Rural Health Care Facilities Revitalization Act

More help for rural health facilities

If enacted, this bill would let eligible rural health care facilities use Rural Development loans or grants to refinance debt, upgrade telehealth and related equipment, or pay operating costs and reserve funds. Eligible sites would include rural hospitals, behavioral health centers, clinics (including mobile clinics), home health agencies, and long-term care facilities. Use would be allowed only if it preserves a health service in the rural community, meaningfully improves the facility’s financial position, and meets Rural Development financial feasibility and security rules. Six months after enactment, the Secretary could waive one application requirement for facilities that are insolvent or located in persistent poverty areas, socially vulnerable communities, or distressed areas. The bill defines a rural area as 50,000 people or fewer not next to a city over 50,000, and a persistent poverty area as about 30 years with a 20% poverty rate or higher.