FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 19, 2026

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Trump Administration Announces $35 million to Support Investments in Rapid Response Capabilities to Improve Rural Pennsylvania Healthcare

Federal investment will help provide technology, equipment and expanded transportation options for communities across Pennsylvania

The Trump Administration announced that $35 million, made possible through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), is being put to work to improve health outcomes among rural Pennsylvanians by updating to new, more modern screening technology, buying equipment to bring additional operating rooms online, and expanding transportation options. This initiative will provide up to $1 million in funding to healthcare providers and hospitals per eligible location, with a total of $35 million available through this funding opportunity.

“President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.”

“President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Pennsylvania,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.”

This investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act— passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats — delivering a historic $50 billion, five-year national investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America.

“Everywhere I go in Pennsylvania, I am hearing about the need to strengthen rural healthcare. As a result of the Working Families Tax Cuts, we are making a historic commitment to ensuring rural communities have access to the high-quality care they deserve,” said Senator Dave McCormick. “Today’s $35 million in Rural Health Transformation Program funding will allow hospitals and providers across the Commonwealth to invest in the equipment and supplies that translate directly into better outcomes for patients. Part of a broader $193,294,054 investment in Pennsylvania this fiscal year, this funding reflects the Trump Administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening rural healthcare. Pennsylvania’s rural communities deserve nothing less than excellent, accessible healthcare close to home, and that's exactly what this investment helps deliver.”

“After decades of underinvestment, rural communities in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos are receiving direct support to modernize health care,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “By securing nearly $200 million dollars for Pennsylvania providers through the Rural Health Transformation Program in FY 2026 alone, we are helping address the unique health care needs of these communities. From buildings and transportation to maternal care and mental health services, these investments will help to provide the high-quality care that the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos deserve.”

"Rural communities like those across Northeastern Pennsylvania deserve access to the same quality healthcare as anywhere else. The Rural Health Transformation Fund is an important opportunity to strengthen hospitals, support rural providers, and make sure families can get quality care close to home,” said Rep. Rob Bresnahan. “I look forward to fighting for every dollar NEPA deserves and making sure these federal investments deliver real results for the people we represent.”

“When Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, we made an explicit choice to create the Rural Health Transformation Program to confront the challenges unique to rural communities like those in Pennsylvania’s 9th District,” said Congressman Dan Meuser. “This investment will expand access to quality healthcare across our district and reverse years of decline in rural communities. The Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering historic results for the American people by strengthening rural healthcare, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring that communities across Pennsylvania have access to the quality care they deserve.”

“Healthcare affordability is yet one more reason I fought so hard to get President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut across the line – because I know the struggle of Americans to afford healthcare, which is likely the second greatest financial strain in our households, and the President recognizes it, too,” said Congressman Scott Perry. “I’m happy to be fighting every day for Pennsylvanians in the 10th District to make their lives easier and more affordable.”

“Rural hospitals and healthcare providers are lifelines for the communities they serve. Through the creation of the Rural Health Transformation Program, Republicans in Congress and President Trump made a historic commitment to strengthening rural healthcare. It is great to see that investment delivering real resources to Pennsylvania providers so they can modernize equipment, expand access to care, and better serve patients close to home,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.

“As someone who practiced medicine in rural communities for more than 25 years, I saw firsthand the challenges families face when care is out of reach,” said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “Expanding access to quality care in communities that are far too often left behind is essential to ensuring every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to live a healthier life. Made possible by the Trump Administration and the Working Families Tax Cut we passed last year, these investments will strengthen our healthcare workforce, modernize technology and facilities, and ultimately deliver better care and outcomes for patients across Pennsylvania.”

“President Trump is delivering real results for rural Pennsylvania. This $35 million investment in rural healthcare, made possible by the Working Families Tax Cuts, will help communities across the Commonwealth access better care, modernize their hospitals, and build a stronger future,” said Rep. Guy Reschenthaler. “This is a major win for rural Pennsylvania and a great example of the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans delivering for hardworking families.”

“Rural communities continue to face challenges when it comes to delivering healthcare services,” said Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson. “This investment will strengthen access to essential services, screenings, and care that Americans so desperately need but often find out of reach in rural communities. I thank the Trump Administration for its continued support of our communities.”

“Rural providers and hospitals are the backbone of our local health care communities. This funding will help to improve care for both patients and providers alike. I want to thank the Trump Administration for investing in Pennsylvania. This funding is a game changer for patients throughout the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Mike Kelly.

Pennsylvania has already committed $42 million to support 66 qualified projects across the state. This is only one part of the larger overall funding amount being awarded to Pennsylvania for fiscal year 2026.

Key investments include:

• Promoting sustainable access to care by strengthening the integration and delivery of services, leveraging technology, and supporting the rural health workforce.
• Supporting renovations, structural improvements, equipment purchases, and essential supplies for hospitals, healthcare providers, and other qualified rural health facilities.
• Strengthening access to critical services and infrastructure, including emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, behavioral and maternal healthcare, medical technology for essential screenings and services, and critical structural repairs.

The Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize technology to promote health and wellbeing for rural communities. Led by CMS, the RHT Program is partnering with Pennsylvania and states nationwide to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and give rural communities the tools to build stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable health systems that deliver better care and better outcomes for the Americans they serve.

For more information about the RHT Program, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/rural-health.

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