice owners apply?
Yes. Independent practice owners who provide direct patient care in qualifying rural communities may apply.

 

Can more than one person from the same organization apply?
Yes. Applications are reviewed individually. Multiple eligible healthcare professionals from the same organization may apply.

How many awards will be made?
The number of awards will depend on funding availability, applicant demand, workforce priorities, and award amounts approved by the HOME RUN Investment Committee.

Do applicants need to reapply if they are not accepted the first time?
No. Applications will be saved for consideration, but applicants may be requested to submit additional information.

 

Are awards guaranteed if I meet eligibility requirements?
No. The HOME RUN Investment Program is a competitive program. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection for funding.

Is there an appeals process?
Applicants may request administrative review of procedural errors. Appeals will be reviewed in accordance with HOME RUN program policies.

SERVICE COMMITMENT

Is a service commitment required?
Yes. Participants receiving an investment award must agree to provide full-time clinical service in a qualifying rural Hawaii practice setting for five years.

What is considered full-time service?
Full-time service is generally defined as a minimum of 45 weeks per year and not less than 36 hours per week in clinical practice.

Is a full five-year service commitment required regardless of the award amount or number of years funded?
Yes.

Can incentive recipients take a leave of absence with prior approval?
Leave-of-absence approval is up to the HOME RUN Investment Committee on a case-by-case basis.

If residency is completed in rural Hawaii, does it count toward the five-year service commitment?
Yes, if the residency program is located in rural Hawaii.

Can I change employers during my commitment?
Yes. Participants may transfer between qualifying rural practice sites in rural Hawaii without penalty, provided all program requirements continue to be met. Any break in service that will cause you to work in clinical care less than 45 weeks a year will increase your total period of service commitment week for week.

What if go to work in Urban Oahu or leave Hawaii before I meet the five-year service commitment?
Participants who do not complete their required service commitment may be subject to repayment obligations as outlined in the HOME RUN Participation Agreement and applicable program policies. Repayment requirements will be determined based on the circumstances and amount of service completed.

When will investment payments be made?
Award recipients will receive additional information regarding payment schedules following execution of a Participation Agreement and verification of eligibility requirements.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Are participants expected to support workforce development activities?
Participants are encouraged to contribute to workforce development activities such as:

• Student mentoring;

• Clinical teaching;

• Precepting;

• Health career outreach;

• AHEC activities;

• Community education; and

• Other workforce pipeline initiatives.

 

Will mentoring be available?
The HOME RUN Program seeks to support mentoring opportunities and professional development resources whenever possible.

PROGRAM COMPLIANCE

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How will participation be monitored?
Participants may be required to submit periodic documentation verifying employment, practice location, and compliance with program requirements.

Practice sites may also be required to verify employment and participation.

 

What happens if I do not complete the service commitment?
Participants who fail to complete the required service commitment may be subject to repayment obligations as outlined in the HOME RUN Participation Agreement and applicable program policies.

Appeals and hardship considerations may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis consistent with program requirements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

How can I obtain assistance with the application?
Applicants may contact the HOME RUN Program Office for assistance regarding eligibility, documentation requirements, and application procedures.

Program Contact Information:
Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation Hawaii Island AHEC
Phone: (808) 932-3636 Email: hbmcfoundation@hhsc.org

 

This FAQ is provided for informational purposes only. Final eligibility determinations, award decisions, and program requirements are governed by official HOME RUN program policies, participation agreements, and applicable federal and state requirements.