Prenatal Innovation Incubator: Reducing Barriers to Timely Prenatal Care

The Maryland Department of Health, Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau is requesting applications for the Prenatal Innovation Incubator program to fund projects that reduce barriers to timely prenatal care, with applications due September 4, 2026 (updated: the pre-application conference minutes indicate an April 9, 2026 deadline at 2:00 PM EST through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage). The RFA (PHPA 3772/BPM055857) is restricted to Federally Qualified Health Centers, hospitals, and prenatal care providers; applicants must be registered nonprofits classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or certified hospitals, and must collaborate with perinatal care coordination programs operated by local health departments.

Eligible applicants must demonstrate proven track records serving high-risk perinatal populations and propose innovative, person-centered models addressing systemic delays in prenatal care access, particularly for Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black pregnant individuals. Required program components include designated perinatal care coordinators, community health workers and acompañantes, emergency department navigators, at-home prenatal nursing services, closed referral loops from WIC and family planning programs, and transportation support. Applicants must achieve Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, demonstrate cultural competency and bilingual capacity, and commit to comprehensive program evaluation with quarterly reporting of de-identified enrollment, timely care entry, and Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization metrics. Allowable costs include patient incentives and care costs prior to Medicaid enrollment.

The Department intends to make up to four awards totaling $1,639,640 over a two-year service period (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028): $714,640 for State Fiscal Year 2027 and $925,000 for State Fiscal Year 2028. Priority consideration applies to applicants from jurisdictions with high infant mortality rates, high numbers of births to women enrolled in Maryland Medical Assistance Program, and preterm births or low birthweight infants. Grantees must obtain Commercial General Liability insurance at $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence and submit quarterly progress reports and invoices. Questions are due April 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST.