Rural Health Innovation Act of 2025

HR 1480, the Rural Health Innovation Act of 2025, creates two new federal grant programs to improve healthcare access in rural areas. The first program provides grants to rural health clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to establish or expand walk-in urgent care centers that offer emergency triage, staffing (like doctors and nurses), and essential equipment (such as X-ray machines). The second program funds local public health departments in rural areas to enhance emergency services, primary care, and transport coordination through equipment upgrades and staff support. Grants last up to 5 years, with funding capped at $750,000 in the first year for new centers and $500,000 annually thereafter, prioritizing existing clinics. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on program success, patient access, and healthcare utilization by 2028.