Rural MOMS Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill changes how the government counts beds in small rural hospitals known as Critical Access Hospitals. These hospitals must stay under a 25-bed limit to receive special federal funding.
• Under this plan, beds used only for labor and delivery would no longer count toward that 25-bed limit. This allows small hospitals to provide more space for new mothers without losing their special status.
• Many rural communities are losing maternity services because small hospitals struggle to balance limited space with strict federal rules. This bill aims to make it easier for these hospitals to keep their delivery rooms open.
• The bill is supported by both Republicans and Democrats in the House. It has been sent to the Ways and Means Committee to be studied further before a potential vote.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.