Rural Hospital Revitalization Act of 2026

Improved Healthcare Infrastructure: The bill allows for the construction of replacement hospital facilities or the improvement and renovation of existing ones, which can address the age and condition of current facilities (Section 2(b)(1)(D)(i)(I)).

Preservation of Healthcare Access: Loan funds are intended to address issues relating to the quality and viability of facilities to preserve access to healthcare (Section 2(b)(1)(D)(i)(II)).

Financial Relief for Rural Hospitals: The provision of a zero-percent interest rate for the first five years of a loan can assist hospitals with financial stability (Section 2(c)(1)(A)).

Support for Local Communities: The bill recognizes hospitals that provide a positive impact on access to primary healthcare, emergency services, and a meaningful economic impact (Section 2(b)(1)(D)(ii)).

Operational and Financial Support: Hospitals receiving these loans are eligible for technical assistance to support operational improvements and improve financial stability (Section 2(e)(1)).

Strict Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, hospitals must meet several specific criteria, such as being located in a county with a population of less than 20,000 and having a continuous license for at least 30 years (Section 2(b)(1)).

Financial Stability Burdens: Hospitals must demonstrate financial stability through specific metrics, including having not less than 30 days cash on hand and a projected debt-service coverage ratio of at least 1.2 (Section 2(b)(1)(E)).

Risk of Interest Rate Changes: After the initial 5-year zero-percent interest period, loans must be refinanced at the prevailing interest rates of the community facilities direct loan program (Section 2(c)(3)).