Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program
This program offers financial aid to small rural hospitals with under 50 beds and low Medicare wage index to help them stay open and maintain essential healthcare services.
Funder: Health Resources and Services Administration
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2026
Funding Amounts: $148,000 per award; approximately $24.75 million total program funding; 167 awards expected; 1-year project period
Summary: Direct financial assistance for eligible rural hospitals to maintain essential health care services and prevent avoidable closures.
Key Information: Forecasted opportunity; eligibility strictly limited to rural hospitals meeting specific criteria.
Description
This program provides direct financial support to rural hospitals that face structural payment disadvantages. The goal is to help these hospitals maintain essential health care providers and prevent avoidable closures, ensuring continued access to critical health services in rural communities. Funding is targeted at hospitals that are especially vulnerable due to their size, wage index, and geographic location.
