Rural Health Innovation Act of 2023

The Rural Health Innovation Act of 2023 creates two grant programs to improve rural health care access. The Rural Health Center Innovation Awards program provides funding for existing or new Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to operate walk-in urgent care and triage centers for emergency transport, with grants up to $750,000 in the first year for new centers. The Rural Health Department Enhancement program funds rural public health departments to expand emergency services, primary care, and equipment like x-ray machines, with annual grants up to $500,000 for five years. Both programs are authorized to receive $25 million annually from 2024 through 2028, prioritizing existing providers and unmet community needs.