Federal Register #2026-08300

Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program Grant Opportunity

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP), is launching the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program for fiscal year 2026. - Government Buyer: - Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) - Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP), Hospital State Division - Program Overview: - $25 million in formula grant funding for eligible rural hospitals - Approximately 167 hospitals across 13 states are expected to receive grants - Each eligible hospital may receive about $148,000 - Eligibility Requirements: - Hospitals must have no more than 50 inpatient beds - Wage index value must be less than 0.90 (as determined by CMS) - Must be located in HRSA-designated rural areas - Use of Funds: - Grants support the maintenance of health care providers - Up to 10% of funds may be used for administrative expenses - Application Process: - Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov - Notable Details: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a grant program for rural hospitals - Funds are awarded directly to hospitals, not for procurement of products or services - Places of Performance: - Eligible rural hospitals across 13 states: AL, AR, GA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OH, SC, TN, WV - Administered by HRSA, headquartered in Rockville, MD

Description

The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is administering the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program for fiscal year 2026. This program is a new formula grant authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, providing $25,000,000 to eligible rural hospitals. Eligible hospitals must have no more than 50 inpatient beds, a wage index value of less than 0.90, and be located in HRSA-designated rural areas. Funds will be awarded directly to hospitals to support the maintenance of health care providers, with up to 10% of funds allowed for administrative expenses. Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov by July 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

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