Idaho receives funding for healthcare in rural communities

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho is set to receive nearly $1 billion over the next five years to improve healthcare in rural communities through a new initiative aimed at making healthcare more accessible.

At a press conference today, Governor Brad Little joined Bingham Healthcare staff to discuss the first year of funding.

The money is going toward a variety of projects, including maternity care, emergency care, and cardiovascular modernization. These projects are designed to make healthcare more accessible for people living farther away from medical facilities.

"Whether you live in Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, Salmon, or other small communities miles from the nearest hospital, you deserve quality healthcare," Little said.

The funding comes from a $50 billion federal program created through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Congress set aside that money to help improve rural healthcare nationwide, distributing the funding across all 50 states. Idaho is expected to receive $186 million every year through 2030.