Rural Health Special Bulletin: Summary of CARES Act Provisions to Help Rural Hospitals

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, provides resources and flexibility for rural hospitals. The legislation will help rural hospitals and critical access hospitals that are in dire financial need due to this pandemic.

While this legislation is an important first step forward, more will need to be done for rural providers, patients and communities to deal with the unprecedented challenge of this virus. The AHA will continue to work with Congress and the administration to make sure providers and personnel on the front lines – hospitals, physicians and nurses – remain prioritized for future federal assistance as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads.