Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act

This bill steers more help to rural health care. From 2026 through 2031, the USDA’s Community Facilities program would put health and mental health projects at the front of the line for loans and grants. Money could pay for medical supplies, expand telehealth and health IT, help with staffing costs (up to one-quarter of the funds), and fix up or remodel closed clinics or hospitals so they can serve patients again. During these years, the USDA would also pause other nationwide re-prioritizations inside this program, keeping the focus on health projects.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Rural communities, hospitals, clinics, and mental/behavioral health providers, including certified community behavioral health clinics.
• What changes: Health projects get priority for Community Facilities loans and grants; funds can cover supplies, telehealth upgrades, limited staffing support, and renovating closed facilities.
• When: Fiscal years 2026–2031.