Request for Proposals: Meridian and the National Council on Independent Living Announce Grant Program to Help Providers Remove Disability Access Barriers
Date: 02/17/26
Meridian Medicaid Plan is partnering with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) to assist our providers in their efforts to remove barriers to accessibility at their practice locations. The goal of the Barrier Removal Fund (BRF) program is to increase the percentage of participating providers that meet minimum federal and state disability access standards.
BRF grant funds will provide equal access to quality healthcare and services that may be physically or programmatically inaccessible to our members with disabilities and their companions. The grant application deadline is March 20, 2026, at 4 p.m. CST.
- Physical access, also referred to as “architectural access,” refers to the ability to access buildings, structures, and the environment
- Programmatic access refers to access to goods, services, activities, and equipment
Key Details:
- Funds can only be requested for adaptations to existing facilities (not new construction)
- Awards typically range from $500 to $15,000
- Eligible providers must see patients at a physical location, accept new Meridian members, and be active in the provider directory
- Providers located in hospitals and institutional settings (e.g., nursing facilities, group homes, etc.) are not eligible
The deadline to submit grant applications is March 20, 2026, at 4 p.m. CST.
Learn more and apply
Visit the NCIL web page for this initiative, which includes:
- Online application form
- The full request for proposals (RFP)—with information on eligibility, funding parameters, review criteria, and other details
- Answers to frequently asked questions
- Sample provider proposal
Questions
Please direct all questions about the BRF application and process to the designated NCIL staff member, Mary-Kate Wells, at mary-kate@ncil.org.