Senators Bennet (D-CO) and Moran (R-KS) and Representatives Tokuda (D-HI) and Bergman (R-MI) introduced S. 4141/ H.R. 9005, the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act, which would provide 0% interest loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA's) Community Facilities Programs to eligible hospitals for renovations or new constructions. Eligible hospitals include Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs), or hospitals 35 miles from the nearest hospital. This will help rural and frontier hospitals modernize their aging infrastructure, provide better health care, and stay up to code. Loans will remain interest-free for up to 10 years, with a reassessment after year 5 for potential renewal.

As nearly 50% of rural hospitals are operating in negative margins, it is of utmost importance to pass legislation that will support rural health infrastructure and maintain financial viability of rural hospital systems. We encourage you to urge your Senators to cosponsor this bill to ensure rural hospitals can access capital for much-needed construction and renovations to promote their long-term viability. 

 

Please find NRHA’s rural hospital resources on our Rural Hospitals and Health Systems webpage here.

 

If you have questions or would like additional information, please reach out to Alexa McKinley Abel (amckinley@ruralhealth.us).