Rural Health Clinics Program

The Rural Health Clinics program is administered by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

For more information visit:

• The CMS website
• The Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) were established by Public Law 95–210, the Rural Health Clinic Service Act, in 1977. The purpose of RHCs is to increase primary care services for Medicaid and Medicare patients in rural communities. RHCs must be located in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area and/or a Medically Underserved Area/Population designated within the last three years. RHCs ownership/governance structure can operate as public, private, or non–profit. The main advantage of attaining RHC status is to receive enhanced reimbursement rates for providing Medicaid and Medicare services in rural areas.