Capito applauds new federal definition of ‘rural’ that expands health care grant eligibility

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) recently commended the federally modified definition of ‘rural’ that revises the geographic eligibility for health care grants awarded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP).

“I applaud FORHP for moving forward with these changes that will allow West Virginians across our state to have better access to health care,” Sen. Capito said on Jan. 14. “This revision will allow our health care providers to build additional capacity in our rural areas, broadening the coverage of health services in West Virginia.”

Specifically, FORHP last year collected comments from stakeholders and on Jan. 12 issued a Federal Register Notice responding to comments and describing a change to the definition of rural for the determination of geographic areas eligible to apply for or receive services funded by rural health grants. The change will go into effect for new rural health grant opportunities in fiscal year 2022, according to the office. 

Sen. Capito pointed out that the revised definition “more accurately reflects the realities” in many West Virginia communities that have the same rural characteristics and logistical challenges as others in the state but were previously ineligible for FORHP grant opportunities.

“COVID-19 has hit our state hard — including our rural communities — and has put significant strain on our health care providers,” said Sen. Capito. “I will continue to do all I can to ensure our rural health care providers are able to access the federal funding they need and deserve.”

FORHP’s rural health grants now will provide support for critical rural healthcare providers across Boone, Clay, Hampshire, Lincoln, Preston, and Wirt counties in West Virginia, according to the senator’s office.