Bill > HR1480

This bill establishes two new programs to support healthcare services in rural areas: the Rural Health Center Innovation Awards Program and the Rural Health Department Enhancement Program. Under the first program, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will provide grants to Federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics to establish or maintain walk-in urgent care centers in rural areas that can serve as triage facilities and have professional clinical staff and medical resources. Grants will range from $500,000 to $750,000 annually for up to five years, with priority given to existing health centers. The program aims to improve emergency and urgent care access in rural communities. The second program provides competitive grants to rural public health departments to enhance their emergency services, primary care, and medical capabilities. These departments can receive up to $500,000 annually for five years to obtain medical equipment, hire additional healthcare providers, and conduct community outreach. Both programs are designed to address healthcare gaps in rural areas by providing financial support for infrastructure, staffing, and service expansion. The bill authorizes $25 million in appropriations for each program from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and requires the Secretary to report on the programs' effectiveness, potential cost savings, and improvements in rural healthcare access.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1480/all-info